McCloskey is a good choice of opponent for Khan

By Boxing News - 03/21/2011 - Comments

By Chris Kelly: With Ireland’s Paul McCloskey signed sealed and all but delivered as the man across the ring in Amir Khan’s April clash at the M.E.N. Arena, the WBA Champion has come under criticism for his choice of opponent. Many fans have the sport have voiced concerns that the contest could well result in a rather one-sided display. Perhaps it is a mismatch although it would appear Ireland’s European champion is Khan’s best option right now. The Olympic Silver medallist is already fighting Bradley in the summer in an eagerly anticipated Light-Welterweight Title Unification bout, but for the time being, American Zab Judah has just come off of a big win and will be inactive for at least a few months, former Champion Devon Alexander recently lost to Bradley and is not currently available and both Marcos Maidanna and Paulie Malignaggi have already lost to Khan.

The remaining possible opponents the Bolton man are McCloskey, former amateur opponent Victor Ortiz or Kendall Holt at Light Welter or alternatively a move up to Welterweight to take on WBC Champion Andre Berto, Colombian Juan Urango or Sheffield’s Kell Brook.

Although the lure of another international scalp on the record must be tempting for Amir, the obvious problem being that Ortiz and Holt fought to a draw only months back and neither man looked spectacular in doing so. Ortiz through out his career has shown a total lack of the bravery and heart required to be a champion. McCloskey is the unbeaten European Champion and is ranked as a top contender by The Ring Magazine and every major governing body.

Up at Welterweight, Urango is way over the hill, Brook is not ready, not accomplished and not yet deserving and Berto would never take a fight with Khan !

Whilst one cannot expect Khan to have too much trouble dispatching of the Irishman or to see Paul McCloskey vs. Amir Khan go down as an all time epic in the annals of boxing’s history. It does however seem a tad premature to fault Khan for choosing him over any other opponent for this, a fight that is essentially a tune up. Instead let us enjoy seeing the talent in his outing and look forward to the Bradley fight that is sure to come as a result of it.



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