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Khan For The "Money"
By Chris Coreschi
Photos: "Sugar" Ray Bailey
Amir “King” Khan did just what he needed to do in his
pursuit of a showdown with Floyd "Money" Mayweather, he
cruised to a unanimous decision victory over Chris Algieri
without looking too spectacular. In the latest installment
of Premier Boxing Champions held at the Barclays Center in
Brooklyn Khan outworked, outhustled and outperformed Algieri
while retaining his WBC Silver Welterweight Championship.
The three judges at ringside scored the bout 115-113 and
117-111 twice, pound4pound.com scored it 117-111 for Khan.
Khan used his superior speed early to set the tone , working
behind his jab he was able to neutralize a surprisingly
aggressive Algieri. Algieri who was working with with John
David Jackson for the first time came in with a good game
plan and had some good moments during the fight including
landing a big right hand that appeared to buckle Khan’s
knees in the first round. Jackson seemed to detect a hole in
Khan’s defense that a bigger puncher might have been able to
exploit better than the light hitting Algieri could.
Khan controlled most of the action throughout the fight and
while he never had Algieri in serious trouble, Khan was
never in any real danger himself. Khan methodically worked
over his opponent, made slight and effective adjustments
during the fight and showed Algieri what it takes to be at
an elite level. The Chris Algieri I saw Friday night was a
fun, aggressive and entertaining fighter who could pose
problems for many of the upper level welterweights on the
scene today. His continued work with John David Jackson
should only make him better and the future looks bright for
them.
Khan, who out-landed Algieri 218-199 has openly pined for his
shot at the pound 4 pound king, may well have done enough in
victory and showed enough flaws to bring Mayweather to the
table. Khan would certainly bring a sizable audience and the
English money must make him attractive as well, although
Khan struggled a little more than most thought he would I
think he is a strong opponent for Mayweather and would give
him a good run.
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