In most instances, homecomings are a time of celebration and reflection. With boxing, it’s a time of additional stress and countless distractions. WBA junior welterweight champ Amir Khan faced these challenges leading up to tonight’s (April 16) return to his native England to take on undefeated European titlist Paul McCloskey.
Recent years have seen dramatic instances of fighters delivering flat performances or suffering losses in their hometowns: Cory Spinks’ rematch with Zab Judah in St. Louis, Devon Alexander against Andriy Kotelnik, also in St. Louis, and Zab Judah falling to Carlos Baldomir at Madison Square Garden. But to let Khan tell it, the “hometown upset” is a remote possibility with him. Since his arrival back in the UK several weeks ago, Khan has remained holed up in a private gym to put the finishing touches on his game plan. Although he’s relented to giving media days, he states the majority of his time has been focused on strengthening his mental focus.
“When I’m training, it’s my own time. I have my own gym which I close off,” Khan detailed. “Sometimes I let the media in to promote. I know in England there’s a lot of pressure on me because people want to see Amir Khan win, whoever I’m fighting. They want my spot and to become stars overnight. I’m not going to throw it all away. I’m more focused than ever.”
A boxer’s legacy is always defined by how they handle adversity. His last fight against Marcos Maidana, voted by the Boxing Writers Association of America as the 2010 Fight of Year, answered lingering questions about Khan’s chin and toughness, but also raised new questions about his in-ring savvy and ability to improvise during a fight. Despite a fast start, Khan got in serious trouble late by languishing on the ropes and letting the powerful Maidana wail away on him. He also ignored trainer Freddie Roach pleas to adjust.
Khan’s stubbornness made for an exciting fight but nearly cost him a win. However, the experience answered some doubts Khan had in his own ability following his only defeat, a first round blowout at the hands of another limited brawler, Breidis Prescott. In that fight’s aftermath, critics charged Khan couldn’t handle pressure from a big puncher.
“I learned I can go the full 12 round distance with a guy coming at me with pressure [and] with punching power,” Khan disclosed. “I took his best shots; he had a 97% knockout record. Even when I’m tired, I can dig deep and fight through the discomfort. Some fighters panic. I think I’ve proven that to myself. When guys get tired, they try knocking the guy out with their hardest shot. They load up on the punches and that’s a big mistake. You should stay very relaxed and stick with the jab. Boxing is an art and it’s my skills that have gotten me far.”
There are two main concerns Khan has about Paul McCloskey: his southpaw stance and will. Although both turned pro in 2005, Khan is at another level when it comes to natural talent and competition faced. Nonetheless, Khan recognizes that’s his challenge is to not just beat McCloskey, but do it in impressive fashion to build hype for his inevitable unification showdown with Timothy Bradley, who holds the WBO and WBC crowns.
“McCloskey’s a very awkward southpaw. These Irish guys come to fight; they’re strong guys with big hearts,” Khan stated. “They aren’t afraid to get into a tear up; McCloskey knows I’ve got speed and power. This is a massive opportunity. I remember when I first fought for a world title I gave it everything. One thing about me is I still train like a normal, hungry fighter even though I’m a champion. McCloskey can train as hard as he wants, but I’m training even harder.”
“My mission is to get through this fight in good style and then fight Bradley. The only way we can prove who the best in the division is by fighting each other. I’m one guy who’s not ducking away and I want the fight more than anything. I think I have the style to not only beat him, but beat him looking very good. I’m not looking too far ahead, but get McCloskey out the way in good style and then unify. Bradley is happy to take the fight on. It’s all about getting HBO, who’s very keen on getting the fight…wherever he wants it.”
Will Khan’s homecoming still be celebratory come Sunday morning? The brimming confidence in his voice confirms he believes he’ll triumph, but this time without the late fight drama.
“When I was on the ropes was the times I was getting caught…This time I’ll be listening to Freddie’s instructions.”
Khan-Maidana will be the opening bout of an HBO card headlined by Ander Berto vs. Victor Ortiz. The doubleheader begins at 9:45 PM ET.
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