3. Amir “King” Khan
Photo by Lucas Noonan/PBC
Amir Khan (31-3, 19) has been pissing off masses of boxing aficionados for years. When fistic followers of the pugilistic congregation began referring to the fighter as “A mere con” it was a clear sign that he had made “the list.”
Khan started his career off very well and quickly developed an elitist air to him despite a lack of conquests over elite opponents. He eventually planned a breakout performance against his first undefeated opponent named Bredis Prescott. Though Khan had recovered from knockdowns in previous fights he failed his chin check against Prescott and was stopped in 54 seconds.
Fans and defenders of Khan insisted that he got caught cold, it’s boxing it happens or it was a lucky shot and they might not be wrong. In a combat sport such as boxing these things sometimes happen to good fighters. They were absolutely mistaken however if they thought that “King” Khan would avenge his loss. He instead continued his campaign as though it was nothing but a bad dream.
Seeking to buff the scrape out of the paint of his career, Khan caught Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera a couple of fights before retirement. He followed that up by a victory over the feather fisted, but skilled Paulie Malignaggi, went life and death with Marcos Maidana and stopped the useful Zab Judah. Life was good.
At this point in time is where Khan ran into more turbulence in his trade. After having a couple of points deducted for pushing he lost a split decision to Lamont Peterson. He followed up this setback by getting blown away by Danny Garcia in four rounds.
It’s a tough sport and there is no shame in losing to a world class fighter or two and after a few confidence building wins he moved to welterweight. This is where the dookie gets deep. After his first victory at 147 against Luis Collazo, Khan start beating the familiar rhythm of the elitist drum and insists he deserves a shot at Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Continuing this rain dance after his second victory at the weight against Devon Alexander had the vast majority of fans on either side of the UK collectively rolling their eyes. Making it worse was his insistence to the fans that Mayweather vs. Khan is the fight that the fans want. Even after losing several online polls, Khan remained adamant that it was the fight that the world was craving.
With the names Manny Pacquiao (at that time), Tim Bradley, Keith Thurman and Gennady Golovkin (fans can dream) on the wish list for the Mayweather sweepstakes, Khan’s recent entrance to the party is a low priority. A weight class so laden with world class talent and potential matchups makes Khan’s obstinate demand that this is what the fans want leave those same fans with the distinct feeling that he is trying to piss down our backs and tell us its raining.
