As a fantastic 2009 of boxing becomes but a distant memory, we look forward to the future in anticipation of what 2010 holds for the noble art.
No fighter flourished more than Bolton’s Amir Khan during the last twelve months and fight fans can now only imagine what lies ahead for a young fighter with the World at his feet.
Despite not being everyone’s cup of tea, the WBA World champion has big names in his sights, with many bookmakers giving fans the chance to get in early and secure some value.
So who should Amir face next? Few would deny Dagenham scrapper Kevin Mitchell a shot at the title, especially after dismantling Breidis Prescott in Newcastle. Mitchell has made no secret of his desire to face Khan but despite remaining undefeated from thirty contests, odds compilers don’t fancy his chances and I’m afraid I don’t either. At 11/4 Mitchell starts off as a massive outsider in the betting but it appears to be fair as I think Khan would be too big for a boxer who has only recently moved up to the weight. Should the fight take place Skybet make the champion as small as 1/4.
One fight that would have the average punter flocking back to pay per view would be a rematch with Breidis Prescott. After the Columbian stopped Khan in devastating fashion last September people want proof of the Bolton boy’s progress since and see Prescott as a perfect yard stick. I credit a lot of Amir’s success to Freddie Roach and his star studded camp and envisage the champion putting the record straight via a points decision. Skybet agree and see Khan as a tiny 1/8 favourite whilst Prescott to do it again can be had at 9/2.
America have a brash fighter of their own who many would like to see put firmly in his place. Remember flamboyant New Yorker Paulie Malignaggi? Technically the `Magic Man` was silenced by Ricky Hatton courtesy of an eleventh round stoppage last year but the Brooklyn born switch hitter has just come off the back of a good win over Juan Diaz and, having plenty to prove, would be my first choice for Khan’s next opponent. With both being slick boxers their styles would blend perfectly, gifting fans the chance to see Khan in with a man who won’t stand in front of him waiting to be tagged. With regards to predicting the winner, bookies make the Brit a 2/7 chance against Paulie’s 5/2 and if they did come to blows, that outsider price would be just too inviting for me.
Elsewhere, Sportingbet offer 8/1 that both Hatton brothers, Mathew and Ricky, will win World titles during 2010. Although I think that the `Hitman` still has a lot to offer the sport, I wouldn’t be backing Mathew’s chances against any of the major welterweights and the 8/1 isn't enough to catch my attention.
After a memorable year, David Haye looks set to add a bit of glamour to the World heavyweight scene, with possible opponents already being lined up for the first defence of his WBA title. Sportingbet offer a generous 2/1 on the Londoner adding at least one other version of the World title to his collection and with many weak fighters at the weight, a clean-up job looks possible.
