By Mark Vester
In his recent column for The Sun, promoter Frank Warren said that his popular prospect Amir Khan (14-0, 11KOs) has all the signs of becoming a breakout superstar like his former fighter "Prince" Naseem Hamed (36-1, 31KOs).
Warren feels that Khan has the power, the charisma and the talent to become the next "Naz." If Khan does have the desire to become the next Hamed, he must cross the river to America, like Hamed, and fight the best lightweight fighters on this side of the ocean. Hamed was not only a superstar in the UK, he was one of the few who was able to cross over and become a superstar in America.
Hamed's ring entrances were one of a kind in the sport, and his huge ego only added to the charisma he possessed with boxing fans.
"Promoting Hamed was often a roller-coaster with his enormous ego. But it was fun and rewarding, especially experiencing the atmosphere ringside," Warren said. "After I split with Naz, I often wondered if we would ever see that atmosphere again — but I think Amir Khan generates a similar buzz."
"Like Hamed, Khan is exciting to watch — not one of his 14 fights has been dull and crowds are flocking to see him. Like Hamed, when he turned professional Amir didn’t have a reputation for being a big puncher but he is developing considerable power now he is beginning to pick his shots. He’s finished 11 fights early, and as he matures we will see even more knockouts. If Amir turns out to be half as good as The Prince of the early days, he’ll be very special indeed."
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