The latest statements from Amir Khan’s trainer Freddie Roach seem to suggest that a fight against Paulie Malignaggi is on the cards for 2010.
This news will likely be derided by large sections of the boxing press, many of whom feel that Khan has been protected ever since his shock knockout loss to Columbian underdog Breidis Prescott last year.
Far from the first time his chin has troubled him though, the Prescott loss was only the culmination of a lot of bad habits from Khan catching up with him. Despite being one of the best prospects in boxing today, at the time Amir was clearly not being handled by the best trainers to help him progress as he should have been. Against much lesser competition then even the likes of his recent opponents he has been rattled and knocked down on several occasions. His management team then put him up against a then unbeaten prospect known for having a big punch in Prescott.
Khan’s chin is still in doubt (AP Photo)
While Malignaggi is certainly a talented boxer, and turned in an excellent performance against Juan Diaz last week, he does have one big flaw. Malignaggi has so little power to his punches that mosquitoes have been known to take several of powder puff Paulie’s punches before going down. Of the top 30 light welterweights in the world at the moment, Malignaggi is one of the lightest punchers, something that has hampered an otherwise excellent boxer.
Khan’s chin has been the big worry for his team since his sole loss, although the rest of his game is now fairly well rounded. At the time the Bolton born puncher tended to leave his hands low and his chin out, not a good idea if you have a questionable jaw.
Since then Khan has improved his defense greatly under the tutelage of Freddie Roach, but a weak chin is something that cant be trained. Since being trained by Roach, Khan has yet to face another big puncher. His most recent fight, against Dimitriy Salita was impressive from Khan, but also drew criticism because of the fact that Khan should by now be facing much tougher competition and be testing himself against the best fighters in the division. Paulie a soft choice? (AP Photo)
As for the fight itself, there is no doubting that Malignaggi has excellent skills, but his lack of power would put him at a distinct disadvantage against Khan. Given Khans speed and the fact that he wouldn’t have to worry very much about being knocked out, Malignaggi seems like another tailor made opponent for Khan and his chin.
Malignaggi tends to win most of his fights by virtue of the fact that he has good boxing skills and is often faster than his opponents, beating them to the punch and staying on the outside.
His losses tend to come against aggressive fighters who aren’t afraid to walk through his punches and stalk him around the ring. (For an excellent blueprint of how to beat Paulie watch his fights with either Ricky Hatton or Miguel Cotto). Against Khan he would not only be outgunned, but would likely find Khans boxing better than his own. It might be another win for Khan, not to mention another title to add to his WBA strap, but he will no doubt face criticism if the fight goes ahead.
