Is Kotelnik a decent level of opponent for Khan at this stage of his career?

It'll last until Khan wins then history will be re-writen and Kotelnik will have been a bum all along.

 

i think khan is a good fighter
i dont like the way he goes about things
why didnt he fight for a british title does he think he is better than that
and here he is with a world title shot that he doesnt deserve
but i think kotelnic WILL take him 12 rounds and if khan wins we have got to get behind him
believe me i am not a khan fan

 

There is no way on this earth Khan outboxes Kotelnik for 12 full rounds. Kotelnik is a legitimate champ with only two very close loses to M'Baye and Witter.

Plus the guy is an olympic silver medalist. He's a very, very good fundamental boxer, nothing flashy, just solid text book boxing.

That being said, the man is 35 or so, if it goes the distance i see Khan taking a close decision due to workrate, and top respect to him if he does. But Kotelnik, although not a huge puncher at Light welter, has the power and experience to stop Khan.

If it goes the distance, i feel Khans youth will prevail, but if anyone gets KO'd, it certainly won't be Kotelnik.

 

Kotenlnik is 31.

Kotenlnik has never faced anyone with the hand speed of Khan, that's what sets Khan aside from most other boxers, Khan will keep beating him to the punch with his speed and move or block when Kotenlnik wants to land. It will be hit and move from Khan like the MAB fight but his style should further improve with another hard training camp with Roach. Kotenlnik is a good boxer like you said but has slow footwork and average hand speed and power this fight is made for Khan to win and look good in doing so, but Khan has to fight a perfect fight and make sure he sticks to the gameplan then he can outbox him for most of the fight i feel or if not it can go all wrong.

 

And?

Witter's pretty fast and more awkward. Kotelnik gave him a pretty good argument and I'd favour Witter to beat Khan.

Kotelnik will block the majority of Khan attacks on his arms. Khan continues throwing and, as he does, his own defence tends to evaporate. Here is where Kotelnik will counter.

Except that MAB was a much smaller man with a serious cut from the first round. This will be nothing like that.

He's accurate and has great timing - the two key components to beating a fast handed fighter.

Nicely sat on the fence but it is inevitable that Kotelnik will catch Khan as the fight progresses. I See Kotelnik as the 65/35 favourite.

 

Seems like a good one to me. Kotelnik will be challenge and has a chance to win, without being some world-destroying demi-god or anything.

 

I don't think what I have to say will add very much to what has been said already...

The only thing I haven't seen that I'd say is that Kotelinik ended his last fight, against Maidana, looking quite hurt. I think that fight took a lot out of him and, just like Khan against Barerra, Frank Warren has pulled off a wonderful piece of match-making.

Kotelnik will still be a big test for Khan but if the Khan who boxed very sensibly for as long as the Barrera fight was a legitimate one turns up then he can get a close UD.

 

This is a full blown world title fight. kotelnik is a very good world class fighter who is prepared to and has been in the trenches at world level. is this amazing match making on warrens part? nope, its out of practicality more than anything. does khan have a PPV deal in place with sky. yes. warren needs to put a big fight together and he cant actually take a belt at lightweight and another old name simply wont do. this is warren saying to khan , ok ive got you here now theres only one man that can determine where your going to go and thats you.


if khan loses this, he is no where near finished but its the manner of the defeat that is all important. look flashy for 4/5 rounds then get broken down and stopped pretty easy it could well be the end.


Kotelnik is nobodys fool and no ones 'test'. he is a respected champion and an olympic medalist

 

:yep

I like it some good answers there, first of all the i said age 31 because the guy i was quoting said he was 35.

Witter is fast, but Khan is more direct puncher and faster. This will be the task for Khan to get though his guard and work openings, his fast jab will be the key here. Kotelnik has timing and is accurate, but Khan is also improving in that area under Roach, again will be a test to see how good Khan is really is. Khan will train the hardest for this fight and give it 110% just like Kotelnik will I am sure and will be a great test for Khan.

For me 60-40 to Khan for this fight. UD or late KO for Khan.

Speed Kills

 

This is why it's such a good fight, Darni. I'm very impressed that both Khan and Warren have gone for it. It'll be the first Khan fight I've looked forward to since he boxed Limond.

 

Yes a great fight Frank and Khan should get a bit of credit for making and taking it, should be a real fight. I hope this wil be aired live in North America (Vancouver) I will fly out on 26 June 1 day before the fight.