Khan to clash with legend Barrera
Amir Khan ready to face the best in the world
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Thursday, 15, Jan 2009 09:58
Amir Khan has announced he will fight Mexican superstar Marco Antonio Barrera in a blockbuster encounter to take place in Britain.
Barrera is one of the modern greats of the sport and despite a few recent losses, the 34-year-old still boasts a superb record of 64 wins in 71 fights. The fight will no doubt be the toughest of Khan's relatively short career.
The fight against Barrera could make-or-break Khan's aspirations to be a world champion. It comes six months after the 22-year-old was brutally knocked out by unknown Colombian Breidis Presscott inside a minute and the Barrera fight is another huge potential banana skin. But if Khan can beat the veteran Mexican, then he definitely be a world title contender.
Khan's promoter Frank Warren admitted he had to think long and hard before making the fight, saying: "A lot of people might look at this and think 'he's in the deep end here' - maybe, but I believe with good punchers in the ring it's all about timing, and outside the ring it's about picking the right moment and right time - I hope I've got it right.
"I don't worry about his fitness or punching power, all I wonder about is Amir staying focused and his head movement. Provided he does that, I think Amir can give a great display and beat Barrera."
Barrera is not one of the hardest punchers, but the seven times world champion is an excellent technician. He proved that when he dismantled Prince Naseem Hamed in the Briton's only career defeat in 2001 and all but sent Naseem into retirement.
The Mexican has also been in the ring with some fantastic fighters, such as current pound-for-pound number one Manny Pacquiao. But Barrera is most famous for his legendary trilogy of fights against fellow Mexican Erik Morales, with Barrera winning two of the three fights.
Despite Barrera's world class credentials, Khan believes that under the tutelage of Freddie Roach, he has gained the ability to beat a big name like Barrera.
"I think I've got everything to beat him. With my youth and speed, I think I'll just outbox him," said Khan. "I think he's made for me. He's shorter than me, and has moved up quickly to lightweight."