Pacquiao, Hatton Friend Khan Votes for Neither One

by Troen Gonzales, Boxingbulletin.net

Rising pugilist star Amir Khan modestly says in essence, “I don’t really know“, when asked about the outcome of the Pacquiao-Hatton megafight come May 2. Khan echoed Manny Pacquiao’s unassuming view during the last promotional event, albeit of a more spiritual tone.

In an interview with Sky Sport News.com, Khan marveled briefly at both fighters’ prowess in the ring and the weapons that they will bring to the canvass come fight night.

“Manny Pacquiao’s got that speed and explosiveness… and so is Ricky Hatton… [he] is explosive as well,” remarked Khan. “I don’t think Manny Pacquiao has been hit on the body by a good body puncher like Ricky Hatton… Once Ricky Hatton throw ‘dem body shots and bombs at the body… you don’t know.”

The young boxing upstart from England, who frustrated Marco Antonio Barrera last month under the tutelage of celebrated trainer Freddie Roach, muses on the strengths of both boxers’ skills, pointing out Ricky’s destructive body shots and Manny’s lightning speed.

“Can Manny handle the pressure? Or can Ricky handle the speed of Pacquiao? Both fighters are on the top of their game, they’re on peak, and they have good, good wins in their previous fights,” expressed Khan.

The British boxer will be fighting Ukrainian Andreas Kotelnik on June 27. For that fight, Khan will be stepping up to the 140-lb junior welterweight division. However, promoter Don King has been challenging and accusing Khan of harboring a tainted victory over Barrera, who lost via a technicality when he carried a bloody cut all the way to the fifth round.

The promising fighter from Bolton finally ended the speculation by saying, “I’m just gonna go there enjoy the night.”