Former unified light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan (33-4-0, 20 KOs) is confident he can beat the odds in his upcoming bout versus WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford (34-0-0, 25 KOs).
Khan will challenge Crawford with the goal of getting his hands on the world title on April 20 at Madison Square Garden in New Town York. He is a huge underdog in the bout, with Crawford – a three division champion – tabbed by some oddsmakers as a 10-1 favorite.
“It’s going to be amazing to become the new world welterweight champion and to be a world champion for the third time,” Khan said.
“And being one of the best pound-to-pound fighters in the world, you cannot ask for more than that. I know that to get there, I just have to introduce myself on April 20, and deliver a very great performance.” Khan added.
To prepare for this fight, Khan has reconnected with veteran coach Virgil Hunter. The British boxer trained with Hunter for several years, but he briefly hired Joe Goossen because Hunter became ill.
“I think I have become better now than ever before. I am more experienced and intelligent as a fighter, and my speed is still there; people say that speed starts when you get older but my speed is still there.” Khan said.
“I am also stronger and I behave more like a professional, I can take the shortcuts I took when I was younger,” Khan added.
Terence Crawford and Amir Khan to battle for welterweight supremacy. (Source:www.boxingnewstv.com)
Crawford, who is perceived as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in boxing, has been a champion in three weight divisions. He captured his first lightweight belt before unifying the all-time super-light titles, and he has recently won another world title in the 147 lbs.
“There’s only a year’s difference between me and him, so he’s not as young as people say. I feel in myself that I have the speed, the moves, and the IQ ring … and that I can really do well against left-handed boxers,” Khan said.
“No matter what he does, I’ll get the answer, no matter what he brings to the table, we’ll be ready for that. I know that I am going to fight someone who is of the same level as me, a rival who is world class.” he added.
