Retired Hall of Fame referee and expert boxing analyst, Joe Cortez, who has been the third man in the ring for over 170 title fights, believes Amir Khan is headed for an old-fashioned whoppin’ in May. Canelo vs KhanTitles: WBC, RING MagazineDivision: MiddleweightCatchweight: 155 lbsDate: May 7Venue: T-Mobile ArenaLocation: Las VegasTV: HBO PPV (U.S.) Canelo vs Khan prediction “Amir Khan is a complete fighter at his level and his weight, but this fight [Canelo vs Khan] is like putting a bull against a calf,” Cortez, who retired after refereeing the September 2012 Canelo vs Lopez bout, told El Vocero. “Canelo has a lot of punching power, he is much stronger. When [Canelo] starts landing upstairs and to the body, that’s going to be the end.””The fight is going to end quickly.””He has no chance against Canelo. The doctors and the referee will have to be prepared to stop the unnecessary punishment.” Joe Cortez knows boxing as his participation in the sport goes beyond officiating. He had a good amateur boxing career, winning various Golden Gloves tournaments from 1960 to 1962. In 1963, he turned pro at the age of eighteen and manufactured an 18-1 record before deciding to leave boxing for hotel management. Years later, he’d re-connect with the the Sweet Science and started working as a referee in 1977.Cortez quickly moved up the ranks and became a big-time official during the 1980s, referring major championship fights involving stars such as Mike Tyson and Roberto Duran.Over the years, his responsibities grew and Cortez would go on to referee over 170 world title bouts, including Oscar De La Hoya vs Julio C?sar Ch?vez I, Evander Holyfield vs Riddick Bowe I and George Foreman vs Michael Moorer.His famous catchphrase during pre-fight instructions, “I’m fair but I’m firm!” is now a registered trademark. – See more at: http://www.fightsaga.com/news/item/6063-Canelo-Alvarez-vs-Amir-Khan-Prediction-Joe-Cortez#sthash.9Dgywp0X.dpuf
