Khan Earns 5th Round Technical Decision Over Barrera

Amir Khan overcame Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera by a technical decison in the fifth round after the fight was stopped following a accidental clashh of heads in the 1st round

Khan, who is hoping for a shot at the WBO lightweight world title, had the upper-hand from the beginning after an accidental collision left Barrera covered in blood and clearly hampered. However, the 35-year-old Mexican, a seven times world champion at three weights, fought on bravely at Manchester’s MEN Arena against the younger, faster and sharper Khan.

The 22-year-old from Bolton, who suffered a small cut to the left eye, was fighting for redemption after his loss at the hands of Breidis Prescott six months ago in the same ring and it is fair to say the Olympic silver medallist is back with a bang. The pressure was always on Barrera as Khan used a succession of fast jabs, along with hook combinations, to keep him on the defence, but at no point did Barrera look troubled.

Throughout the fight Khan appeared to be too fast and too quick footed for the 35 Barrera, even without the cut – Barrea would have struggled to cope with hand speed shown by Khan in the 5 rounds that the fight lasted. Teaming up with Roach has undoubted improved Khan as a fight and helped to gaurd against his “glass Jaw” by working on his defensive still. Khan promoter – Frank Warren has now said that he will look to secure Khan a world title shot by the end of the year.

While having Barrera’s name on your CV is impressive, fan of Khan should not get too carried away. Barrera is 35 and fought for most of his career at the lower weight, while Barrera was unable to test Khan – because he could not catch up with. We still need to know if Khan and aviod and take the puches of a fully blown Lightweight.