No signs of ring rust on Amir Khan, says Virgil Hunter
Published:
Amir Khan(28-3-0) makes a much-anticipated return to the ring next month after a year away from boxing and new trainer Virgil Hunter says the Bolton man is raring to go.
With King Khan putting in some questionable displays in his most recent bouts, Hunter admits that by putting his faith in the Brit his own reputation is on the line, but this has not dented his confidence.
The Olympic silver medallist makes his welterweight debut against Luis Collazo (35-5-0) on the Mayweather-Maidana undercard at the MGM Grand on May 4th, and Hunter claims ring rust will not be an issue for his man.
“If you see a fighter come back rusty I can guarantee that when he took that year off he got fat and lazy, he was partying and drinking, he was with women so he done damage to his body,” he explained.
However, Hunter claimed that it is not in Khan’s makeup to get sloppy, adding: “”He has rejuvenated his body. If we can get the best Amir Khan in the ring then everyone will be astounded at what he can do.”
The trainer’s confidence is backed up by the betting, with the Brit priced as 2/9 favourite for the win, while the American can be backed at 10/3 to cause an upset.
Part of the reason for Khan’s prolonged absence from the ring were the protracted negations for his own showdown with Mayweather and with Pretty Boy topping the bill, the Brit knows there is no room for error if he is to earn his shot at the pound-for-pound king.
Khan laboured to a points win over Julio Diaz on his last outing and will need to up his game to outwit the ever-dangerous Collazo.
The Brooklyn-born southpaw may have five losses to his name, but with victory over former WBC strap holder Victor Ortiz in his last bout he will arrive in Nevada full of confidence.
Having shared a ring with the likes of Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley and Andre Berto the 32-year-old will not be overawed by the occasion, but with all three men getting the better of him these fights will only boost Khan’s already sky-high confidence.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.
