Khan Comes of Age

Amir Khan proved that he has all the talent to become a world class fighter by dispatching Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in five rounds at the MEN Arena on Saturday.

The baby faced assassin, Barrera, was bidding to become Mexico’s first ever four-weight world champion and had looked in confident mood throughout the build up to the fight.

Having previously lost to Marquez and Pacquiao, Barrera was stepping up to lightweight to face Khan and struggled from the outset to deal with the Bolton man’s power and blistering hand speed.

The British fighter was taking a massive chance in stepping up in class to face Barrera but instantly looked comfortable and his new found defensive skills certainly showed. Since partnering with trainer Freddie Roach, Khan has been preaching his new skills and the fight on Saturday was the perfect showcase.

The fight started at a brisk pace and Khan instantly took control, pressuring his much older opponent. However a clash of heads resulted in a deep gash above Barrera’s right eye which the corner men struggled to subdue.

With blood pouring from his forehead the Mexican showed his spirit by continuing to come out and fight. His vision was clearly impeded and Khan continued to throw combinations and dominate the fight.

The younger fighters natural weight advantage and his slick style were just too much for the old warrior as Khan pressured his man in every round. At the start of the fifth the ring doctors took a long look at Barrera and decided that the cut was just too bad for the fight to continue.

The fight was stopped and sent to the scorecards were all three judges ruled in Khan’s favour, with the British lightweight winning every round.

The win proved that Khan has all of the ability needed to become a world champion and after his shock defeat to Bredis Prescott this victory will surely prove that he is ready to make the step up to World Class.

With Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez currently running the division, Khan will surely be hoping he can defeat yet another classy Mexican and claim the crown of undisputed lightweight champion.