khan to try new trainer

[senorbutch]

Khan sets heart on American coach

Khan has just signed a new long-term deal with Frank Warren
Amir Khan says he needs to work with an American coach to continue progressing.

The 21-year-old lightweight, unbeaten in 19 professional bouts, has used Dean Powell as a stop-gap since splitting from Oliver Harrison earlier this year.

"I'm going to America and I've got a meetings with coaches and some training sessions, and I have a couple coming over here to see me," he said.

"There's a lot in me that needs to be brought out. The only coaches who can do that are Americans."

Khan recently announced a new deal with promoter Frank Warren and his next scheduled fight is against an as-yet-unnamed opponent at the Manchester Evening News Arena on 6 September. 606: DEBATE
Your views on Amir Khan's future

He had previously stated he would be a world champion before his 22nd birthday in December, but Warren seems to be in less of a hurry than his fighter.

"I definitely want a big fight at the end of this year," said Khan.

"I want to fight in America and I want it to be a big world title fight, and it's only round the corner.

"If I didn't think I could win fights against the world champions then I wouldn't be saying all this. But I say it because I know I'm capable of doing it."

[Tee]

Good move. However, I am not sure they can do anything about a glass chin. Hmmm.

[senorbutch]

could work on his defence though, and a bit more ringcraft. i think its a good move. some top trainers over there, and they could be what he needs for his final steps towards a title shot

[bazza76]

could work on his defence though, and a bit more ringcraft. i think its a good move. some top trainers over there, and they could be what he needs for his final steps towards a title shot

He needs to base himself in the states for a while and get in the ring with some tough Mexican fighters. McGuigan was spot on in his assessment of Kahn.

Barry McGuigan: Amir Khan must go to LA to fulfil his dream

Go West young man. That's my advice to Amir Khan if he is to fulfil his undoubted potential at world level.

He is still looking for a new trainer after the split with Oliver Harrison. Dean Powell is only filling the gap.

The answer lies on the American west coast, where Mexicans better than Michael Gomez are a dime a dozen in gyms like Freddie Roach's Wild Card in LA.

Six months submerged in that kind of boxing culture is the best investment Khan could make right now.

Against Gomez, Khan revealed an inherent weakness that only topclass sparring can cure.

Khan has grown up with a particular style. And he is fantastic with it. But if he is going to impose that on the world stage he has to deal with all styles.

There is still a lack of ability to fight on the inside.

And he is vulnerable to body shots.

The guy who's going to beat him is a souped up version of Gomez. He allowed Gomez to bully him, to back him up.

Khan could have made the fight easier for himself by coming out into the centre of the ring and holding his feet. He didn't.

As soon as Gomez started to attack him, Khan took a step back. He should have snapped the jab then dropped the right hand on him, an uppercut, the right hand again and held his feet.

Instinctively he didn't know how to respond. Trench warfare in a boxing ring is a skill on its own. All the really good guys who like to box still know how to diffuse fighters who swarm in.

Oscar De La Hoya has to be the template for Khan. It is essential to take the centre of the ring. That is where control is taken or given away. Khan gave it away against Gomez.

Fighters like Gomez can bang. But to do that they have to walk down their opponents and get inside.

Khan was unable to deal with that, but I don't want to get too down on him. Amir beat the guy up in a spectacular fight, knocking him over twice. The question is what would happen if Khan was in with a boxer who fought just like Gomez but carried a higher ranking and a heavier punch?

There is not a fighter in the world who does not have a weakness. But it would be stupid to ignore the fact that Khan has been in trouble more than once from shots that did not look potent.

Felix Trinidad got off the carpet many times to win world titles convincingly.

Khan can do that, too.

The point is he need not be in that position if he learns to fight on the inside.

He still has fantastic strengths. There is not a lightweight around with hands as fast as Khan.

He may not be a destructive puncher but he hits hard and often - and Khan could fight for a world title now against the right opponent.

But boxers that come at him with lots of lateral movement will cause him problems as things stand.

[Joe King]

He needs to go to the Mayweathers IMO. The best in the business. Many would say Freddy Roach but his talks in the corner are somewhat questionable.

And bad move by Khan to stick with Warren. He should have gone flown himself to LA to meet De La Hoya.