By Ian S. Palmer
Amir Khan vs. Danny Garcia Preview July 14th
Amir Khan will square off against Danny Garcia at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on July 14 in a battle of champions. Garcia’s WBC Jr. Welterweight Championship will be on the line as well as the WBA Super World Light Welterweight title. Khan originally lost his WBA and IBF crowns by a controversial split decision to Lamont Peterson last December, but the WBA has reinstated him as its ‘super’ champion because Peterson failed his drug test.
The 25-year-old Khan of Bolton, England had originally hoped to face Peterson in a rematch and win his titles back in the ring, but the fight was scrapped after the failed drug test was announced and he’ll now be facing the 24-year-old Garcia of Philadelphia. Garcia won the WBC title in March with a unanimous decision over Erik Morales. Khan has a 26-2 record with 18 KOs while the unbeaten Garcia is 23-0 with 14 KOs.
Khan has fought the better opposition since turning pro in 2005 with bouts against Peterson, Marcos Maidana, Marco Antonio Barrera, Andriy Kotelnyk, Dimitriy Salita, Paul Malignaggi, Zab Judah, and Peterson. His only other loss came back in 2008 when he was knocked out in the first round by Breidis Prescott. However, that loss may have been the best thing that happened in Khan’s career as he turned to Freddie Roach for training help after that and has improved immensely as a boxer. He stands 5-foot-10 and has a 71-inch reach.
Garcia gives up an inch in height and two in reach. He’s also fought some pretty good boxers since his pro debut in 2007 in the likes of Nate Campbell, Mike Arnaoutis, Kendall Holt, and Morales. But the edge in experience goes to Khan. He appears to be improving with each bout, but the same can be said about Khan. Garcia will actually be taking a step up in class when facing Khan as Morales was past his prime when he faced him earlier in the year.
Both fighters are young and probably haven’t reached their peak yet, but Khan has a speed advantage as well and at the moment is regarded by most as the better boxer. Since being knocked out by Prescott, Khan’s chin has proven to be rock solid and he doesn’t shy away from slugging it out. He’s also developed some decent power of his own over the past few years too.
Boxing matches aren’t always won by the most skilful fighters though and this is why Garcia has a chance to remain undefeated. He’ll need to work Khan on the inside and rough him up if he wants to keep his belt. It’s more likely that Khan will set the pace though and will dictate the action. He’ll want to prove to the world that the loss to Peterson was down to controversial officiating and Peterson’s taking of performance-enhancing substances.
Look for Khan to control the fight and go for a KO if he senses he has Garcia in trouble late in the fight. If he can’t get it, he should still win the bout by unanimous decision.
