Roach Expecting KO

I'm for Team Khan. Trainer Roach knows all. JAT Roach expecting KO Freddie expects Khan to be crowned world champion By Ed Damerell Last updated: 16th July 2009 Freddie Roach has earned himself quite a reputation with fight predictions, successfully forseeing the outcome of Manny Pacquiao's last two victories over Ricky Hatton and Oscar De La Hoya. So when he says Amir Khan is going to knock out Andreas Kotelnik late on in their world-title fight on July 18, it may be better to get down the bookmakers sooner rather than later. That's not to say that Roach is taking the WBA light-welterweight champion lightly - Khan's trainer is expecting a very tough test for his fighter at the MEN Arena. "I rate Kotelnik very highly," Roach told Sky Sports. "He is a silver medallist in the Olympics and he's fundamentally very good at what he does. He's very defensive, got a good one two. He's not a big puncher but he is effective." Khan himself has been quoted in past as saying that Kotelnik is the worst of the current world champions. His trainer agrees that the Ukranian is not the most gifted of light-welterweights, but in the current climate that is nothing to be ashamed of. "He might be the easiest champion at 140lbs now but it's a stacked division at the moment," said Roach. "It's like the new heavyweight division. This is definitely going to be our toughest fight to date, harder than Barrera." Roach is widely regarded as the best trainer in the world and well known for his meticulous preparations. Selective He has studied Kotelnik's fights and fresh from masterminding Manny Pacquiao's wins over de la Hoya and Hatton, believes he has just the right plan to earn Khan his first world title "Kotelnik is very consistent and doesn't vary from his style," he said. "We can take advantage of his habits but we have to be selective. "Amir must work the angles and wait for the openings. Kotelnik reaches for punches and his defence leaves him open for body shots." The defence Roach is referring to is Kotelnik's high-handed, passive style. While it could offer Khan an opening Roach is also wary it could lead to his downfall. The American is concerned his charge - who was knocked out in just 54 seconds by Breidis Prescott less than a year ago - may get too excited if Kotelnik allows him the freedom to tee off. "Amir has got to be careful about wearing himself out on Kotelnik's hands," he said. Overwhelmed "He blocks punches in front of his face. A lot of guys get overwhelmed by that thinking they're scoring points and hurting their opponent. "He's a bit like a rope-a-dope, he wants you to throw a lot of punches and he's going to block them hoping you tire out." But Roach is confident Khan's fitness program under Alex Ariza will ensure he has the strength to set a gruelling pace. He believes the work Khan has done at the Wildcard Gym in Hollywood will mean it is Kotelnik who struggles in the championship rounds - and that is where the fight will be decided. "I expect Amir to win this fight in good fashion and I do believe we'll knock him out in the late rounds," he said. Bold "I know that's a bold statement because the guy is very defensive and has a good chin. But I feel Amir's work rate will be just too much for him. This victory will put us up with the cream of the crop." The cream of the crop in the 140's are the likes of Miguel Cotto, Floyd Mayweather and Pacquiao, not to mention Shane Mosley. Khan himself has hinted at a showdown with Hatton, but it is Mosley who Roach favours most and he could well be next up if events in Manchester go to plan. "Shane Mosley is looking for a fight and if Amir wins a world title it will put him right in his path. We're looking to step up quickly."