By Sohaib Malik: Although I am an Amir Khan fan, this article is not to just lavish praise on the World Boxing Association light-welterweight Champion. If anything, as the title suggests, this article is just a balanced look at the Bolton boxer. I’m rational enough (as are the majority of boxing fans) to discuss boxing without reverting to an emotional outburst!

I’ll try and cover all the points of contention and offer up both sides of the coin and which side it lands on is entirely up to you.

Briefly, from what I can see, the main points surrounding Amir Khan that cause the most debate are his chin and the opponents he’s faced.

Taking up the issue of his chin first, a lot of spectators argued that the Prescott defeat was an unsurprising result as Khan had been previously been dropped before by lighter punchers, which they argued showed his lack of a chin. When combined with the fact that new trainer Freddie Roach has taught Khan a hit-and-run style (to put it crudely) the evidence does seem to support the fact that Khan’s chin needs protecting.

On the other hand (and this is where I become critique-ish,) it could be argued that Khan was only KO’d by Prescott (a puncher – to keep this article short, we won’t debate his opponent quality) on the basis that he rushed out, desperate to impress.
Regarding his prior visits to the canvas, it can be argued that Khan was a bit like a car going at top speed – a slight nudge and the car’d flip several times. Khan utilities his speed well and in earlier fights, it can be argued that he’d leave his defence in the corner when going for the TKO, leaving himself open to even the slightest breeze.

As I said, I’m just offering up both sides of the coin as debates in boxing are always interesting.

Now to the second point of contention, that is, regarding his opponents. Many feel that Khan was undeserving of his title shot and that he has ducked many opponents en route to the UD over Kotelnik. Names that are often bandied about include John Murray and the now retired Jon Thaxton.

Of course, this is meant to be a balanced article, a base for debate and so we must also acknowledge that there are those who argue that Khan has no control over his opponents and that it is down to his promoter, Frank Warren. I guess we must remember, sadly albeit, that boxing is now a business and a winning record bides better at the box office for any promoter and his fighter.

Anyway, I think that’s enough flames stoked for today!

Let me know how this article was for my first submission, kind of spur of the moment.