By Jake Donovan
Not even a new trainer can shake loose old habits for Amir Khan. Luckily for the supremely talented Brit, his skill set combined with fresh eyes and words in his corner was enough to overcome disaster as he scored a narrow unanimous decision win over Julio Diaz in their modified welterweight bout Saturday evening in Sheffield, England.
Khan was fighting in England for the first time since his stoppage win over Paul McCloskey just over two years ago. The crowd reminded him of how long it’s been, offering a deafening round of cheers to fill the Motorpoint Arena the moment Khan made his way to the ring.
The action in the early going wasn’t quite as inspiring, but effective enough for the former unified 140 lb. titlist to pile up rounds on the scorecard. Khan offered a subdued performance in the first few rounds, boxing wisely and avoiding anything representing a senseless brawl.
Such tactics negated the perceived puncher’s chance given to Diaz, a former lightweight titlist now in the twilight of his career. The aged veteran knew the role he was assigned in traveling abroad, though didn’t necessarily mean he was prepared to follow the script.
The first truly dramatic moment of the fight came in round four. Diaz, undoubtedly shut out on all three cards to that point, punched his way back into the contest after scoring a knockdown courtesy of a left hook and right hand. Khan struggled to find his balance after the initial left hook, falling to the canvas via slight delay before quickly regaining his senses. [Click Here To Read More]
Not even a new trainer can shake loose old habits for Amir Khan. Luckily for the supremely talented Brit, his skill set combined with fresh eyes and words in his corner was enough to overcome disaster as he scored a narrow unanimous decision win over Julio Diaz in their modified welterweight bout Saturday evening in Sheffield, England.
Khan was fighting in England for the first time since his stoppage win over Paul McCloskey just over two years ago. The crowd reminded him of how long it’s been, offering a deafening round of cheers to fill the Motorpoint Arena the moment Khan made his way to the ring.
The action in the early going wasn’t quite as inspiring, but effective enough for the former unified 140 lb. titlist to pile up rounds on the scorecard. Khan offered a subdued performance in the first few rounds, boxing wisely and avoiding anything representing a senseless brawl.
Such tactics negated the perceived puncher’s chance given to Diaz, a former lightweight titlist now in the twilight of his career. The aged veteran knew the role he was assigned in traveling abroad, though didn’t necessarily mean he was prepared to follow the script.
The first truly dramatic moment of the fight came in round four. Diaz, undoubtedly shut out on all three cards to that point, punched his way back into the contest after scoring a knockdown courtesy of a left hook and right hand. Khan struggled to find his balance after the initial left hook, falling to the canvas via slight delay before quickly regaining his senses. [Click Here To Read More]
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