By Ian S Palmer
Boxer Amir Khan of Bolton, England, just turned 26 years old, but he’s hoping his present doesn’t arrive until Dec. 15 when he takes on the unbeaten Carlos Molina of California in Los Angeles in a 12-round junior welterweight bout. This is a career defining moment for Khan. He’s either going to bounce back and vault himself into the elite fighter category again or he’ll leave the ring as a washed-up former world champion and Olympic silver medalist in his mid twenties.
Khan, who enters the ring with a record of 26-3 with 18 Kos, has two losses in the last year and he needs to prove that he’s not finished with the sport and is capable of regaining his junior welterweight crowns. His loss last December by a split decision to Lamont Peterson was a controversial one as he appeared to win the fight in the eyes of many fans and Peterson also failed a drug test. Khan was given his WBA title back after the loss and he attempted to unify the belts with WBC champion Danny Garcia on July 14. He appeared to be in control of the bout, but then suffered a sudden and dramatic fourth-round knockout.
Khan, who turned pro in 2005, looked to be on his way to a hall of fame career a couple of years ago with trainer Freddie Roach in his corner. However, their relationship came to an end after Khan fired him following the Garcia fight and he’s now working with Virgil Hunter. Khan has had a pretty turbulent year in and out of the ring as he’s been in the headlines in England for street brawls and a few other incidents. This will be his last chance to turn 2012 into something of a success if he can get by Molina and get his career back on track.
He says he’s focused and determined to put the past behind him and still prove that he has what it takes to be an elite boxer. However, to do so, Hunter will have to make sure that Khan has improved defensively. He’s a gifted offensive fighter with a lot of heart and courage, but his chin is suspect. Unfortunately for Khan and Hunter, there’s no way to improve a glass jaw in training. Khan said he won’t get involved in toe-to-toe brawls anymore and will utilize his superior boxing skills from now on. But it’s hard for a leopard to change his spots.
The 26-year-old Molina, who has a record of 17-0-1 with seven Ko’s isn’t considered to be a heavy puncher and that could be just what Khan needs right now to regain some of his confidence. Molina hasn’t really fought anybody of note since turning pro on 2007 and will be taking a huge step up in class when he faces off against the former world champion. On paper, it looks like a relatively easy win for Khan, but once the bell rings it could be the opposite.
Prediction
Khan is naturally faster, bigger, and more aggressive, but could be worried about getting hit. Molina knows this and he should be more aggressive than usual. He might want to go right after Khan as soon as the opening bell sounds. It’s not a bad strategy, but many fans are wondering if Molina has the power and skill to pull it off. Khan will need to box like he usually does, but stay away from the ropes and big exchanges in the center if the ring. He has the skills to outbox Molina and a knockout could come naturally. Look for him to get his birthday present in the ring with a unanimous decision or late stoppage.
