OK folks, this is the appetiser before the massive Hatton Mayweather fight next Saturday, and it carries a lot of interest for any boxing fan who can't have escaped the massive hype which has surrounded Amir Khan ever since he claimed his Olympic Silver Medal back in 2004.
Here's the tale of the tape as I see it:
Amir Khan (14-0, 11KOs) is undoubtedly one of the best British boxing prospects of recent years, whether you buy into the hype or not. The 20-year old from Bolton has been surrounded in a media scrum ever since he claimed the olympic medal at the tender age of 17. Despite his undefeated record and big talk, critics would point to some cracks which have appeared in the past year or so, both inside and outside of the ring. Convictions for speeding and a trial for dangerous driving must have been distracting, and a knockdown which nearly finished him against Willie Limond opened him up to those who have doubted Khan's chin. However, his supporters would say that he showed he could come back from the brink, and that his charity work in the Bolton area have shown that he's developing into a man. However, Saturday's bout will be 364 days after the last time Khan went the full distance, standing 5 inches taller than his opponent he will hope his height and developing power will help him to do to Earl what Katsidis did before.
Graham Earl (25-2, 12 KOs) is the more travelled veteran in this fight, nine years older and 13 fights wiser than Khan, and will be hoping to bring all he knows to bear, and to beat the popular man from Bolton. Earl himself is a firm fan favourite, and will no doubt be bringing a cadre of his own supporters up to Bolton from his hometown of Luton. Earl's last appearance will be very difficult to match, with his meeting with Katsidis touted among the British fights of the year, with Earl down three times and Katsidis counted once. The all action punching of both fighters made a mini-classic over 5 rounds, and a fight 50% of that intensity will make for exceptional viewing. Katsidis is certainly stronger and more aggressive than Khan will be, and Earl will also have to contend with the height and reach advantage that Khan brings to the table.
My personal prediction....it's hard to say, but I'll go for Khan on points, although he might get clipped and find himself in trouble once or twice as Earl finds the key to his guard. Either way, I'm certain this one will be a cracker.
Elsewhere on the bill we have Dean Francis defending his Commonwealth Light Haevyweight title, Michael Jennings defending his WBU welterweight belt (although there are rumours Jennings is injured), and prospects Jamie Cox and Tony Bellew will be in action, as well as Kell Brook, and Paul Smith returning to action after his appearance in the "Contender" series, still undefeated but nor is he contender champion either.
The action will begin at 7.40pm (2.40pm EST) on ITV4 in the UK, and switch to ITV1 for the Khan fight at 9.55pm (4.55pm EST).
So let's see who y'all think will win, and whether Khan's progression will continue or whether he'll get blasted by Earl's power and experience.
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