Khan V Barrera

[Dahuge]

Amir Khan has landed a massive fight with former three-weight world champion Marco Antonio Barrera.

The Briton has been thrown in at the deep end by promoter Frank Warren just six months after his shocking first round defeat to Breidis Prescott.

Khan returned to action in December with a polished victory over Oisin Fagan after teaming up with trainer Freddie Roach for the first time, and a fight with former WBO super-featherweight champion Alex Arthur had been mooted for 2009.

However, Warren has pulled a rabbit out of the hat in the shape of the former super-bantam, featherweight and super-featherweight champion, who famously ended the career of Naseem Hamed in 2001.

The Mexican has plenty of miles on the clock following his legendary trilogy with Erik Morales and two fights with Manny Pacquiao, on the last occasion losing a unanimous decision in November 2007.

However, Barrera proved he is not ready to retire with a fourth round stoppage of little-known Sammy Ventura two months ago and is slated to meet Nate Campbell for the WBO lightweight title later this year.

"This is a huge step up for Amir who had some serious thoughts about it," said Warren, who confirmed the bout will take place in the UK on March 14. "The discussions over the fight finished at 4am this morning.

"It's a big fight for Amir who has been champing at the bit. This is the right fight for Amir at this stage of his career.

"I believe it will bring out the best in him. This puts him well and truly on the world stage."

Khan received rave reviews from trainer Roach after the Bolton bomber sparred with Pacquiao in the build up to the Filipino's victory over Oscar De La Hoya last month.

And a fight with the 34-year-old Barrera could come at just the right time for Khan, with the 'Baby-Faced Assassin' naturally the smaller man and not renowned as a big puncher



Now that is gonna be tricky for Amir, if he loses is his career over?

 

[SaintGeorge67]

An odd choice. Make or break

 

[refugee]

Strange choice, if Barrera fights at even half of his capacity he would batter Kahn.

 

[Judge Jules]

Indeed. Warren must know this is risky.

 

[ibromurph]

Strange fight. If Khan wins, people will say he beat an over-the-hill fighter in Barrera (not that I believe he's over the hill, but MAB is moving up a few weight classes). If Khan loses, well then, his career will be almost over. Apart from money, there's not too much to gain from this fight for Khan.

Personally, I give Khan credit for getting in the ring with a legend like MAB, especially 2 fights after you KO'd against some of lesser class. He's got balls, i'll give him. Though whether he has the skill remains to be seen.

 

[SaintGeorge67]

Is this confirmed?

 

[FoxForceFive]

So, Warren's realised Kahn's shite, & is trying to get as much PPV cash as possible out of him before everyone realises he's simply not good enough.

Fair enough.

 

[Rafiagra]

Where they fighting??

 

[FoxForceFive]

"in the UK" according to that article, doesnt elaborate though.

 

[The Nomad]

Only thing in Khans favour is Barrera is in the twilight years of his career.

But I'm still going for a seventh round knock out, and finally the end of Khan.

 

[Judge Jules]

Isn't Khan bigger and heavier with a longer reach? It's a heck of a test for him, but I can see him squeaking out a points decision IF he prepares right.

 

[Rosco]

[quote author=FoxForceFive link=topic=30494.msg779136#msg779136 date=1232050890]
So, Warren's realised Kahn's shite, & is trying to get as much PPV cash as possible out of him before everyone realises he's simply not good enough.

Fair enough.
[/quote]

That's the way I see it.
The upside is if Khan does win it, there'll be even more money for him.

 

[felly]

I think the way this fight guess depends on what shape Barrera is in.
Although he won in October against Sammy Ventura, iv heard he wasnt in the best of shape (although he will be moving up in weight to fight Khan).

I think hes still got the skills to beat khan, and in his prime the fight wouldnt have lasted 6 rounds. But im gonna go for a Khan win, i can see him stopping Barrera around the 7th with his speed.

 

[HC]

If Khan wins, it's fixed?

 

[The_Prof]

[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=30494.msg780210#msg780210 date=1232127494]
If Khan wins, it's fixed?
[/quote]

Barrera is entering the twilight years of his career. Don't expect a sparkling, Hamed or Morales style victory. Khan is serious with a serious trainer. It will be hard for Khan to become a world champion in this division but he will do well.

 

[SaintGeorge67]

Barrera is much smaller I think so Khan has a punchers chance.

I know Barrera is old, but he's an infinitely better boxer.

 

[SaintGeorge67]

[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=30494.msg780210#msg780210 date=1232127494]
If Khan wins, it's fixed?
[/quote]

I was thinking the same last night actually and I think it could well be.

Barrera has no reason to fight Khan.

Khan has done nothing to warrant a fight with Barrera.

Warren knows he needs something spectacular to keep the money rolling.

5th or 6th round KO win for Khan.

 

[mike2903]

[quote author=SaintGeorge67 link=topic=30494.msg808364#msg808364 date=1235242924]
[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=30494.msg780210#msg780210 date=1232127494]
If Khan wins, it's fixed?
[/quote]

I was thinking the same last night actually and I think it could well be.

Barrera has no reason to fight Khan.

Khan has done nothing to warrant a fight with Barrera.

Warren knows he needs something spectacular to keep the money rolling.

5th or 6th round KO win for Khan.
[/quote]

Quality aging boxer moving up 2 (?) divisions from his comfort zone.

Like you say, the proven Barrera has no reason to fight a recently humiliated Kahn, it's obviously money motivated from both parts.

Fair play to Barrera making the making the most of the British audience, and good luck Kahn. If he fails to beat him his career is worth as much as Audley Harrisons!

 

[Hooz]

It's a tough one to call, the result is really dependent on how much Barrera's talent has depreciated. I wouldn't be hugely surprised with a Khan win.

I know defensively he is poor, but Khan's speed and accuracy are terrific and I always enjoy watching him box.

I can't believe Saint George is entertaining the possibility that Barrera is willing to throw this fight.

 

[SaintGeorge67]

I really hope barrera wins, I just find it all rather odd.

 

[Rouge Penguin]

Anyone else find it odd that the fight is 3 days away and there has been little advertising for it on sky?

You're going to tell me its on sultana now aren't you.

 

[Loch Ness Monster]

Saw the first advert tonight on Sky. Don't think it will be value for money after his last show.

 

[FoxForceFive]

They've only just started advertising it.

If I had to pay there's no way I'd be watching it. Good job I dont!

 

[SaintGeorge67]

It's been advertised for at least a fortnight.

 

[Rafiagra]

Khan really isnt box office material. I'll be looking for streams and if no luck with that, then waiting for a replay to become available.

This, however, is one fight I'm not particularly excited about. I am, however, looking forward to Hatton v Pacquiao, which should be great.

 

[red_maradona]

anyone know of any streams?

 

[SaintGeorge67]

This chump against Enzo isn't defending against the right... gloves right down.

 

[SaintGeorge67]

Maybe Enzo's the chump.... interesting so far.

 

[red_maradona]

thanks livvy but the imbed stream is not working at the mo? Will it come one later?

 

[SaintGeorge67]

WOW!!!