Amid loud cheers from UK supporters, Amir Khan and Marcos Maidana completed their weigh-ins earlier today at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Khan, who looked very cut and defined in his upper body, hit the junior welterweight limit of 140 pounds. While not looking drained, the WBA titlist too several long swigs of water after getting off the scales. Marcos Maidana less bulky than his opponent in the upper body, and came in at 139 pounds.
Prediction: Much has been said about Maidana’s power, especially considering what happened to Khan when he faced another limited slugger in Breidis Prescott. But that was two years ago. Amir Khan is a much more disciplined fighter. I’m much more interested to see if Maidana can handle Khan’s power. Ortiz dropped Maidana and was in control before getting too anxious and rocked himself by Maidana’s power. Khan won’t make the same mistake. I see Khan landing many hard counters of his own, and going in for the kill for a late TKO around round 10.
For the undercard junior welterweight bout, Victor Ortiz came in slightly overweight at 141 pounds. Lamont Peterson weighed 140 pounds. No word on if any contract stipulations will cause Ortiz to suffer any financial penalties for being overweight. He looks to be outgrowing the division, as this is the third time in his last four fights that’s he’s come in over junior welter limit ( at weights of 144, 143, and 142. Both camps were very cordial with each other despite an intense staredown to conclude matters.
Prediction: Ortiz by unanimous decision. Peterson is tough, but he’ll have problems matching Ortiz’s speed and movement. I’m not confident Peterson can close the distance without Ortiz picking him off constantly.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 