By Alistair Tinsley: Many boxing fans will want to know what the hell Frank Warren is doing putting his baby-faced charge against such a formidable opponent as Marco Antonio Barerra? But is it as clear cut as a 3 weight world champion crushing an inexperienced journeyman? Khan is coming off an emphatic KO loss to Breidis Prescott and an emphatic win over Osin Fagan. Barerra is coming off a decision loss to Pacman and a TKO of Ventura.
So can Khan defy all laws of boxing and pick up a huge victory? I’m not going to rule it out….
I think this fight will come down to which Barerra turns up to the fight. We’re either going to see a man determined to get another world title crack before he hangs up his gloves or we’re going to see a tired, past his best, old Barrera.
As for Khan, I have no doubt that the guy will come full of confidence at this great opportunity, and the fact he can take some sort of revenge for his idols loss to Barrera (Naseem Hamed). If Khan’s trainer, Freddie Roach, can sort a game plan where Khan can limit the amount he will get hit, I honestly think he will have a great chance. Khan will have some advantages in his favour, being his height and speed. He should be quick enough to stay away and pick off Barerra, but can he do it for 12 rounds? I’m not so sure. There’s always a possibility Khan could stop Barrera, but it’s a very small chance. If anyone is going to get stopped, let’s face it, it’s Khan. The lad has a glass chin, there’s no hiding away from it, he was knocked out by Prescott in 54 seconds and was even knocked down in the amateurs.
But does Barerra still have it? Has the long career of gruelling battles taken it out of him? This isn’t like Mosely turning back the clock to defeat a top fighter in Margarito however; Barerra does not need his best game to beat Khan, because regardless of Khan’s potential, Barrera is by far the better fighter going into this fight.
If Khan can somehow keep Barrera off him then the kids got a chance, but I don’t think Khan’s chin will hold up that long.
We shall see come fight night.
Alistair’s Prediction – Barrera KO within 6
Comments are closed.