This Saturday Amir Khan (26-1 with 18 KOs) will defend his WBA and IBF 140-pound championships against Lamont Peterson (29-1-1 with 15 KOs). The fight will be broadcast live on HBO from The Convention Center in Washington D.C. The bout provides fans with a chance to see Khan showcase his talent against a difficult, yet beatable opponent. How shocked would the world be if Lamont Peterson pulled off the upset? I wouldn’t place a wager on it, but if it happened, I wouldn’t be all that shocked.
It has only been three years since Breidis Prescott knocked out two birds with one left hook by giving Khan the taste of canvas as well as defeat. Since then, Amir has showed tremendous improvement under trainer Freddie Roach’s guidance. Although Khan’s performances against Marco Antonio Barrera, Paulie Malignaggi, Marcos Maidana, and Zab Judah have all been outstanding, fight fans have not forgotten about the Prescott loss. Why has Amir not shown any interest in a Prescott rematch? Has he become too good to try and avenge his only loss to a man who knocked him out in the first round? Something just doesn?t seem right about that.
A great fighter can get away with an early career, knockout loss. History has shown us that they can learn from the loss, and make adjustments to not let it happen again. I will refrain from jumping the gun by prematurely calling Amir Khan a great fighter at this point in his career. His career defining performance thus far was against Marcos Maidana. In the fight, Amir showed the world he can box with the best of them, and that he had a heart to match his jab. Although Khan survived Maidana?s late round shots, he left just enough room for skeptics to wonder if the Prescott loss was really just an off night that Amir had due to trouble making weight. Or was it a sign of things to come in the future once anyone who hits harder than Paulie Malignaggi lands a shot on the Brit’s chin.
As for now, I will give them the benefit of the doubt, and believe that it was Amir’s struggle to make the 135 pound limit that cost him his first professional loss. Amir appears strong and sturdy at 140, so the pieces of the puzzle do fit. Lamont Peterson has what it takes to beat Amir Khan, but having something, and using it are two completely different things. Like I said earlier, if Peterson pulls off the upset I wouldn?t be completely shocked, just don?t bet on it. Amir will most likely pull of the win Saturday night. The real question for Amir Khan will be answered beyond Saturday.
