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Boxing Predictions

Amir Khan Will Have The Power Of An Adoring Nation Behind Him

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When Andriy Kotelnik (31-2, 13 KOs) travels to Manchester, United Kingdom to defend his WBA lightweight title against Amir Khan (20-1, 15 KOs), it will seem like he’s facing Khan and British royal guards. Kotelnik is a very competent titlist, but this fight is set up for Khan to shine. Khan is poised to succeed Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton as the UK’s next boxing star. And to make matters worse for Kotelnik, the fight takes place in the U.K., where Khan will have the home ring advantage. But that’s not the only reason I think Khan will emerge victorious in two weeks.

Before I explain why Khan is a prohibitive favorite in my eyes, let me tell you that Kotelnik is no slouch. Sure, he probably really lost his fight to the very bad (meaning good) Marcos Rene Maidana. But given Maidana’s eye-opening (pun intended) performance against ‘star-on-pause’ Victor Ortiz, Kotelnik’s victory over him stands out even more. He also split two fights with the always-tough Souleymane M’baye and owns a clear-cut victory over Mohamad Abdulaev a few years ago.

Kotelnik’s biggest asset may be the biggest loss that he’s had in his career. My pops once told me that you don’t know what you are capable until you lose (it). He may have meant that differently, but you know what I am getting at! Nothing could be truer than Kotelnik’s experience when he traveled to the U.K. to face former titlist Junior Witter. He lost a very close decision, but now knows first-hand what it is like to fight in England against the hometown favorite in a big fight.

Skills pay the bills. And Khan has them in abundance, especially compared to his opponent here. Khan has a huge power advantage. It’s not even close. Khan has the speed advantage. Khan has arguably the best trainer in the business, Freddie Roach. And Khan appears to be more relaxed in the ring since his disaster at the atomic hands of Breidis Prescott.

Despite all of these advantages, I’d be shocked to see Khan stop Kotelnik inside of 12 rounds. However, I do expect him to walk away with a clear-cut, unanimous decision victory. Khan’s rise started with his win over Marco Antonio Barrera, continues here, and will go as far as his chin allows it to.

Filed Under: Boxing Predictions

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About Ja Dawes

After years of debating via email with my buddies on topics ranging from who the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world is to who is going to win the upcoming heavyweight title fight, I wanted to create a forum where I could share my opinions on such topics. Enter FightInsight.com. You can also follow me on Twitter: fightinsight

Comments

  1. chris K says

    Barrera hit Khan and turned his legs to jelly and he was way smaller than Kotelnik. Khan’s chin is so bad that you don’t have to hit him hard, you just need to hit him clean. Look at the non-punchers who have put him on his arse.

    Kotelnik may not be a puncher but he is a longtime Light Welter who has a chin, can punch on target, and has loads of stamina. That may be all he’ll need to stop Khan in about 7 rounds…

  3. chris K says

    Yep thats the pick! KO 7 Kotelnik..

    I did originally go for Khan PTS but I can’t see Amir avoiding punches for 12 rounds!