Promoters lobby for Khan-Barrera to decide WBO title

by Scott Christ on Feb 16, 2009 2:47 PM EST in Boxing News Analysis

Promoters Frank Warren and Don King are currently lobbying the WBO to put their now-vacant lightweight title on the line for the March 14 bout between Amir Khan (19-1, 15 KO) and Marco Antonio Barrera (65-6, 43 KO).

Barrera, 35, is currently the No. 1 contender by the WBO's rankings, while 22-year old Khan is ranked ninth. Both rankings are rather absurd, all things considered, but that's sanctioning body rankings for you. Barrera hasn't beaten a good opponent in almost three years and Khan hasn't beaten anyone very good, period. Khan was also knocked out in 54 seconds last September and since then has fought once, beating journeyman Oisin Fagan.

Though I think the idea of Barrera and Khan as two guys that should contest a vacant title is pretty weak, it's not like the WBO will come up with anything better, either, and Warren and King will likely sell them on the idea. It's the top-ranked contender against another guy in the top ten. By definition, it's a perfectly credible vacant title fight. Using brainpower, it's really not, but whatever.

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Given the widely held view that Warren has the WBO in his pocket, I think it’s safe to assume this will be a title fight.

by boxingstudent on Feb 16, 2009 3:15 PM EST reply actions

Even if this ends up at title fight

which I hope it does not because there are so many more deserving lightweights out there. I just glanced at the lightweight rankings and out of the top 15 ranked in the WBO Khan/Barrera might be able to beat 1 or 2. I predict a short reign for either one.

One other thing is Khan wearing clown gloves in that picture or does he have a extremely small head?

by TXroyal on Feb 16, 2009 4:04 PM EST reply actions

RIDICULOUS

It would make a lot more sense eventhoug it won’t but it would make a lot more sense if it was an illimitaion match. The winner faces the winner of another bout and fight “then” for the title.

Anyone that has any decency... please let me know if the Urango-Ngoudjo's 10th round fight is over.

by CRAZEDANG1280 on Feb 16, 2009 4:16 PM EST reply actions

i lost all respect for the WBO after they bumped up a dead guy in the rankings. I even hate more it because Calzaghe pimped the WBO belt as if it was a legit belt.

by Zocalo on Feb 16, 2009 6:56 PM EST reply actions

Calzag who?

Anyone that has any decency... please let me know if the Urango-Ngoudjo's 10th round fight is over.

by CRAZEDANG1280 on Feb 16, 2009 7:17 PM EST up reply actions

Which dead guy??

Are you serious??

Does the fact a boxer doesn't switch weight divisions during their career detract from their overall P4P ranking?

Cos I'd take Hagler over most heavies in history, P4P, and also over "6 weight world champion" Oscar De La Hoya, and Marvellous Marvin never really messed about with his weight, did he?

by Chaos100 on Feb 17, 2009 8:34 AM EST up reply actions

Darrin Morris

http://assets.espn.go.com/boxing/columns/graham/1097210.html

Was at #10 at the time of his last fight, #7 at the time of his death, and #5 by the time they noticed he was dead a few months later. Check the top 15 list on that link – pretty funny stuff.

Anyway, I don’t have a huge problem if they make this for an interim belt, and the winner needs to fight someone else to make it a full belt. I don’t really count interim belts anyway.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Feb 17, 2009 9:11 AM EST up reply actions