Khan says he isnt ready for title fight

Akxtinguish · Mar 14, 2009

Interesting change of tone:

World can wait for Khan

Published: Saturday, 14 March 2009, 9:30AM

Amir Khan is "fearless" about fighting Marco Antonio Barrera tonight but admits he is not yet ready to win the world title even if he beats the Mexican legend.

The 2004 Olympic silver medallist faces Barrera at the MEN Arena in Manchester bidding to put his career back on track after last year's shocking defeat by Colombian Breidis Prescott.

And with promoter Frank Warren hoping to confirm the bout as a final eliminator for a shot at the WBA lightweight title, Khan readily accepts it is the most important night of his career.

However, he knows that challenging champion Juan Manuel Marquez immediately after beating Barrera would be unwise.

"Not straight after this fight - I won't be ready for (Marquez) at this moment in time, he's a brilliant fighter," Khan said.

"But after getting Barrera out the way maybe I'll have one more fight then a world-title fight, or maybe have a European fight and then a world-title fight.

"I'm just going to leave that to Frank Warren, I'm going to focus on this fight.

"But by the end of the year I'll be in the mix with the best fighters in the world."

The 22-year-old is well aware of the importance of the Barrera fight after returning to the ring with an easy win over Oisin ***an in December following the first-round knockout by Prescott.

"This fight is make-or-break for me and that motivates me," he said.

"This is going to bring the best out of Amir Khan. Afterwards, there will be no questions about me.

"I'm ready for anything. I'm coming into the fight fearless.

"This is more important than the Olympic final, it is a different chapter in my career and what a fight it's going to be."

Khan added: "Barrera has lost numerous fights but look where he is now. We aren't thinking about losing, it has not crossed my mind. There's only going to be one winner.

"I've tasted defeat and it's made me a better fighter."

Unsurprisingly 35-year-old Barrera believes his experience will prove to be a crucial factor.

"Amir is young and he is quick, but he doesn't have the chin or the experience to deal with me," he said.

"I'm glad to be fighting a great young fighter like Amir Khan but I've got a lot of experience, more than 30 title fights.

"I've been up against the best fighters in my weight classes all my career so I'm ready."

The nature of Khan's defeat by Prescott, when he was blown away in less than a minute, suggests Barrera should be an overwhelming favourite.

If the Mexican lands a clean power shot he could destroy the youngster but if Khan's defence and speed are as good as he and trainer Freddie Roach claim, there is every chance he will overcome the biggest challenge of his career.

On the undercard tonight Nicky Cook defends his WBO super-featherweight title against Puerto Rican Roman Martinez while Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli aims to become the WBO interim cruiserweight champion against Ola Afolabi.

Click to expand...

http://www.itv.com/Sport/boxing/news/Articles/World-can-wait-for-Khan-919879394.html

ApatheticLeader · Mar 14, 2009

Wow. Interesting.

I hate him a little less now. It's nice to see modesty and a sense of perspective.

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Khan says he isnt ready for title fight

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Khan says he isnt ready for title fight

Akxtinguish Belt holder Full Member

ApatheticLeader is bringing ***y back. Full Member

ApatheticLeader *is bringing ***y back.* Full Member