Filed under: Boxing
WBA & IBF LIGHT-WELTERWEIGHT TITLES, MANDALAY BAY RESORT & CASINO, LAS VEGAS, SUNDAY JULY 24, 2011, 0300 BSTAmir Khan is under pressure to put on a spectacular show in Las Vegas against Zab Judah as he bids to defend his WBA crown and wrest the IBF title from the American's grasp.
The 24-year-old is up against without doubt the toughest opponent, on paper at least, of his career so far and he needs to deliver if he is to put a turbulent few months behind him and earn himself a shot at some of the top pound for pound fighters.
Problems started for Khan's camp in the few days before his defence against Paul McCloskey in April as a row with Sky forced him to move to Primetime and then the much-talked-about manner of victory over the Irishman further hampered the Bolton fighter's reputation.
Negotiation problems with Timothy Bradley, although that was down to the American, followed and another row with Sky as they refused to show his fight with Judah also came along.
But now the 24-year-old has the chance to do his talking in the ring and negotiate on his own terms inside the ropes with IBF champion Judah.
Back with conditioning coach Alex Ariza, the full attention of trainer Freddie Roach and looking in fine shape as usual, Khan has got what it takes to overcome the two-weight world champion.
It's the 24-year-old's chance to really prove his worth and having a name like Judah on his record will certainly get the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr to take notice.
Khan has more reason to want to take on Mayweather now that the American's uncle, Roger, claimed the British fighter is taking banned substances.
The 24-year-old was quick to deny the claim and pointed to the fact he has been tested over and over again - which made the claim from Mayweathter's camp futile.
But the Bolton native needs to remain focused on Judah and has to be wary of his impressive reactions, ferocious counter-punching and powerful uppercuts that have seen him claim 28 knockouts over his 49-fight career.
Judah is also out to prove a point to his doubters after a up and down career for the 33-year-old American has led to many believing he is a wasted talent.
A once potential legend of the sport, suspensions hit him hard after controversies in the ring but now he is back to his best and out to make the world stand up and take note again with a win over the highly-rated Khan.
It's all set-up to be an intriguing clash but, with so much at stake for both fighters, this one could turn out to be more of a chess match than a brawl.
TALE OF THE TAPE:
Amir Khan
Age: 24
Height: 5ft 10in
Reach: 71in
Fights: 26
Wins: 25
KOs: 17
Losses: 1
Zab Judah
Age: 33
Height: 5ft 7½in
Reach: 72in
Fights: 49 (2 no-contests)
Wins: 41
KOs: 28
Losses: 6
Form Guide: Khan comes into the fight off the back of a controversial win over McCloskey in April in which he looked a bit rusty. However, he proved against Marcos Maidana at the end of last year that he can take big shots and that will stand to him against Judah. The American has six defeats on his record but has been rejuvenated since stepping back down to light-welterweight and he claimed the IBF crown with a win over Kaizer Mabuza in his last outing.
Odds: Khan 1/7, Judah 4/1, Draw 40/1
AMIR KHAN:
Khan has made it clear he understands the threats posed by Judah, but he is in confident mood coming into what could be his defining night.
The 24-year-old cannot underestimate the 33-year-old IBF champion and he doesn't seem to be thinking any less of him despite his turbulent career.
Khan told the media in Las Vegas: "It will be good for me to beat Judah. He's a big name over here who has been in the ring with the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jnr and Miguel Cotto. Judah makes a lot of traps and I will have to be careful all the way through.
"He is an excellent defensive fighter. He is smart and very experienced, and I can't turn off for a couple of seconds. He's a six or seven-round fighter now. I don't think he will wait too long to pick his moment because he knows that if he does, he will get knocked out."
The Bolton fighter wants to bring down the curtain on Judah's career which started all the way back in 1996 when Khan was just nine years old.
"Maybe I can finish his career. He has fought these big names but he has lost to most of them. At the really top level he just falls behind. This will be another one where he falls behind. Maybe it's in his head that he thinks he can't win these fights. He will be talking a lot because I don't think he can win."
Strategy: Khan will no doubt start in his usual fast-paced manner and he will look to pressure the older fighter. But the Bolton boxer will have to be wary of Judah's power and could box on the outside, picking the American off as the fight progresses.
ZAB JUDAH:
At 33, Judah believes he is only finding his "second wind" now as he looks to become a unified world champion again.
The American has ditched the tough-guy image, found religion and wants to have one last go at the top of the sport.
And he's confident he can overcome Khan and go on to bigger and better things before his time is up in the ring.
He said: "I'm ready and I'm excited. I'm very blessed to be back in this position. I know Amir Khan and Team Khan have prepared themselves for a war.
"I'm prepared for Saturday night. I'm prepared for what's going to happen. Amir Khan is new to this situation. He's a young guy.
"People have been getting this stuff about Zab Judah, 33 years old, is an old fighter, mixed up. What you have to understand is that I turned professional at 18 years old. I was champion by 20 years old and I reigned ever since.
"I've got my second wind. I've lived my years as Zab Judah the tough guy. Against Khan, I'm going to give you guys the best Zab Judah that you are looking for."
Strategy: Because of his age, Judah would rather bring an early end to this contest but with Khan's reputation for fading late on, he may be patient and wait for his opponent to tire before unleashing his big shots.
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