It was not too long ago in fact September 6, 2008 that headlines on boxing websites read ?Amir Con?, and other similar cute quotes that denounced Amir Khan as an over-hyped prospect. Nearly 3 years ago Amir Khan was left on his back looking up at the ceiling of the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester England, after lightly heralded Breidis Prescott destroyed Khan in just over 2 minutes. That day seems like another lifetime for the 24 year old Khan so much so, that he is nearly a 5-1 favorite over former multi time world champion Zab Judah, when the two men meet to stake their claim as the supreme beings in the 140lb weight class. Obviously it was not time that has made the difference, in Khan capturing the WBA junior lightweight strap and then having 4 consecutive succesful defenses of his crown. Its what Khan did shortly after his only pro defeat, and that is pack his bags and head west, right into the hands of the famed Freddie Roach and his trusty sidekick Alex Ariza. The two men have become the sport’s dynamic duo, and who can argue with success? The duo has yet to lose a fight when they have been in the corner together.
?Its like we picked up right where we left off, Amir is such a good athlete and so easy to work with its like nothing happened,? Ariza.
This is a reunion of some sorts for Khan and Ariza since the two for some unconfirmed reason parted ways for a brief moment, speculation seems to be that it was a money issue, but according to Ariza what is important is that Khan and he are working together again.
?To me the past is the past and we are just focused on this fight against Zab and then the future. Sometimes fighters and the people around them are fickle and things happen. In a way I’m glad he was able to experience working with someone else and he’s young and he has the right to work with who he wants but right now we are all on the same page and committed to helping Amir be the best he can be,? Ariza.
Ariza was asked if Khan made a mistake in not utilizing him as a strength and conditioning coach in his last fight, and he replied no that if anything it was a learning experience for Khan. Ariza stated that he truly enjoys working with Khan and he said that he works as hard as anyone this is big praise considering the fact that Ariza’s works with Manny Pacquiao.
?Amir is the easiest fighter to handle, he’s never late, he gives 100% effort he has a drive and resiliency that is second to none. He’s also such an extraordinary athlete,? Ariza.
Khan will have to rely on more than just athleticism when Zab Judah will be in front of him on Saturday evening. Judah who by many including myself was thought to have his best days behind him, but he’s managed to win 5 straight bouts including 3 by knockout.
?We expect and prepared for the best Zab Judah, we know he’s coming in shape and we’ve done our work and are ready for a grueling fight. I’m very confident about our chances to win. We have the physical advantages but there are no guarantees in boxing, experience can beat youth and thats one thing that Zab has over Amir. With that said I feel this is a great opportunity for Amir to showcase his talents,? Ariza.
Its an important fight it could be a crossroads fight, Zab is very well known in the United States, he’s been on the big stage before and Amir has never fought anyone as skilled as Zab and to beat Zab on U.S. Soil and on HBO, its great exposure and a springboard for bigger and better things,? Ariza.
