When Amir "King" Khan (25-1-1, 17 KO’s) faces Zab "Super" Judah (41-6, 28 KO’s) in three weeks, he just may be facing the stiffest test of his career. One could make a very strong argument that his fight against Marcos Maidana last year was just that.
And I won’t even argue that fact. But if Judah arrives in peak mental (often a question) and physical shape (rarely a question), we may see Khan’s chin tested again.
Amir Khan’s chin is the 800-pound gorilla in the room. Everyone sees it. Everyone knows about it. But its impact on his fights’ outcomes have varied. Luckily for him, this "gorilla" has rarely lead to his demise.
The one time that it did, he was felled in shocking fashion by then-undefeated Breidis Prescott in a single round! That KTFO (knocked the @#$! out) loss has continued to follow Khan during his career.
By surviving the hard-hitting Maidana’s bombs, Khan earned a measure of respect, from me at least. But for many, it was imply a reminder that anyone who can punch has more than a puncher’s chance of defeating him.
And really, that’s the biggest appeal of this fight. At this stage of his 15-year career, Judah has seen better days. But what he can still do is punch, especially in the early rounds. And as we all know, Khan was starched by Prescott in one round. I am sure that Judah and his handlers are taking a closer look at the video footage of that fight.
However, Judah would be gravely mistaken to assume that Khan and his sage trainer Freddie Roach will come up with such a leaky game plan. On the other hand, Khan and Roach would be foolish to assume that Judah does not have another bullet or two left in the chamber.
When the smoke clears in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 23, I expect Amir Khan to stave off Judah’s early rush and cruise to a comprehensive decision victory.
tom says
i think judah’s stamina is in question. he has faded late in many fights. i agree with your call, but have concerns that he will be stopped late.
Ja Dawson says
@ tom, you’re probably right (about Judah being stopped late). We shall see.
uzzy says
zab is gonna !@#$ khan up side down!
mayweathervsortiz says
I think khan will knock out judah inside 8 rounds
Aliza Shehpati says
I have to go with Amir Khan in this one by late round stoppage. Zab should have changed trainers years before, but at this point, there is not much Sweet Pea can do for him. Amir Khan by 9th round TKO in a tough fight for a few rounds.
Ja Dawson says
@bautistadeng I tend to agree with you.
Ja Dawson says
@Aliza Excellent breakdown and analysis. The wild card: Khan’s chin. But my guess is that Trainer Roach and Khan have practiced long and hard on how not get hit caught by Judah early. That early round intrigue is the main reason this fight is interesting.
fahad says
I was so excited to see Amir Khan take out Judah so early in the fight, this guy is 4 real, pretty boy floyed u face will be smashed soon enough!!!, am I biased? HELL YEAH
Ja Dawson says
@fahad Indeed, an excellent victory for soon-to-be-King Khan, if he keeps fighting like this.