An Alternate Take On Khan's Decision To Sign With GBP

[Losfer_Words]

An alternative view:

Seriously, how can anyone deny that moving to GBP is anything other than a good move for Khan? Let's look at things objectively:

-Khan wants to be a big name in the States. Although undoubtedly the best British promoter out there, could ****** really have built Khan in America on his own? I think not.

-People criticise the likes of Calzaghe for sitting on his alphabet mandos for years on end, but when Khan shows that he wants to take on opponents outside of the UK who aren't mandated, people get up-in-arms about it.

-People are also criticising Khan for moving to GBP as they believe the Maidana fight will now be off. I'll admit, I really wanted to see this fight as well, but let's look at things from another angle to see both sides of the arguement: Firstly, the fight is yet to be 'cancelled' and Khan and his camp have indicated that they want the fight. GBP also promote Maidana so, if anyone can make the fight now other than the WBA enforcing it, it's them. Also, what exactly does Maidana bring to the table in terms of exposure that Malignaggi doesn't? Malignaggi is a name in America who has been in more big fights than Maidana; Cotto, Hatton, and two hugely publicised bouts with Juan Diaz. As for Maidana, does any casual boxing fan know who he is? I'd say more people over here and in America will know Malignaggi over Maidana any day and that is why the fight is being talked up. I personally believe Malignaggi is a much more difficult fight for Khan anyway but the rewards that will come with a win over him would be huge for short-term and quick exposure. With Malignaggi Khan can headline MSG, could a fight with Maidana really make that a possibility? No, don't be daft, it can't.

-Khan has sort of become a victim of his own success since the comeback from the Prescott disaster; people are now demanding all sorts of fights off of him without looking at the bigger picture.

Also, before anyone starts claiming that Khan is ungratefull for what ****** has done for him, I suggest you watch the last minute of this vid courtesy of the Brit Forum's favourite son, Griff:good:

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As I said, this thread is just aimed at looking at the situation a different way.:good

[slip&counter]

totally agree, well said Sir Losferdamus. :good

[Gneus7]

Khan knows what he's doing

[izmat]

Roach knows what he is doing:

"We just fought a mandatory and I feel that we should be able to fight one fight before that. I do want Amir Khan to fight Paulie Malignaggi because I thought it was a good fight for Amir in New York to be welcomed to America in his first American fight. I have no problems fighting Maidana because I think Amir can outbox him. I know it's a dangerous, dangerous fight, but I have not suggested that he drops his belt and gives that up," stated world-class trainer Freddie Roach as he talked about the future plans of WBA jr. welterweight champion Amir Khan. Not too long ago, there was a rumor floating around that Roach advised Khan to vacate his title instead of facing mandatory challenger Marcos Maidana. However, the 2009 Trainer of the Year set the record straight during a recent appearance on the OnTheGrind Boxing Radio Show.

"Maidana, if we end up having to fight him right now, I think that's a shame because I think that's a fight that can be built up into a really, really big fight. I think if they put those guys on the same show a couple of times and have the winners fight each other," Roach would explain as he clarified previous comments he made that were taken out of context. According to Roach, neither fighter has garnered enough exposure with the American public and he believes the fight could be much bigger if both sides hold off for now on the intriguing matchup. "The thing is, in America, neither guy is really well-known. I mean, Amir's gotten a little bit of attention over here, but he still hasn't had his debut in America yet," he continued. "I was hoping to go in a different direction after we did just fight our mandatory against Salita. I was looking to Malignaggi next and then Maidana after that or Victor Ortiz or whoever it may be."

Whether or not Khan indeed vacates his title depends largely in part on whether or not the rumors are true regarding his change in promoters. According to Steve Kim of Maxboxing.com, Khan has dumped long-time promoter Frank ****** and has signed with Golden Boy Promotions. If true, it's doubtful that Golden Boy Promotions, who also co-promote Maidana with Universum, will be eager to stage a showdown between both fighters, meaning Maidana will probably be offered step-aside money to allow Khan to keep his title and move forward with another bout. In fact, sources say that Golden Boy Promotions has already had initial talks with promoter Lou DiBella about matching Khan up against Malignaggi. "He does not want to give that belt up. He's proud of that belt. He won and he wants to keep it," Roach would reiterate.

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[China_hand_Joe]

Roach is the key here.

But he didn't exactly help Pacquaio - Mayweather happen.

[Dan684]

As I said, this thread is just aimed at looking at the situation a different way.:good

No its not. This is a dig at my thread. There were already 2/3 threads looking from this particular perspective.

[SouthpawSlayer]

great move for khan and his career, he came out recently and said the hate he gets in england is unreal and in the states he can walk down the street without even been noticed, he wants to fight in the states and ****** didnt want that shit

[Gneus7]

great move for khan and his career, he came out recently and said the hate he gets in england is unreal and in the states he can walk down the street without even been noticed, he wants to fight in the states and ****** didnt want that shit

Sounds about right

[Losfer_Words]

No its not. This is a dig at my thread. There were already 2/3 threads looking from this particular perspective.

Don't be daft. If you interpret every opinion other than your own as a 'dig' then you must be paranoid. As I said, it's an alternative view and I've chose to look at points that everyone seems to be glossing over. I did, however, use the title from your thread as a basis to exhibit my own and, going by feedback thus far, other's alternative opinions on Khan's decision to move. Lighten up, honcho.

[Dan684]

Well using the same thread title as my own with your own interpretation and making a thread on a topic for which there is already 3/4 threads for said topic to be discussed did feel like it was a dig

My apologies :good

[Losfer_Words]

Well using the same thread title as my own with your own interpretation and making a thread on a topic for which there is already 3/4 threads for said topic to be discussed did feel like it was a dig

My apologies :good

:good As I said previously, I think people need to weigh this up by looking at everything involved objectively. Some agree with the move and others disagree. Personally, I think all of the threads on the topic thus far are against the move hence why I've chosen to bleat my own opinion on it and see if anyone else agreed. I'll change the title of the thread.

[Dan684]

Yeah make sure you do :deal

It's not that I think it's a necessarily bad move mate I just think he was way off on the timing pal. I don't think GBP can get him many fights that FW can't - Infact the only fight I can see him being better with GPB for is Hatton but his camp aren't even mentioning that at the mo so I don't see the point.

As Ishy said he went looking to GPB coz he wasn't hapopy with ******s purse for Maidana ????? Bet he was fucking happy with ******s purse for the Fagan fight though :good

[Darni187]

Losfer you are spot on with your take on the move. :good

We must give Khan credit for wanting to try and fight the best fighters in the U.S in the near future. Khan could of easily stayed with ****** and kept fighting B rated fighters at home and creamed the shit out of the public.

No he wants to make his name at the world stage at this young age good luck to him.

[Dan684]

Never imagine he'd get your support on the matter Darni :lol:

[Grant1]

Never imagine he'd get your support on the matter Darni :lol:

I know, what a fucking turn up :lol:

[Dan684]

Sssssh You !

[Grant1]

Sorry Paul

[Darni187]

Never imagine he'd get your support on the matter Darni :lol:

:D

Lets see how far this kid from Bolton can go?

[Dan684]

Australia ?

[Grant1]

Australia ?

What you on about now Shirl?

[JIM KELLY]

Roach would love if Maidana somehow loses in his next bout so they can cross his name off the list.

Roach stated - fight on the same card a couple of times then have the winners face eachother.

[robpalmer135]

Roach knows what he is doing:

"We just fought a mandatory and I feel that we should be able to fight one fight before that. I do want Amir Khan to fight Paulie Malignaggi because I thought it was a good fight for Amir in New York to be welcomed to America in his first American fight. I have no problems fighting Maidana because I think Amir can outbox him. I know it's a dangerous, dangerous fight, but I have not suggested that he drops his belt and gives that up," stated world-class trainer Freddie Roach as he talked about the future plans of WBA jr. welterweight champion Amir Khan. Not too long ago, there was a rumor floating around that Roach advised Khan to vacate his title instead of facing mandatory challenger Marcos Maidana. However, the 2009 Trainer of the Year set the record straight during a recent appearance on the OnTheGrind Boxing Radio Show.

"Maidana, if we end up having to fight him right now, I think that's a shame because I think that's a fight that can be built up into a really, really big fight. I think if they put those guys on the same show a couple of times and have the winners fight each other," Roach would explain as he clarified previous comments he made that were taken out of context. According to Roach, neither fighter has garnered enough exposure with the American public and he believes the fight could be much bigger if both sides hold off for now on the intriguing matchup. "The thing is, in America, neither guy is really well-known. I mean, Amir's gotten a little bit of attention over here, but he still hasn't had his debut in America yet," he continued. "I was hoping to go in a different direction after we did just fight our mandatory against Salita. I was looking to Malignaggi next and then Maidana after that or Victor Ortiz or whoever it may be."

Whether or not Khan indeed vacates his title depends largely in part on whether or not the rumors are true regarding his change in promoters. According to Steve Kim of Maxboxing.com, Khan has dumped long-time promoter Frank ****** and has signed with Golden Boy Promotions. If true, it's doubtful that Golden Boy Promotions, who also co-promote Maidana with Universum, will be eager to stage a showdown between both fighters, meaning Maidana will probably be offered step-aside money to allow Khan to keep his title and move forward with another bout. In fact, sources say that Golden Boy Promotions has already had initial talks with promoter Lou DiBella about matching Khan up against Malignaggi. "He does not want to give that belt up. He's proud of that belt. He won and he wants to keep it," Roach would reiterate.

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in other words, we are ducking Miadana becuase Khan has no chin.

[threethirteen]

I don't see how anyone can have a problem with Khan signing on with GBP, except for ******. And it's not like ******'s the most loyal in the world himself.

Khan-Paulie isn't a bad fight, just not an especially exciting one. I'd have preferred the Maidana fight, but at least Khan's going in with a guy who has the sort of skills to challenge him. He's light hitting, but has a great chin, good skills and could make Khan look foolish. He'll learn from it, get an HBO WCB date (or a BAD one), and gain some profile in the US.

Unless Khan's going to fight Maidana in the UK, it's worth absolutely nothing. The Yanks don't care about Maidana, same as they don't really care about Ortiz. They certainly don't care about Khan. But Paulie's got a name, he's coming off a good win, and he's looking better than he has done since Cotto battered him. It's a smart fight for Khan to make against a guy that could possibly beat him.

Maidana's ridiculously overrated since beating Ortiz, who was overrated himself. Not a single one of them is proven on the world stage, but Khan is the only one with a world class win on his resume, against Kotelnik.

****** had Khan facing binmen and street sweepers and he looked unremarkable beating them. Limond, a shot Gomez and Gary St Claire (who looked completely disinterested) were his best opponents in this period. He lost to Prescott, then he came back and beat a shot, tiny Barrera. His best opponents, near their primes, are the thouroughly unremarkable Kotelnik and Limond.

Let's not pretend he is doing Khan any favours. You expect soft touches for a fighter early on but, with his amateur experience, he should have been fighting better guys sooner. Malignaggi will be the best guy he's faced and, if GBP are making that happen, it's a good thing.

I think he's made the right choice.

[BrummyLad]

*delete*

[BrummyLad]

Rpb exactly mate, i hate this 'if it dont make $$$, it dont make sense/ high risk and low reward' philosophy. Fact remains that Maidana earned his shot at the title way before Khan (with ******s £££) muscled in. Khan pushed his way in the line and should let Maidana get his chance.

Kotelnik gave Khan a chance and Khan should do so with Maidana. A champion fights anybody,anytime,anyplace imo. All this 'khan is still young' shit does my nut in, he should not have fought for the title if he cannot defend it against all opposition. Salita was mandatory and Khan fought him, why not Maidana.

[threethirteen]

Exactly, i hate this 'if it dont make $$$, it dont make sense/ high risk and low reward' philosophy.

If Maidana accepts step aside money now, and Khan faces Paulie, what then? Is that wrong? Maidana will still get his shot as mandatory against either Paulie of Amir.

If Amir beats Paulie, and Maidana fights on the undercard against someone decent, then that fight gets built. That means more money, more exposure and more upside for Khan AND Maidana. Seems reasonable.

If Khan drops the belt after Paulie, then I'll agree with you.

[icemax]

:deal
Exactly, i hate this 'if it dont make $$$, it dont make sense/ high risk and low reward' philosophy. Fact remains that Maidana earned his shot at the title way before Khan (with ******s £££) muscled in. Khan pushed his way in the line and should let Maidana get his chance.

:nono He got his shot against Kotelnik and fucking blew it...then 2 fights later he is in line for another shot at the strap. I would say that the Argentinian is getting an extremely fair crack of the whip

[BrummyLad]

:nono He got his shot against Kotelnik and fucking blew it...then 2 fights later he is in line for another shot at the strap. I would say that the Argentinian is getting an extremely fair crack of the whip

Because he is earning his chance pal!!!

Im not saying khan is ducking yet, im just saying it will be a crying shame if he doesn't allow maidana a crack and drops belt. Im with threethirteen on this.

[icemax]

Because he is earning his chance pal!!!

Im not saying khan is ducking yet, im just saying it will be a crying shame if he doesn't allow maidana a crack and drops belt. Im with threethirteen on this.

Earning his chance by beating Ortiz (fair enough) and then a Panamanian journeyman? Marcos was fighting a WBA eliminator in the fight after his defeat against Kotelnik for fucks sake...this shows to me that either the division is as thin as fuck, or the WBA for some reason have a real hard-on for Maidana

[BrummyLad]

Earning his chance by beating Ortiz (fair enough) and then a Panamanian journeyman? Marcos was fighting a WBA eliminator in the fight after his defeat against Kotelnik for fucks sake...this shows to me that either the division is as thin as fuck, or the WBA for some reason have a real hard-on for Maidana

Tbf you have an extremely valid point, however your point is not valid to my argument, im simply stating khan should fight good solid opposition that have not been chosen by himself. If maidana was getting another crack at kotelnik id agree with you in saying he has had his shot and give someone else a crack.

[robpalmer135]

Rpb exactly mate, i hate this 'if it dont make $$$, it dont make sense/ high risk and low reward' philosophy. Fact remains that Maidana earned his shot at the title way before Khan (with ******s £££) muscled in. Khan pushed his way in the line and should let Maidana get his chance.

Kotelnik gave Khan a chance and Khan should do so with Maidana. A champion fights anybody,anytime,anyplace imo. All this 'khan is still young' shit does my nut in, he should not have fought for the title if he cannot defend it against all opposition. Salita was mandatory and Khan fought him, why not Maidana.

This is the whole problem with the alphbets. there so meaningless now you can just give up the belt for a bigger money fight and nobody batters an eye lid. If there was one world title nobody would do it. it puts people into a position where they can get to a world title without earning it.

Maidana is a decent name in the US and he would get a ton of respect from the fans out there if he comes through that fight. The general impression of Khan in the US is that he is a vastly iproved fighter, a good world champion with allot of potential but has NO CHIN. If he came through a Maidana fight the US would rally start getting behind him. If he beats Mallignaggi they will just say.................ok tell us something we didnt know already.

something to point out is everyone is quite hypocritical when it comes to the belts as well. When Hatton got stripped of his IBF belt for not defending it agaisnt N'Dou everyone slagged off the IBF, not Hatton. Fair enough Maidana is a better challanger but N'Dou had also earned his shot at Hatton.

I have no problem with Maidana taking step aside aslong as the fight does happen after Paulie.

[robpalmer135]

Earning his chance by beating Ortiz (fair enough) and then a Panamanian journeyman? Marcos was fighting a WBA eliminator in the fight after his defeat against Kotelnik for fucks sake...this shows to me that either the division is as thin as fuck, or the WBA for some reason have a real hard-on for Maidana

he lost an extremly tight split decision so he quite rightfully stayed in the top 2-3. Then beats another guy in the top 3. top me that means you deserve a title shot.

[icemax]

top me that means you deserve a title shot.

To me that means he deserves a re-match, which is something complertely different. I am still unsure of why Khan must face Maidana next after he has already dealt with his mando in Salita...hence my WBA & hard on comment

[threethirteen]

1) Maidana is a decent name in the US and he would get a ton of respect from the fans out there if he comes through that fight. The general impression of Khan in the US is that he is a vastly iproved fighter, a good world champion with allot of potential but has NO CHIN.

2) If he came through a Maidana fight the US would rally start getting behind him. If he beats Mallignaggi they will just say.................ok tell us something we didnt know already.

3) something to point out is everyone is quite hypocritical when it comes to the belts as well. When Hatton got stripped of his IBF belt for not defending it agaisnt N'Dou everyone slagged off the IBF, not Hatton. Fair enough Maidana is a better challanger but N'Dou had also earned his shot at Hatton.

I have no problem with Maidana taking step aside aslong as the fight does happen after Paulie.

1) Maidana has NO name in the US. stop presenting your opinions as facts. This fight needs to build - there's a reason GBP signed Khan, and have options on Maidana. This fight needs to build.

2) Malignaggi is a proven world-level operator who's only lost to the best (and Hatton). His last performance was a convincing win over former unified LW titlist Juan Diaz. Maidana's was against an unproven Ortiz. Malignaggi has a name, he has a history, and he has fought a better class of opponent than Maidana. It's a better fight for Khan to take promotionally and, in truth, oppositionally. The US will not give a shit if he beats a guy who lost to Kotelnik, who Khan has already beaten and who no one in America knows anyway.

3) The situation with Khan and Hatton is completely different. Most fighters are allowed a voluntary defence after each mandatory. Salita was Khan's mandatory. He fulfilled it, he should be allowed a voluntary against a bigger money opponent with some name recognition in the US.

Hatton just wanted a bigger name opponent after winning the title from Urango. Castillo had no business getting a title shot, as Khan hadn't fulfilled his mandatory in N'dou.

Difference: Khan faced the mandatory, Hatton did not. Khan should be allowed a voluntary defence, Ricky got stripped. Simple.

It's only be hypocritical if Khan had refused to fight Salita and went for Malignaggi.

[robpalmer135]

1) Maidana has NO name in the US. stop presenting your opinions as facts. This fight needs to build - there's a reason GBP signed Khan, and have options on Maidana. This fight needs to build.

2) Malignaggi is a proven world-level operator who's only lost to the best (and Hatton). His last performance was a convincing win over former unified LW titlist Juan Diaz. Maidana's was against an unproven Ortiz. Malignaggi has a name, he has a history, and he has fought a better class of opponent than Maidana. It's a better fight for Khan to take promotionally and, in truth, oppositionally. The US will not give a shit if he beats a guy who lost to Kotelnik, who Khan has already beaten and who no one in America knows anyway.

3) The situation with Khan and Hatton is completely different. Most fighters are allowed a voluntary defence after each mandatory. Salita was Khan's mandatory. He fulfilled it, he should be allowed a voluntary against a bigger money opponent with some name recognition in the US.

Hatton just wanted a bigger name opponent after winning the title from Urango. Castillo had no business getting a title shot, as Khan hadn't fulfilled his mandatory in N'dou.

Difference: Khan faced the mandatory, Hatton did not. Khan should be allowed a voluntary defence, Ricky got stripped. Simple.

It's only be hypocritical if Khan had refused to fight Salita and went for Malignaggi.

What your forgetting is that the WBA made it clear when Khan went into the Kotelnik fight that his next 2 fights would be mandatorys.

If he was not bothered about meeting those obligations, why did he bother fighting Salita in the first place. Why not fight Mallignaggi or Nate Campbell and give up the belt straight away.

[BrummyLad]

What your forgetting is that the WBA made it clear when Khan went into the Kotelnik fight that his next 2 fights would be mandatorys.

If he was not bothered about meeting those obligations, why did he bother fighting Salita in the first place. Why not fight Mallignaggi or Nate Campbell and give up the belt straight away.

Thats my problem why fight salita and not maidana, i believe khan will hammer maidana into oblivion, but i still want to know that a champion has done the right thing and not ducked anybody. Not much to want is it, a champion to act like a champion...

[threethirteen]

Thats my problem why fight salita and not maidana, i believe khan will hammer maidana into oblivion, but i still want to know that a champion has done the right thing and not ducked anybody. Not much to want is it, a champion to act like a champion...

It's only an issue if he drops the belt rather than face Maidana. Give the kid a chance to build a name in the area - the WBA benefits from the additional fees.

[BrummyLad]

It's only an issue if he drops the belt rather than face Maidana. Give the kid a chance to build a name in the area - the WBA benefits from the additional fees.

Im willing to never curse khan ever again about ducking anybody if he fights maidana (even after a bout with malignaggi). Have in mind i have witnessed khan duck murray and thaxton who both held british belts whilst he fights for wbo international, even tho he fought for wba. Remember mate, i am NOT an hater, i just want what is best for the health of boxing :good

[threethirteen]

There was no excuse for not fighting Murray. I still believe Murray has the beating of Amir. I think a compact pressure fighter who can work in close will demolish Khan. Gomez had moments of success.

It was silly not fighting Thaxton. He was wearing down very visibly and would have been a good name on Khan's resume.

Incidentally, I am a massive critic of Khan. I just think he needs a little bit of slack for now. I'll be disappointed if he doesn't fight Maidana. He outclassed Salita and did exactly what you should in that situation: flatten the guy. He needs to fighter better opposition. Malignaggi's a good fighter and will stretch Amir. Maidana MUST follow, or a similar hard charging banger.

[ryanm8655]

The impression I get is Khan wants to fight Maidana, Roach wants to fight Maidana, but they want the fight to be bigger than it will be if he takes it as his next fight. I don't think it is purely money related but also if Maidana is built up more then a win will mean more in terms of legacy.

[robpalmer135]

There was no excuse for not fighting Murray. I still believe Murray has the beating of Amir. I think a compact pressure fighter who can work in close will demolish Khan. Gomez had moments of success.

It was silly not fighting Thaxton. He was wearing down very visibly and would have been a good name on Khan's resume.

Incidentally, I am a massive critic of Khan. I just think he needs a little bit of slack for now. I'll be disappointed if he doesn't fight Maidana. He outclassed Salita and did exactly what you should in that situation: flatten the guy. He needs to fighter better opposition. Malignaggi's a good fighter and will stretch Amir. Maidana MUST follow, or a similar hard charging banger.

2 years ago Murray would have won that fight. Khan is at a different level now. First off all they are at different weights and there is no chance off Khan coming back. And I dont think Murray is a HUGE puncher, khan would be to fast and to strong. Murray has not been in with anyone at the level Khan has been in with. You need to remember his fight before Thaxton was agaisnt Scott Lawton a guy Khan demolished 2 years previous. A month later Khan wins a world title.

you need to remember Thaxton was offered a career high purse and he turned it down to let it go to purse bids. Anyone with half a brain would have realised that Khan would not fight Thaxton on a Hennesey bill, or with a 50/50 split as it would be for less money than he probably got for his debut over 4 rounds.

If Murray was offered the Khan fight he should take training expenses only if he trully beleives he can win. Murray and Thaxton saw Khan as a big payday not a chance to jump into the big time, thats why the fights never happened.