U.K. boxer Amir Khan was impressive in his American debut against Paulie Malignaggi Saturday night by taking a one-sided technical stoppage victory.
Breaking away from British promoter Frank Warren last year to come to the States and signing with Los Angeles based Golden Boy Promotions to push his career forward, Khan is expected by many boxing experts to become super star within the sport.
Training out of Hollywood’s Wild Card Gym under the watchful eye of trainer Freddie Roach and sparring with pound for pound best Manny Pacquiao, Khan’s career has been well calculated, but in order to become a true star within the boxing world risks must be taken.
Brilliantly rubbing Malignaggi might be a nice splash to the State-side scene, but for fans to crave Khan’s bouts, he needs to tangle with explosive foes in memorable bouts.
One potential bout is right under Khan’s nose.
In the same Madison Square Garden arena last night, junior welterweight Victor Ortiz had his own impressive victory over tough veteran Nate Campbell. Ortiz dominated Campbell en route to a decision which had two judges giving the young fighter a shut-out.
Yet Ortiz, unlike the Khan, is more of an offensive juggernaught than boxer and a bout between the two would answer a lot of questions centering around each of the young fighters.
Does Khan have the ability to take a punch, like a super star must? Ortiz’s power would give us that answer.
Has Ortiz, once a superstar in the making, fully recovered mentally and physically from his wild loss to Marcos Maidana? Khan’s in the ring polish and abilities can re-test Ortiz’s superstar claim.
Best of all, both men are being pushed by HBO and promoted by Golden Boy Promotions. If the fight is not made, you can blame the network, the promoter, and nobody else.
HBO and Golden Boy could give us a true treat between two young lions, but will they have the courage.
