By Dallan O’ Donnell: Amir Khan’s decision to change broadcasters for his WBA light Welterweight title defence against Paul McCloskey from Sky Sports to Primetime will damage Khans reputation with fight fans in the UK. Sky had down-graded the bout from PPV to broadcasting the fight on Sky Sports 3 meaning a huge loss in television rights for Khan reportedly about £1 Million.

This has obviously not gone down well with the Khan Camp which is why he moved channels to squeeze every penny possible out of the bout. The reason this move won’t help his reputation with fight fans in the UK is that the fight was meant to be a victorious homecoming fight after his triumphs in the Las Vegas desert but it is a kick in the teeth for fans.

I was not surprised by Sky’s decision to drop the fight from PPV not only because of the poor sales but simply because of the fact this fight is not worthy of PPV status. It is a poor match up with no disrespect meant to McCloskey he is just much over-matched. Sky realized this could be a blow out with Khan winning in the early rounds (my prediction would be before the third) and they do not want a repeat of the Haye- Harrison farce where unhappy fans demanded to be reimbursed after a dull main event.

So besides from the money, which Khan would have easily made back in his next bout with Timothy Bradley, why did he decide to deliver a low blow to his fans? Pride? Could he not bear the fact to be thrown off PPV? Does he think he is too big a name not to be on PPV? Who knows? The situation is if nothing else amusing. He has surely now strained relationships with Sky with his decision and will he even make the money back? Highly improbable. I for one won’t be purchasing the fight, can anyone justify paying over the odds to see a few rounds of one sided boxing? No. Hopefully Amir learns a lesson from all of this and gives something back to the people who have made him who he is.