Boxing Preview: Amir Khan vs. Marco Antonio Barrera

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Britain’s Amir Khan, 19-1 (15), takes on Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in a clash for the WBO lightweight eliminator this Saturday night at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England.

The bout is the main event of a stacked card by Frank Warren’s Sports Network, which also features Enzo Maccarinelli and Nicky Cook in WBO world championship bouts.

This is undoubtedly Khan’s biggest test thus far in his short career, while for Barrera, whose record consists of superstars and future hall of famers, it’s just a routine opponent, however by no means is he taking this test lightly.

Barrera, 65-6 (43), known as “The Baby Faced Assassin” is rugged, tough, powerful and will not give up without a fight. He see’s Khan as a stepping stone to greater things and coming off the back of two victories, is clearly determined. “I know Khan is a great fighter, very skilled and fast, but there is nothing that worries me, I know I will beat him,” said the Mexican.

Barrera has certainly proved this in the past, with outstanding performance and victories over the likes of Paulie Ayala, Erik Morales, Johnny Tapia, Robbie Peden and famously known to UK fans, our very own Naseem Hamed. Hamed lost convincingly that night to underdog Barrera, getting beat to the punch every round, and he was never the same afterward.

However, that was almost eight years ago and Barrera has certainly declined slightly in speed and power among other attributes. But at this stage, he is still game and is certainly no walkover, as Manny Pacquiao only managed a points victory over him not so long ago.

Before that, Barrera knocked down Juan Manuel Marquez and barely lost on points, so you can’t call him shot by any means just yet. Barrera will not be fazed at all by the hostile crowd in Manchester.

To succeed, he has to push Khan back and command the middle of the ring. He has to throw shots from all angles and hope that he can land cleanly to put Khan down, then go all out for the finish.

There is also the thought of Barrera toying with Khan, however I feel Khan is too fast and too skillful to let that happen. Barrera certainly has the experience advantage, however, the main question is whether he has the skills at this stage of his career to match the explosive Khan.

Khan on the other hand is exciting, has bags of heart and dazzling hand speed which produces awe and amazement at times. But Khan hasn’t had things go smooth thus far in his short career. He’s been on the canvas on various occasions by less than world level fighters such as Willie Limond, Michael Gomez and Rachid Drilzane.

If he’s been on the floor by these fighters, doesn’t it make you wonder what Barrera could do? More notably, Khan was on the floor twice in the embarrassing 54 second crushing KO loss to power punching Columbian Breidis Prescott last September.

Khan states that defeat is at the back of his mind, and he did look emphatic in blasting out Irishman Oisin Fagan in two rounds last December in his comeback fight.

“I’ve got a lot to prove to the critics,” said Khan. “It’s not going to be easy at the MEN, but the sparring I had in LA has really boosted my confidence”. Khan has been working out in LA with world class trainer Freddie Roach and sparring with pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao.

Another important factor in deterring the outcome of this fight is the fact that Manny Pacquiao has beat Barrera twice, with Roach in Pacquiao’s corner both times. So, if anyone knows how to draw up a gameplan to beat Barrera, it’s undoubtedly Roach.

Khan has to be wary of Barrera, who does have power, and with the question marks over Khan’s chin, he has to keep his hands up to avoid Barrera’s bombs.

Khan must use his lighting speed and beat Barrera constantly to the punch, which only the best have ever done. It’s a classic of example of the up and comer versus the veteran.

The magical thing about this fight is it truly is a make or break contest for either fighter as it’s hard to see where the loser goes from here. Khan wants to build back the reputation lost in the humbling defeat to Prescott, while Barrera is looking for a world title in a fourth weight class.

So, they are both still hungry and full of ambition. That’s why in my opinion, this fight will live up to all expectations.

After taking everything into account, I see Khan being hesitant for the first few rounds, trying to work out Barrera’s style. Barrera, meanwhile, will come forward, trying to land big uppercuts and hooks.

Barrera is smart and won’t just plod forward; he’s been a pro for 20 years and knows the keys to victory. I see Barrera taking the early rounds but then Khan coming back, unleashing his powerful, accurate shots. Khan has to be cautious coming in to avoid the counter by Barrera, because if that catches Khan, the fight could be all over, along with Amir’s career.

Would I be surprised to see a Barrera victory? Of course not. If Barrera fights smart, he has more than a great chance. However, I think Khan is too determined, fast and powerful for the 35 year old, 70 fight veteran.

I see Khan forcing the ref to step in to rescue Barrera around the middle to late stages of the bout due to the sheer quantity and power of the combinations Khan throws to pull off a famous victory that so many have tried and failed against Barrera, and encapsulating British fight fans once again this Saturday night.