Barrera vs. Khan: Too Soon or Too Late?

Posted by Russell Hanley on 03.06.2009

Our UK correspondent Russell Hanley wonders if it's too late for Barrera or too soon for Khan as they head into their March 14 bout.


Can he still do it?

There is probably no fight fan the world over that has not heard the name Marco Antonio Barrera, but to his devoted follower's he's better known as "the baby faced assassin"

We were all on the edges of our seats February 19th 2000 when Mexico City's Barrera began what was to be one of boxing's greatest trilogy's with Tijuana's Erik "El terrible" Morales, an all Mexican show down that lived up to the hype.

Barrera gaining two victories's, losing there first outing via split decision had gained legendary status.

Despite his losses to Junior Jones, Morales, Pacquiao and Marquez, Barrera now 65-6 (43 KOs) has mixed it up and beaten some of the best fighters of our time.

The Barrera of old is a force to be reckoned with, but truth be told despite losing to p4p fighters, Barrera has lost two of his last four fights with his most recent win coming by a third round DQ over Freudis Rojas.

Marco is to test what is left of his boxing hunger when he faces off against Bolton born silver medalist Amir Khan.

-----------------------------------------

Khan now 19-1 (15 KOs) has been the perfect example of good promoting, since signing with Frank Warren the former Olympian has been hitting the headlines.

To the general public Amir has been built to be the next big thing in boxing, but to boxing fans he leaves very much to be desired.

Khan was on his way to building up a padded record of super featherweights and part time professional fighters, when warning signs started to appear.

When Khan was floored by non puncher Willie Limond boxing fans where beginning to suspect Khan's chin and defense. Amir kept beating who was in front of him but being floored again by Michael Gomez a super featherweight the talk was getting bigger between fans that Amir was over- hyped.

The general public and casual fans seemed to be missing what was happening behind the scenes. The boxing fans by now where screaming "why hasn't he fought for a British title yet" "why is he talking about fighting for a world championship" Fighters themselves were getting tired of the hype that had very little fight game behind it.

Then the Breides Prescott fight was announced and the world that was built around Amir was to fall in 54 seconds.

The big punching Colombian was the first genuine lightweight Khan had fought. Live on his first skybox office event Khan was knocked out and the public eye was stunned.

For most boxing fans this was not a shock but a matter of time, Khan now under legendary trainer Freddie Roach has began to rebuild his career, however Osin Fagan, Khan's last opponent is no "Baby faced assassin"

The question we all need to ask ourselves here is "is it too soon" for Khan or is it "too late" for Barrera.

Can the youth and speed of Amir be enough, has he got the experience? Can he take advantage of a faded force? Or is it simply "too soon" in his career after the Prescott loss?

Can Marco turn back the clock? Will his experience and skills of old do the job? Will Khan take a seat next to Hamed of British fighters defeated by Barrera?

All questions will be answered March 14 at the MEN arena when these two fighters will prove one thing or the other.