Tweet
... is that the lad is only 23, and potentially has well over a decade's worth of shelf life in him. He has so many years to achieve things, and he's already on the right track. Haters can futilely clutch at straws and bring up his shortcomings all they want, but this kid clearly wants to fight everyone (disregard the Warren factor just for this instance), and seems ready to make the step and fight in the States.
A certain Joe Calzaghe, on the other hand, hijacked a single belt for a decade, waited until his late 30s to make the Stateside jump, and even then only fought 2 old men. So already I respect Khan far more than Calzaghe, because of how he's going about his career. He did the Olympics, had his share of youthful and "chinny" outings before getting trounced, and has since proactively sought to make a difference by hiring Roach and taking his boxing more seriously.
Really, what's there to hate anymore? He's amazingly fast, has an exciting and "risky" presence in the ring (the chin issue), and he now seems to be developing real power as he matures. He's also an excellent role model for kids because he's going about things the decent way by staying involved with youth activities, and not blowing up like Hatton or aggressively spouting ****y religious tripe like Hamed.
I consider myself very fortunate to have followed his professional career from day one, watching him develop his craft as a fighter, and not be rushed into things. There's something new in every fight, and I believe he is a worthy addition to the LWW division over in the States. Isn't this what boxing is about - young prospects who learn, make mistakes, have success, become champion and forge out a lengthy career for themselves? At least it's more respectable (and interesting) than Chavez Jr.
And as far as haters go, I can always refer to these 2 posts I made a while ago, which still hold plenty of ground...
He just can't please everyone, but the believers know the truth. :smile1:
A certain Joe Calzaghe, on the other hand, hijacked a single belt for a decade, waited until his late 30s to make the Stateside jump, and even then only fought 2 old men. So already I respect Khan far more than Calzaghe, because of how he's going about his career. He did the Olympics, had his share of youthful and "chinny" outings before getting trounced, and has since proactively sought to make a difference by hiring Roach and taking his boxing more seriously.
Really, what's there to hate anymore? He's amazingly fast, has an exciting and "risky" presence in the ring (the chin issue), and he now seems to be developing real power as he matures. He's also an excellent role model for kids because he's going about things the decent way by staying involved with youth activities, and not blowing up like Hatton or aggressively spouting ****y religious tripe like Hamed.
I consider myself very fortunate to have followed his professional career from day one, watching him develop his craft as a fighter, and not be rushed into things. There's something new in every fight, and I believe he is a worthy addition to the LWW division over in the States. Isn't this what boxing is about - young prospects who learn, make mistakes, have success, become champion and forge out a lengthy career for themselves? At least it's more respectable (and interesting) than Chavez Jr.
And as far as haters go, I can always refer to these 2 posts I made a while ago, which still hold plenty of ground...
He just can't please everyone, but the believers know the truth. :smile1:
Comment