Boxing: Sugar Ray sings Khan praises
Apr 8 2007
Amir Khan was showered with superlatives by legendary five-time world champion Sugar Ray Leonard after making a successful American television debut at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
Khan’s 12th professional contest turned out to be one of his most straight-forward as he picked off veteran Doncaster lightweight Steffy Bull at will before stopping him at one minute 45 seconds of round three.
The Olympic silver medallist’s bout was broadcast free-to-air in the US by cable giant Home Box Office, and Leonard, watching at ringside, said fans on both sides of the Atlantic would be impressed by what they had seen.
Leonard said: “Amir has amazing attributes. He has hand-speed, power and confidence. He has everything. As long as he is moved on correctly, that kid has the makings of a superstar.”
High praise indeed coming from Leonard, but Khan has so far backed up all the prophecies of greatness directed his way and was totally in command against an opponent who seemed awed by the occasion.
It was easy to see why it might be too much. Bull, now 24-5-1, had built up his modest record largely on local club shows and had swapped a short-lived retirement and a couple of ringside seats to take the fight.
Suddenly he found himself announced into the ring by MC Michael Buffer, clad in gleaming white robes and even acquiring the nickname ‘Supersonic’ for the evening. For Khan, on the other hand, it was business as usual.
Khan said: “I think it was a good fight to be shown in America. They will see that there is another great fighter coming up from England. I showed tonight that I can throw body shots and adapt my style.”
Khan worked well to the body, winding Bull with a crunching right early in the second as the Doncaster man reverted entirely to survival mode. A jolting right hand to the head in round three weakened his resistance.
Two ripping body shots against the ropes dumped Bull to the canvas. Despite clambering up at the count of eight he showed no inclination to continue, and referee Marcus McDonnell waved the contest off.
Khan will now return in July, likely on the next Joe Calzaghe bill at the former Millennium Dome. The increasingly bullish 20-year-old would love the opportunity to test himself against a major domestic rival.
Khan added: “I’d love to shut their mouths. I believe I would give British champion Jonathan Thaxton a boxing lesson, while Kevin Mitchell and Graham Earl have gone very quiet lately.
“John Murray is not even on my level. Everybody knows who is better. He has got a world youth title but he’s the one calling me out. It should be the other way round. They’re scared and they just see it as a pay-day.
SRL HAPPY WITH KHAN's AMERICAN EXPOSURE ON HBO!!
SRL HAPPY WITH KHAN's AMERICAN EXPOSURE ON HBO!!
good article on amir and sugar ray leonard re: khan's showing on hbo:
Please. Kevin Mitchell is not even in his weight class - it would be like telling Khan hes in with Ricky Hatton (and i mean that in ever sense, KM is dire compared to Khan). Plus why is FW going to feed KM to AK, when he can have two cash cows? Lets see Khan in with Carl Johannson, or at least hear him talk about it.
From Earls last fight it looks like he lacks the discipline to get involved properly with Khan, so that will be the likely 'big fight'. but my money is on another shyte domestic, well below the level of Thaxton
From Earls last fight it looks like he lacks the discipline to get involved properly with Khan, so that will be the likely 'big fight'. but my money is on another shyte domestic, well below the level of Thaxton