Marco Antonio Barrera-Amir Khan To Move Forward on March 14

[Puntoyhauf]

Being chinny isn't as simple as you say. Ali had the reputation of being chinny in his early career, but in his late career he had a superb chin. Hopkin's chin has never been tested even though he's 44, because he's never been hit flush by a big punch.

Factors that affect punch resistance include stance, ability to roll with punches, ability to block or partially block punches, good head and foot movement so that punches don't land flush, and sturdy legs (I'm sure I've missed some, but the point is, there are lots of factors that can be worked on which do affect punch resistance).

Before Khan joined Roach he was never taught the basics, and Roach has been working on all of the above with him. The most visible change is Khan's body - he's lost a lot of weight off his back, and gained a lot on his legs.

Also, Pac has been hitting Khan with lots of power punches in sparring (obviously not as hard as if it were a real fight, but still power punches); and according to Roach Khan's been taking them fine.

Thanks for the info... I just want to see Khan stand up against Barrera, I don't want to see an early KO from both fighters. I want to see Khan's improvements and what Barrera can still do in his career.

I know about the sparring, he's one of those fighters that was offered $1,000 if they can KO Manny in sparring.

[superscience]

Being chinny isn't as simple as you say. Ali had the reputation of being chinny in his early career, but in his late career he had a superb chin. Hopkin's chin has never been tested even though he's 44, because he's never been hit flush by a big punch.

Factors that affect punch resistance include stance, ability to roll with punches, ability to block or partially block punches, good head and foot movement so that punches don't land flush, and sturdy legs (I'm sure I've missed some, but the point is, there are lots of factors that can be worked on which do affect punch resistance).

Before Khan joined Roach he was never taught the basics, and Roach has been working on all of the above with him. The most visible change is Khan's body - he's lost a lot of weight off his back, and gained a lot on his legs.

Also, Pac has been hitting Khan with lots of power punches in sparring (obviously not as hard as if it were a real fight, but still power punches); and according to Roach Khan's been taking them fine.

never taught the basics? i thought he did well as an amateur? anyways, i need some education on this one; is it really that big of a factor having amateur background when you become a pro?

[Dave Rado]

never taught the basics? i thought he did well as an amateur? anyways, i need some education on this one; is it really that big of a factor having amateur background when you become a pro?

Amateur and professional boxing aren't really even the same sport any more - look at Audley Harrison, an Olympic Gold medallist who was completely useless as a professional and who also never learnt the basics of the professional game. What's caused this is the ridiculous scoring system used in amateur boxing these days.

[Sparked_1985]

Amateur and professional boxing aren't really even the same sport any more - look at Audley Harrison, an Olympic Gold medallist who was completely useless as a professional and who also never learnt the basics of the professional game. What's caused this is the ridiculous scoring system used in amateur boxing these days.

got to agree with this; Audley appeared to have it all. 6'5, Southpaw, 240 pounds, a decent jab and a nice uppercut - but he was ****. Mainly because he was soft.

Amir definetely isn't soft, so regardless of whatever happens against MAB he'll have a far more successful and interesting career than Audrey.

You make good points about Khan too, we do see some guys punch resistance improve; like anything I guess it's becoming conditioned to absorbing shots. Though as much as I like Khan, I have serious doubts he can take flush shot from a seasoned veteran like Barrera who can still crack somewhat. It's just we've seen Khan go down from all kind of shots so far. And most worrying in the case of Limond a guy that possessed no pop whatsoever. Until Khan shows us otherwise, his punch resistance is what gets him written off by people. Personally, I think offensively, he is a world-class fighter and is accurate as ****.

[big paulie]

Amateur and professional boxing aren't really even the same sport any more - look at Audley Harrison, an Olympic Gold medallist who was completely useless as a professional and who also never learnt the basics of the professional game. What's caused this is the ridiculous scoring system used in amateur boxing these days.

I was going to pick u up on the basics comment but if your talking proffessionally then your right, he maintained an amateur style so far and Roach along with world class sparring will recify this to a certain extent but i do not beleive it will be enough, remember this is Khans fourth year as a pro. Barrera was able to make adjustments to his boxing mid way through his career but dont forget he was already a world champion before he did

[Dave Rado]

I was going to pick u up on the basics comment but if your talking proffessionally then your right, he maintained an amateur style so far and Roach along with world class sparring will recify this to a certain extent but i do not beleive it will be enough, remember this is Khans fourth year as a pro. Barrera was able to make adjustments to his boxing mid way through his career but dont forget he was already a world champion before he did

We'll know a lot more on March 15. I have a lot of respect for Roach's opinion, and Roach honestly believes he can take Khan to the top - he wouldn't have bothered to take him on in the first place if he didn't honestly believe that.