Bob Arum says Amir Khan has all the talent in the world to be competitive against Terence Crawford in New York on Saturday night.
Khan is an underdog to take Crawford’s WBO welterweight title after being head-hunted personally for the fight by Arum.
The Top Rank boss, as any good promoter should, refuses to acknowledge Crawford being defeated on the night.
But if Khan can keep his emotions in check, Arum sees a close fight unfolding at Madison Square Garden.
“I’m very excited because I’ve always been an admirer of Khan,” said Arum. “His problem is that he not only doesn’t duck opponents, but he starts out pretty much outboxing them.
“But then he gets a little over-confident and he then brawls with them. That’s when he’s vulnerable.
“If he can control himself and box Crawford for the entire fight, then he’ll give him fits.
“One thing you gotta say about Amir Khan is that he is a tremendous technician and boxer. If he can control his emotions and sticks to boxing it’s a very, very close and competitive fight.”
On Crawford, who is recognized as a pound for pound star, Arum concluded: “I told everybody, I am a big Crawford fan.
“I told everybody that his style reminds me of the vintage Sugar Ray Leonard and that’s as high praise I can give to any welterweight.”
UNDERCARD
Crawford v Khan tops a huge night of action live on Pay-Per-View on both sides of the Atlantic.
ESPN PPV broadcast in the United States. BT Sport Box Office take the reigns in the UK.
Also featuring on the bill are a host of talented future world champions.
Shakur Stevenson faces Christopher Diaz at featherweight. A ten-round lightweight contest sees Teofimo Lopez battle ex-European title holder Edis Tatli.
Finally, in another ten-rounder at 135, Felix Verdejo takes on Bryan Vasquez.
Tickets for this world championship event priced at $606, $406, $306, $206, $106, $81, and $56 (including facility fees) can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.
