Amir Khan Facing the Best Welterweight Since Sugar Ray Leonard?
By Henry Walter
The Amir Khan vs Terence Crawford fight was officially announced today at a press conference at The Landmark Hotel in London. Legendary promoter Bob Arum stated that the fight will take place at either the MGM Grand or Madison Square Garden on April 20th.
Arum was full of praise for his fighter and made several comparisons between Crawford and former great Sugar Ray Leonard claiming
“Terence matches up well with the ability of Sugar Ray. If we had a time capsule I believe he (Crawford) would have beaten Leonard, he’s that calibre!”
On Khan, Arum had the following to say
“Khan is known in the US for being in great fights! People want to see him because he’s never in a bad contest.”
Both fighters remained calm and respectful throughout the press conference and Arum remarked that he was pleased they were above trash talk.
That being said Crawford did make a slightly pointed barb, acknowledging Khan represents a tough fight, but then claiming he’s not a top five welterweight when asked by the press row.
Khan for his part seemed relaxed and confident stating
“It’s the hardest fight I’ve ever had. I know I haven’t looked good in my last fights but its been tough trying to motivate myself against lesser fighters. This fight is about pound for pound ranking.”
When asked to tell Crawford to his face what would happen in the fight Khan simply smiled and responded
“I’m 32, I don’t need to hype fights now. I’m too old for trash talk.”
He then reminded everyone
“I have a 100% record against southpaws and I am undefeated at welterweight. When I lost to Alvarez (at middleweight) that wasn’t my real weight.
Crawford was notably less comfortable in front of the press then his new rival but did remark
“Everyone knows Khan is fast but my ring smartness and my timing will lead me to victory.”
When commentator John Rawling asked Crawford if Khan could take his power, he smiled coldly and replied
“We’ll see…”
The Khan-Brook fight was brought up several times during the question and answer session but Khan responded that the Crawford fight was simply too big to turn down.
With Crawford ranked as the pound for pound number two by The Ring Magazine it is difficult to question Khan’s reasoning.
With the just three months till the contest, boxing fans will await the clash with bated breath.
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