Amir Khan’s search for a worthwhile opponent for his July 23rd HBO date has come to a satisfying close today. The man he’ll face next is current IBF junior welterweight titleholder, none other than Zab Judah. Khan vs. Judah will take place on that reserved date and time slot, July 23rd, and the fight will be held from Las Vegas.
With Khan vs. Judah set, a long and somewhat strained search for Khan’s next opponent is finally finished. The match that everyone was most looking forward to was Timothy Bradley vs. Amir Khan, the two top fighters at 140 lbs, and two rising stars. Bradley turned down a lucrative offer to meet Khan, in part because of his promotional troubles of the moment, as he’s made no secret to the fact that he wants out with Gary Shaw, and may be moving onto Top Rank or another outfit.
That set the rumor mill swirling about who Khan might face. Breidis Prescott continually tossed his own name into the mix, to no avail. Names like Juan Manuel Marquez were also floated, although he seems to be locked up for the fight he’s been aiming for, a third contest against Manny Pacquiao.
Judah, who was potentially looking at a Marquez fight as well if Marquez-Pacquiao III wasn’t finalized, became a logical and exciting choice. Back as a titleholder and back at 140 lbs, where he belongs, Judah has looked rejuvenated in his most recent fights. With his speed and power, he could potentially catch Khan with something big, or disrupt his offensive rhythm.
With Bradley out of the picture, Devon Alexander in rebuilding mode and already slated to face another top-10 guy in Lucas Matthysse (whom Judah defeated last November), and Marcos Maidana and Andriy Kotelnik already being found on the resumes as Wins, Judah is the highest ranked opponent left in the junior welterweight division.
Super Judah is back on the big stage that he has been craving, and Khan will have another chance to prove his worth and hush the critics against a fighter with the power to KO him if he lands the right punch.
