Amir Khan's performance against Julio Diaz: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Good post, Bogo.

Although there are improvements to be seen out of Khan, these are only small, and I actually think they take away from the tools he has that gives his opponents so much trouble.

For example, his speed. Not just hand speed, but his ability to push in to range (whether his footwork and body weight is too far forward or not) and unleash blistering combinations and then drive back out (when he drives back out that is). Like I said, there are flaws when he does use his speed to his advantage, he can be timed and caught by opponents when they punch with him. But at the same time, he gives his opponents absolute fits when he does, I'd like to see him find a happy medium between the two because at the moment, he has too much time to think (if that makes sense).

A couple of points I took from the bout last night (bearing in mind I was in a pub).

I do like how he is slipping whilst throwing the jab, like has been pointed out, his head is just off-centre.

His footwork did look more under control, but still not all that. His balance is still too far forward and seems to enjoy admiring his work instead of deploying a defensive movement straight after an offensive one. Something Ward does so well. His footwork also leaves him far too square on after throwing combinations, still.

He locks his front leg which attributes to what happens above, has a negative effect on the momentum when he attacks and also slows his drive out of range.

His hand placement is getting better, but like has been said, still drops that right hand far too regularly.

Needs to stop using both hands to employ defensive movements. What I mean by this is, I spotted on more than one occasion Diaz feinting, Khan taking it, but using both hands out front from his body to either block or parry at the same time, leaving a big gap and his head fully exposed.

His hand speed wasn't as shocking as it has been.

He copes far better once in trouble, especially learning how to hold on.

He has begun slipping and rolling some shots.

Like Bball said, his punches seem programmed, it seems like he has already decided what punches to throw 5 seconds before he begins his offense, which makes the adaptability suffer and doesn't take his opponents actions in to consideration.

Still wide open to that left hook.

 

I've been trying to work out what I think about the fight.

At first I thought the change of style had caused him to regress slightly. Being more cautious with his throwing seemed to take away his advantage of a constant bombardment of punches.

People said his lack of power means he can't keep people at bay, I felt like the reduced combinations were inviting even more pressure. As a result I feel like he might have been getting tagged more than usual? May be that I am wrong.

I'm wondering if Diaz is just not being given enough credit. He's come off a good result and he did genuinely seem to see this as a massive opportunity to get back to the top, rejuvenated or a man inspired he was on Khan for the whole fight. I think the quality of opposition he bought he higher than he is being credited for.

 

Agree 100%, And I thought everybody was brainless here :rasta

 

I think if asked straight Virgil would conceded that he obviously should not be throwing that uppercut (reminds me of the one Price tried vs Thompson that got him in trouble).

I think the point he was making, was that in boxing this IS going to happen, Khan IS going to get hit no matter how much training, so the best way to combat that is to make sure Amir knows what to do when he does get in trouble.

I think we did see some improvements in that area last night, when hurt he was holding and he was finding space rather than throwing like a lunatic. Unfortunately I feel like we also saw a slower Khan, not slow, but slower. I'm hoping against a less heavy hitter we will see a few more of those lightening combinations.

 

I think Virgil told him not to throw more than 3 punches at once. I think this fight was a learning fight. He didn't look as bad. Just that he's a sucker for the left hook. He's no throwing in excess. He took heavy shots in the 11th yet finished 12 off really well. Khan seems to be confused in the ring... not as confident... you can see him thinking before throwing the shots.... before his offence was his defence.

I would like to know the fight stats if anyone has them print screen them and paste plz. Power connects/Jabs landed etc.

 

:nono

Bogotazo always puts together great analysis and break downs of fights and fighters, not just opinions as well he backs them up with evidence.

 

I thought his hand speed seems to have slowed. Maybe it was the extra few pounds and perhaps slacking in the fitness side of training.

He has said he wants to spend more time teaining in between fights

 

I think it was lack of confidence, he was reluctant to let his hands go, few times diaz was in no position to counter and off balance, but he backed off when he should have thrown more to the body, he could have gotten Diaz's respect.

Diaz fought a good fight, so lets give him some credit aswell.

Although Khan got dropped in this fight, his chin wasnt tested there (more off balance, a well placed jab would have put him down), it was towards the later rounds where it got tested, his chin let him down, his heart dragged him through it.

 

TLDR - Khan has a lose button situated on his chin.

 

Tactical adjustments as displayed by the fight won't be enough. Yes, he's trying to fight a little wiser. In many ways, many of the things he's doing better are common sense things he always should've been doing. That's how far behind Amir Khan actually is, and it speaks just how athletically a boxer he truly is. Kind of amazing in a sense.

I also think the poster that said he might be passed his physically prime is probably right.

 

Good post. This is sort of how I felt. It's a troubling paradox, actually. Perhaps you're right on Diaz. I wasn't awfully impressed by him, but he's a smart, adequate veteran. Good feinting, timing, countering, etc.

 

Khan learned a lot from that fight which he deserved to win. However, I think he should go back to Roach.........