Tweet
by Cliff Rold - It should have been easier to see coming.
Just a few months shy of the anniversary of the 2001 moment he is still so identified by, Zab Judah stepped in with an IBF belt and a strong headwind for a unification bout with Kostya Tzsyu. Did that say bout? Maybe the right word was supposed to be coronation, so strongly was Judah favored in some corners of the boxing establishment.
Tszyu’s second round knockout win remains a memorable moment in contemporary fistic lore. It was the beginning of a turbulent career that saw Judah post a big win over Cory Spinks for the Welterweight crown and losses to just about everyone else who mattered (including Spinks the first time around).
With Amir Khan, it really was easy to see it coming.
His early career moments of vulnerability seemed to build to the crescendo that was his 2008 first round shelling at the hands of Breidis Prescott. For the 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist from Britain, it’s what has come since that is striking. Dominant wins over legitimate top ten Jr. Welterweights like Paulie Malignaggi, Andriy Kotelnik, and Marcos Maidana have shown growth, Maidana in particular providing an epic gut check.
What he hasn’t faced yet is a skilled veteran who retains both speed and one-punch knockout power.
One thing is certain: both these two see each other coming [Click Here To Read More]
Just a few months shy of the anniversary of the 2001 moment he is still so identified by, Zab Judah stepped in with an IBF belt and a strong headwind for a unification bout with Kostya Tzsyu. Did that say bout? Maybe the right word was supposed to be coronation, so strongly was Judah favored in some corners of the boxing establishment.
Tszyu’s second round knockout win remains a memorable moment in contemporary fistic lore. It was the beginning of a turbulent career that saw Judah post a big win over Cory Spinks for the Welterweight crown and losses to just about everyone else who mattered (including Spinks the first time around).
With Amir Khan, it really was easy to see it coming.
His early career moments of vulnerability seemed to build to the crescendo that was his 2008 first round shelling at the hands of Breidis Prescott. For the 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist from Britain, it’s what has come since that is striking. Dominant wins over legitimate top ten Jr. Welterweights like Paulie Malignaggi, Andriy Kotelnik, and Marcos Maidana have shown growth, Maidana in particular providing an epic gut check.
What he hasn’t faced yet is a skilled veteran who retains both speed and one-punch knockout power.
One thing is certain: both these two see each other coming [Click Here To Read More]
Comment