Amir Khan beats Billy Dib to claim WBC international welterweight title [Post#65]

[shaykh]

Amir's signed his next fight...and it's a big one!!...

Not far removed from his stoppage loss to Terence Crawford last month, Amir Khan already has his next fight set. Khan (33-5, 20 KOs) will take on India’s Neeraj Goyat (11-3-2, 2 KOs) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on July 12, fighting for Goyat’s WBC ‘Asian’ belt. Khan has long wanted to land a fight in Saudi Arabia, and now has his shot — even if it is sort of a meaningless event in the grand scheme of things.

“This is an exciting challenge that I have ahead of me. It will be the first time a British Pakistani will fight an Indian boxer, which eventually will bring the two nations together,” Khan said. “I would like to thank the Saudi government and General Sports Authority for giving me this opportunity, and I’m a firm believer in sport being a great healer.”

Goyat, 27, is probably a relative unknown in the western hemisphere. He was known as a standout amateur who help build boxing in India, but his professional record is mighty thin. I suppose the best win on his record would be a 2014 split decision against Can Xu, but that was also just a four-rounder.

Other than that Goyat has faced a bunch of fighters with barely a handful of fights between them. His last two opponents had a combined record of 11-10-1, and his fight before that was against a guy making his professional debut last year (a fight Goyat lost via unanimous decision).

“This opportunity is as big as it gets for me,” Goyat said. “Everything that I have achieved to date wouldn’t matter when I enter the ring on July 12 taking on a seasoned, established superstar in Amir Khan. I will be carrying the hopes of 1.2 billion [Indians] on my shoulders, who will expect me to bring the [regional] title [home] by causing an upset.”

Khan, 32, on the other hand, has been stopped twice in his last four outings. But even with Khan looking pretty bad in the way he bowed out of this last fight against Crawford, he’s still pretty clearly above Goyat’s class. Khan and Goyat are expected to hold a four-city promotional tour to build the fight, hitting Delhi, India, Karachi, Pakistan, then London, England, and finally Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

I’m sure this fight will have the global appeal it deserves.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Never heard the name of this Indian boxer, doubt he made it to the Olympics.

 

[shaykh]

Never heard the name of this Indian boxer, doubt he made it to the Olympics.

He didn't...he has been in a Bollywood movie though 'Mukkabaaz'

 

[shaz619]

7 million for this, Kell fans wont be too happy get the begging bowl out again

 

[PakLFC]

Amir is past his best. He will only fight second rate opponents in future. No one will watch this Indo-Pak fight if it were to happen.

 

[Slog]

This seems like a massive fall from grace for Amir [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION]

Why destroying his legacy

 

[The Viper]

Amir is getting an easy payday. Since he can’t compete at the top anymore, it is a no brainer to chase money fights like this.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Why is he fighting a b grade boxer??
Are things that bad for him now??
Shame.

 

[shaz619]

This seems like a massive fall from grace for Amir [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION]

Why destroying his legacy

I rather he retire as his best days are long gone but fights like these wont define his career, however for a boxer this is like gold I don't see anyone who wouldn't take this fight and Amir remains a draw thanks to the Olympic success and 12+ world champions he has fought so the 7 million to smash an Indian bum is what you dream off at this point towards the end (Kell would kill for this, made nothing his while career always chased AK and ducked challenges), unlike Conor the opponent has some experience though

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Lol Neeraj who?

 

[Mean&Green]

Lol Neeraj who?

Well India has zero other boxers too so maybe this guy

 

[KingKhanWC]

Amir Khan (Pakistan) v Neeraj Goyat (India)

Khan, 32, faces unheralded Indian Neeraj Goyat in Jeddah on 12 July and will earn a reported £7m.

Jeddah hosted September's final of the World Boxing Super Series super-middleweight tournament, as Britain's Callum Smith beat George Groves.

Saudi Arabia has undertaken a project known as Vision 2030 to aid a transition away from a largely oil-dependent economy.

This has seen WWE hold a televised stadium show in the country, while Formula E has signed a 10-year race deal in the region.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, is expected to attend the King Abdullah Sports City bout, where Khan will face former mixed martial arts fighter Goyat, 27.

Goyat has 11 wins, three draws and two defeats on his record and is Khan's first opponent since being controversially stopped by WBO world welterweight champion Terence Crawford in April.

Khan will work with new trainers Alex Ariza and former WBA world super-bantamweight champion Clarence 'Bones' Adams for the bout, a move which brings to an end his working relationship with Virgil Hunter.

"I never think about losing but losing this fight would definitely destroy me and make him a big name," Khan said.

"Things can go wrong, and we all saw what happened with Anthony Joshua getting knocked out by a fighter people thought he'd destroy, so that's why I have to bring my top game. I can't afford to make any mistakes."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/48550750

I have no clue who the Indian boxer is but looking at his record and some clips, seems like an easy payday for Khan. [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION]


Has to be the biggest fight in Indian history but sadly for them their boy will be beaten up badly Imo.

 

[Swashbuckler]

One of the PPers said he is a Bollywood actor. Never heard about him in Olympics, Asian Games, CWG like dozens of other Indian boxers.

 

[KingKhanWC]

One of the PPers said he is a Bollywood actor. Never heard about him in Olympics, Asian Games, CWG like dozens of other Indian boxers.

An actor? Thats a shame, this could have been a big occasion for India. Amir Khan has been popular in Pakistan for years and having a good Indian fighter would have done wonders for the sport.

Khan is getting £7 million which is a huge amount for such a fight. I wonder how much Goyat is earning?

 

[Swashbuckler]

An actor? Thats a shame, this could have been a big occasion for India. Amir Khan has been popular in Pakistan for years and having a good Indian fighter would have done wonders for the sport.

Khan is getting £7 million which is a huge amount for such a fight. I wonder how much Goyat is earning?

Pity Vijender Singh isn't serious about his boxing career, he joined politics recently and fought on Congress ticket in Delhi. At least Vijender was an Olympic medalist, Goyat is a total unknown. There are some boxers who won medals in Asian Games last year, but they generally don't turn pro. Professional boxing is yet to take off in India, all the awards, government jobs, media attention go to amateur boxers who medal in international events. I am sure that must be the case in Pakistan as well, Amir Khan had the advantage of British background.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Pity Vijender Singh isn't serious about his boxing career, he joined politics recently and fought on Congress ticket in Delhi. At least Vijender was an Olympic medalist, Goyat is a total unknown. There are some boxers who won medals in Asian Games last year, but they generally don't turn pro. Professional boxing is yet to take off in India, all the awards, government jobs, media attention go to amateur boxers who medal in international events. I am sure that must be the case in Pakistan as well, Amir Khan had the advantage of British background.

I am watching the press conference now, Amir has said Singh didn't want the fight. Yes due to Amir being British he became such a boxer but Im hoping Pakistan can find another Mohammed Waseem, he is the best boxer to come out of the nation and is very good, trains with the Mayweathers.

Mary Kom was superb so India does have some excellent talent but of course she is a female fighter and won't inspire as much men. Are boxing gyms rare in India or do most people hit the punch bag at the gym? Having boxing gyms is the golden ticket to producing boxers. Kids can starts as young as 5/6 and from this age the talent can be spotted and enhanced .

Do you think this will be a big fight in India?

 

[Swashbuckler]

Mary Kom was superb so India does have some excellent talent but of course she is a female fighter and won't inspire as much men.

Yeah but she became famous after her Olympic medal at the age of 35 something. Before that she was multiple times world champion but wasn't nearly as famous except among hardcore sports enthusiasts. Generally speaking, apart from cricket in India a sportsman can become famous only if he/she does well in Olympics, Asian Games etc. We do not have the sports culture like you guys have in UK.

Are boxing gyms rare in India or do most people hit the punch bag at the gym? Having boxing gyms is the golden ticket to producing boxers. Kids can starts as young as 5/6 and from this age the talent can be spotted and enhanced .

I don't know about boxing gyms, in the gym I frequent there are no boxing bags. And in our culture fitness isn't taken seriously, very few people go to gyms. Unless we have a change in our attitude towards fitness I doubt India will make much progress in sports.

Do you think this will be a big fight in India?

I haven't heard much about it in our media. I highly doubt it will be a big fight in India, all eyes will be on the cricket world cup and some other sports where we have well established athletes. I do keep up to date with most of the sports Indians participate in (including random ones like sailing, TT, archery) but till a few days ago I had never heard of Goyat, and I heard about him first on PP.

 

[Azzurri]

Enough said. Amir khan is British

 

[PakLFC]

Never knew India even had a professional boxer.

 

[Savak]

Amir Khan himself is shot now, is he in any condition to fight. He quit against Crawford in his last fight

 

[JaDed]

Who is this guy?

 

[JaDed]

Apparently was there in Mukkabaaz , I don’t remember seeing him.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Amir will beat this guy blindfolded. What a mismatch.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Who is this guy? This isnt getting any coverage in India. Amir probably will get a big payday on basis of some Indo-Pak hype.

There are many Asian games CWG and even Olympic medalist in India, but seems no one was interested in giving Amir Khan his payday.

 

[in_cutter]

Who? Is this how low Khan has become?

 

[shaykh]

Who? Is this how low Khan has become?

In Amir's defence he is getting paid really well for this...Floyd set the blueprint for these exhibition style fights...

 

[shaykh]

Who is this guy? This isnt getting any coverage in India. Amir probably will get a big payday on basis of some Indo-Pak hype.

There are many Asian games CWG and even Olympic medalist in India, but seems no one was interested in giving Amir Khan his payday.

I presume this will be quite the payday for Goyat too...

 

[shaykh]

One of the PPers said he is a Bollywood actor. Never heard about him in Olympics, Asian Games, CWG like dozens of other Indian boxers.

No-one knows who he is...

Here he is putting those Bolly skills to practice...

This is him in Mukkabaaz ...dunno if this movie is known or not

 

[shaykh]

I looked at his boxing record...and tbh there is actually one legitimate win on there...I thought I recognised one of the names...and yeh he's beaten Can Xu...who is the 6th best FEATHERWEIGHT in the world...

His most recent defeat was losing every round to a debutant who then lost his other two fights which followed...

 

[ILcricket]

What is this about ?

 

[topspin]

I looked at his boxing record...and tbh there is actually one legitimate win on there...I thought I recognised one of the names...and yeh he's beaten Can Xu...who is the 6th best FEATHERWEIGHT in the world...

His most recent defeat was losing every round to a debutant who then lost his other two fights which followed...

Yeah I don't think this will be as easy as most people think.

Amir Khan will win by KO but after round 6 I think.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Who is this guy? This isnt getting any coverage in India. Amir probably will get a big payday on basis of some Indo-Pak hype.

There are many Asian games CWG and even Olympic medalist in India, but seems no one was interested in giving Amir Khan his payday.

Amir Khan is doing India a favour here. The reasons nobody will fight him is because they are not good enough, India doesnt have any decent boxers. Amir will bring good publicity to the sport, he has already started the boxing league in India.

Not a serious fight as it wont be a real contest but it will be nice to see a Pakistani knocking out an Indian.

 

[Pakpak]

Amir Khan is doing India a favour here. The reasons nobody will fight him is because they are not good enough, India doesnt have any decent boxers. Amir will bring good publicity to the sport, he has already started the boxing league in India.

Not a serious fight as it wont be a real contest but it will be nice to see a Pakistani knocking out an Indian.

I read joshila's drivel in your quoted post. Noone is interested in giving him a fight.... It'd be a dream money fight for all of them. None of them are interested as they'll get knocked out 30 seconds.

 

[shaykh]

Pity Vijender Singh isn't serious about his boxing career, he joined politics recently and fought on Congress ticket in Delhi. At least Vijender was an Olympic medalist, Goyat is a total unknown. There are some boxers who won medals in Asian Games last year, but they generally don't turn pro. Professional boxing is yet to take off in India, all the awards, government jobs, media attention go to amateur boxers who medal in international events. I am sure that must be the case in Pakistan as well, Amir Khan had the advantage of British background.

Vijender Singh/Amir was never possible though...the guy was a super middleweight...

 

[KingKhanWC]

I read joshila's drivel in your quoted post. Noone is interested in giving him a fight.... It'd be a dream money fight for all of them. None of them are interested as they'll get knocked out 30 seconds.

He should watch the press conference videos. Amir's opponent is saying we should box in the ring and outside be friends, he even suggested some Indians might get upset with him being mates with Amir..I wonder what type of Indians he was referring to.

Its a real shame, sport should bring people together yet we have some want to continue animosity in every area of life.

 

[troodon]

Never heard of Neeraj. Clearly doing it for money.

Take a few punches from Khan and earn some bucks. Even if Neeraj makes half million pounds, he willing be set for life in India.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Where is Vijender these days?

 

[Swashbuckler]

Where is Vijender these days?

A month back

 

[BreadPakoda]

Its a real shame, sport should bring people together yet we have some want to continue animosity in every area of life.

Not if this is the attitude towards a sport.

it will be nice to see a Pakistani knocking out an Indian.

Stop pretending. Your love for Indians and your desire of getting closer to them is very obvious from your posts.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Amir Khan is doing India a favour here. The reasons nobody will fight him is because they are not good enough, India doesnt have any decent boxers. Amir will bring good publicity to the sport, he has already started the boxing league in India.

Not a serious fight as it wont be a real contest but it will be nice to see a Pakistani knocking out an Indian.

Actually no one gives two hoots to Amir Khan in India. Hardly anyone has heard of him and seems no one is willing to give him his big pay day. Frankly why will any Indian help him get his pay day.

Amir Khan is looking to make some money on the basis of Indo-Pak hype. But hardly anyone here in India seems to care about him.

He is not Pakistani, he is a Brit.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Actually no one gives two hoots to Amir Khan in India. Hardly anyone has heard of him and seems no one is willing to give him his big pay day. Frankly why will any Indian help him get his pay day.

Amir Khan is looking to make some money on the basis of Indo-Pak hype. But hardly anyone here in India seems to care about him.

He is not Pakistani, he is a Brit.

Who are you to speak for every indian? Post your own opinion and try to use 'I' instead of 'we'. I can never give a guy like you who is filled with hate, the authority to speak on behalf of me.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Not if this is the attitude towards a sport.



Stop pretending. Your love for Indians and your desire of getting closer to them is very obvious from your posts.

lol. It was a little wind up for joshilabhai. Besides being knocked out in boxing is part of the sport, just as being hit for six is part of cricket. Of course I want Amir to win but I was being genuine in saying I hope this brings out more boxers from India, the sport is amazing and I dont care the nationality of any champion as I focus on their skills and talent. It would be nice to see an Indian boxer of some merit.

Actually no one gives two hoots to Amir Khan in India. Hardly anyone has heard of him and seems no one is willing to give him his big pay day. Frankly why will any Indian help him get his pay day.

Amir Khan is looking to make some money on the basis of Indo-Pak hype. But hardly anyone here in India seems to care about him.

He is not Pakistani, he is a Brit.

Yes he is making money but deserves to. You cannot hide the fact Amir has started a boxing league in India and although the BJP members and their supporters may not know of him or want to know of him, he is known by many in India. You should appreciate him coming to India, not many elite fighters do.

He is a British Pakistani.

 

[cricketjoshila]

lol. It was a little wind up for joshilabhai. Besides being knocked out in boxing is part of the sport, just as being hit for six is part of cricket. Of course I want Amir to win but I was being genuine in saying I hope this brings out more boxers from India, the sport is amazing and I dont care the nationality of any champion as I focus on their skills and talent. It would be nice to see an Indian boxer of some merit.




Yes he is making money but deserves to. You cannot hide the fact Amir has started a boxing league in India and although the BJP members and their supporters may not know of him or want to know of him, he is known by many in India. You should appreciate him coming to India, not many elite fighters do.

He is a British Pakistani.

He can make all the money he wants. Thing is hardly any well known Indian boxer is interested in him.

The League was started by Bill Dosanjh a Indian origin brit businessman and had one season and has closed down in 2017.

This fight has hardly got any media attention in India. Tells you how important he is in India.

Plenty of elite sportsmen visit India. Amir Khan is not that big.

He fought under the British Flag in the Olympics, not pakistani.

 

[KingKhanWC]

He can make all the money he wants. Thing is hardly any well known Indian boxer is interested in him.

The League was started by Bill Dosanjh a Indian origin brit businessman and had one season and has closed down in 2017.

This fight has hardly got any media attention in India. Tells you how important he is in India.

Plenty of elite sportsmen visit India. Amir Khan is not that big.

He fought under the British Flag in the Olympics, not pakistani.

He has also fought walking in with the Pakistani flag and also the flag has been printed on his clothing many times. Amir was a co-founder of the league and I never suggested it was a success. The point was he wanted to do something for Indian boxing.

Im sure other Indians know of him and will watch the fight.

Which elite BOXER has visited India and promoted boxing as much as Amir?

 

[cricketjoshila]

He has also fought walking in with the Pakistani flag and also the flag has been printed on his clothing many times. Amir was a co-founder of the league and I never suggested it was a success. The point was he wanted to do something for Indian boxing.

Im sure other Indians know of him and will watch the fight.

Which elite BOXER has visited India and promoted boxing as much as Amir?

Likes of Holyfield and Tyson have visited India.Tyson may be a year and half back. This is from the top of my head.

Fight is not even in India. Its in Saudi. There is absolutely nothing or next to nothing about this in the media.Dont know if it will be telecast in India.

One can represent only one country in the Olympics and he represented Britain.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Likes of Holyfield and Tyson have visited India.Tyson may be a year and half back. This is from the top of my head.

Fight is not even in India. Its in Saudi. There is absolutely nothing or next to nothing about this in the media.Dont know if it will be telecast in India.

One can represent only one country in the Olympics and he represented Britain.

Tyson nad Hoyfield retired a long time ago, Amir is still active and his aim has been to promote boxing, theirs never was.

Its a shame if it's not aired in India but Id be surprised if it's not.

Most boxers dont even go to the Olympics, Amir became proffesional not long after and then he showed both of his identies as his right. You cannot tell others what their idenity is, it's a personal issue and correct if they have more than one.

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pakistan lost to India today <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCWorldCup2019?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCWorldCup2019</a> come July 12th I will avenge the loss and knock out Neeraj Goyat on our upcoming fight in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaudiArabia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaudiArabia</a></p>— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/amirkingkhan/status/1140340125009874944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[shaykh]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pakistan lost to India today <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCWorldCup2019?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCWorldCup2019</a> come July 12th I will avenge the loss and knock out Neeraj Goyat on our upcoming fight in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaudiArabia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaudiArabia</a></p>— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/amirkingkhan/status/1140340125009874944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Yeh cos of course that's the same

 

[troodon]

Where is Vijender these days?

He joined Congress before elections as far as I remember.

 

[troodon]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pakistan lost to India today <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCWorldCup2019?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCWorldCup2019</a> come July 12th I will avenge the loss and knock out Neeraj Goyat on our upcoming fight in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaudiArabia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaudiArabia</a></p>— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/amirkingkhan/status/1140340125009874944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Knocking out Neeraj NoName = Avenging Pak's loss to India?

I would be more disappointed if Amir Khan knocks down a few Indian Curry dishes.

 

[Babbar]

Amir Khan can get more publicity and
money in India if he decides to fight legendary mother of 4 kids, many times world champion boxer Mary Kom. But then his win is not gauranteed. LOL

 

[KingKhanWC]

Amir Khan can get more publicity and
money in India if he decides to fight legendary mother of 4 kids, many times world champion boxer Mary Kom. But then his win is not gauranteed. LOL

Whatever anyone thinks of Amir's boxing or his personal life, you cannot deny he is a smart businessman. Boxing is a living as much as it's a sport. If someone offers you £7 million to fight, you will do it. He is now trying to promote the fight from all angles, so was smart to use the Paksitan loss for promoting his fight.

It will be nice to see a Pakistani knock out an Indian boxer, it's only sport but I know it will upset a few Indians who are still upset about the CT final and their hero sipping on tea in Pakistan.

 

[Tubs]

Easy, easy work for Khan.

He's definitely past his best, but he was world-level in his prime, with elite-level offense and handspeed. Hope he hangs them up after this- he has taken a lot of punishment in his career.

 

[Babbar]

Whatever anyone thinks of Amir's boxing or his personal life, you cannot deny he is a smart businessman. Boxing is a living as much as it's a sport. If someone offers you £7 million to fight, you will do it. He is now trying to promote the fight from all angles, so was smart to use the Paksitan loss for promoting his fight.

It will be nice to see a Pakistani knock out an Indian boxer, it's only sport but I know it will upset a few Indians who are still upset about the CT final and their hero sipping on tea in Pakistan.

No one will pay 7 million pounds to Amir for this fight? It’s just initial hype. Poor guy is looking to earn money by getting Pak cricket team to do crunches.
Who will watch this fight? Very few in India surely. Even fights of Vijender Kumar, an olympic medalist and national hero with a big-budget movie being made on him, are hardly watched. Vijender gets a few 10s of thousand dollars for winning each fight.

Non-desis won’t watch two small-time brown boxers fighting. This fight may have some audience in Pakistan (and overseas Pakistanis) as their national hero has a chance to beat an Indian, though unknown. But purchasing power of Pakistan is no so high to generate 7 million pounds for one boxer.

Neeraj will probably be Ok to fight for a burger. He was a middling boxer in Indian domestic circuit when he somehow went overseas and is trying not to starve.

 

[Babbar]

Whatever anyone thinks of Amir's boxing or his personal life, you cannot deny he is a smart businessman. Boxing is a living as much as it's a sport. If someone offers you £7 million to fight, you will do it. He is now trying to promote the fight from all angles, so was smart to use the Paksitan loss for promoting his fight.

It will be nice to see a Pakistani knock out an Indian boxer, it's only sport but I know it will upset a few Indians who are still upset about the CT final and their hero sipping on tea in Pakistan.

I will prefer our heroes to get caught while chasing bandits in enemy territory and then dutifully returned. This will happen again and again in future also. No shame.

 

[Sidilicious]

Whatever anyone thinks of Amir's boxing or his personal life, you cannot deny he is a smart businessman. Boxing is a living as much as it's a sport. If someone offers you £7 million to fight, you will do it. He is now trying to promote the fight from all angles, so was smart to use the Paksitan loss for promoting his fight.

It will be nice to see a Pakistani knock out an Indian boxer, it's only sport but I know it will upset a few Indians who are still upset about the CT final and their hero sipping on tea in Pakistan.

No one in India even knows about this fight

 

[giri26]

Neeraj Goyat was 12 and yet to consider boxing as a career option when Amir Khan won a silver medal in the lightweight division of the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Fast forward 15 years and Goyat is set to face the British-Pakistani two-time world champion at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

A war of words between two boxers ahead of any boxing bout is an obvious phenomenon and staying true to tradition, Amir fired the first salvo a day after Pakistan's heavy defeat to India at the World Cup. Amir tweeted: "Pakistan lost to India today #ICCWorldCup2019 come July 12th I will avenge the loss and knock out Neeraj Goyat on our upcoming fight in #SaudiArabia (sic)."

Speaking to IANS, Goyat said that Amir can keep dreaming. "Keep dreaming, you will be standing there to witness my victory," he said.

On paper, Amir, who turns 33 in December 2019, is the overwhelming favourite. He held the light-welterweight WBA title from 2009 to 2012 and won the IBF title in 2011. He was 22 at the time of winning the WBA title, thus becoming one the youngest ever British professional boxing champions.

However, his recent attempt at winning the welterweight title ended in failure when he was stopped by USA's Terence Crawford in the sixth round at New York's Madison Square Garden in April. Amir said recently that he needs to be at his best against Goyat, citing the example of former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua's defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. that led to the former losing all his championship belts in what has been described as one of the greatest upsets ever in boxing history.

Goyat comes into the bout in good touch. In the same month that Amir lost to Crawford, Goyat beat Mexico's Carlos Lopez Marmolejo at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto. He has an experience of 16 fights in the pro circuit, of which he has won 11, drawn two and lost three. He said that the only difference in his preparation for his upcoming bout is that he is going for a sparring partner that has a similar style to Amir.

"I am looking for someone who fights the way he does but apart from that there is not much difference. I am going through the same routine that I would for any other 12-round bout," he said.

Goyat admits that while getting a bout against a boxer of Amir's stature was something he had dreamt of, he is not overwhelmed by the occasion.

"It is not necessary that he will be performing on the same level that he was when he was young. He has achieved a lot in his career but he is also ageing. I have fought with Olympians and world champions before so this isn't exactly new to me. So yes, I am fighting a big name, but I am not overawed by it," he said.

However, the value of getting a bout that will draw eyeballs on both a domestic and international level is not lost on Goyat. "It is good for both professional and amateur boxing in the country that bouts like these happen. It gives Indian boxing, especially pro boxing, more exposure on an international level. In the amateur circuit the likes of Mary Kom have raised India's standing in the world, but we have not had that kind of success in the pro circuit. India used to be known as a country filled only with amateur boxers and not pros.

"That is not the case any more and getting big bouts like these will raise our name on the international stage. For example, Philippines as a country is so much smaller than India but it is known throughout the world because of Manny Pacquiao and because of that their pro boxers are getting good bouts with big prize money. So these sort of fights should keep happening not just for me but for other Indian pro boxers also," he said.

https://www.news18.com/news/other-s...xing-india-vs-pakistan-world-cup-2194733.html

 

[KingKhanWC]

No one will pay 7 million pounds to Amir for this fight? It’s just initial hype. Poor guy is looking to earn money by getting Pak cricket team to do crunches.
Who will watch this fight? Very few in India surely. Even fights of Vijender Kumar, an olympic medalist and national hero with a big-budget movie being made on him, are hardly watched. Vijender gets a few 10s of thousand dollars for winning each fight.

Non-desis won’t watch two small-time brown boxers fighting. This fight may have some audience in Pakistan (and overseas Pakistanis) as their national hero has a chance to beat an Indian, though unknown. But purchasing power of Pakistan is no so high to generate 7 million pounds for one boxer.

Neeraj will probably be Ok to fight for a burger. He was a middling boxer in Indian domestic circuit when he somehow went overseas and is trying not to starve.

No one in India even knows about this fight

£7 million is being reported by all media outlets and boxing reporters. This is the fight purse which will most likely be paid by the Saudi hosts. There has been an event in Saudi not too long ago featuring two British boxers and the event was a huge success with the likes of Mike Tyson, Holyfield and Muhammed Alis daughter in attendence.

Sure it's not huge in India but to suggest nobody is aware is just not true, it has been promoted and some Indians will follow the event , the same goes for Pakistan but the main audience for this is in the Arab world.

 

[Babbar]

So Saudis are paying.

More Indian boxers have to go pro. But there’s no such clear movement as Indian amateur boxing circuit (govt jobs, local ads and lakhs even crores for getting Asian/CWG/World/olympic medals) is more lucrative that pro circuit.

 

[Babbar]

I meant that no one in India, except may be old boxing chums) knows this Neeraj dude.

Boxing itself is quite popular in India. Despite what is generally thought on this forum, there’s no comparison between recent performance of Indian and Pakistani boxers. India’s C team will beat Pakistan.

Last South Asian Games; India won 10Gold (all of them). Even Sri Lanka with 5 Silvers was ahead of Pakistan.

Pakistan boxing has gone the Hockey way and unfortunately Cricket is taking the same path.

India is spending huge on boxing to win at Asian and Olympics level. Right now over 50 India boxers are training in Italy, UK, Korea etc sparring with the best.

https://wap.business-standard.com/a...o-italy-ireland-and-korea-119060800538_1.html

 

[KingKhanWC]

I meant that no one in India, except may be old boxing chums) knows this Neeraj dude.

Boxing itself is quite popular in India. Despite what is generally thought on this forum, there’s no comparison between recent performance of Indian and Pakistani boxers. India’s C team will beat Pakistan.

Last South Asian Games; India won 10Gold (all of them). Even Sri Lanka with 5 Silvers was ahead of Pakistan.

Pakistan boxing has gone the Hockey way and unfortunately Cricket is taking the same path.

India is spending huge on boxing to win at Asian and Olympics level. Right now over 50 India boxers are training in Italy, UK, Korea etc sparring with the best.

https://wap.business-standard.com/a...o-italy-ireland-and-korea-119060800538_1.html

Amatuer boxing is very much different to proffesional boxing, no protective headwear for one.

India has a better organised team for Asian/Olympic games etc and credit to them for trying to improve, this may help them find a boxer who has potential to become world champ but atm India are nowhere to be seen at this level. Pakistan have a world title challenger and a boxer who has a good chance of becoming the first world champion from Pakistan or the sub continent.

 

[shaykh]

So irrelevant is this fight that it's not even been noticed that this fight isnt happening anymore...

Goyat got into a car crash so has pulled out...

Khan is thus gonna face the might of Bilal Dib ...an awful super featherweight...let the farce continue...

 

[KingKhanWC]

Have no idea who Bilal Dib is either.

You cant blame Amir for making money, we all would and imo all boxers have a right to do so after putting their lives in danger time after time.

Channel 5 are showing the fight in the UK, free to air. Smart from Amir as it keep his name spoken of by fans which will help him with a bigger payday in any future UK fights.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Easy win for Khan TKO round 4, towel thrown in.

Billy Dib was never in the same league but easy pay day for Khan.

Good crowd in Jeddah with Rick Ross and Tyga in the audiance too. Khan could be onto something here if makes Saudi is new home , a lot of money to be made.

 

[The Viper]

Amir Khan beats Billy Dib to claim WBC international welterweight title

Britain's Amir Khan claimed the WBC international welterweight title with a fourth-round stoppage of Australian Billy Dib in Saudi Arabia.

Khan floored Dib in the second round with a fierce left hook at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

A rapid combination of punches then saw Dib fall to the canvas again, prompting his corner to throw in the towel.

Dib only took the fight in June after original opponent Neeraj Goyat withdrew after being injured in a car crash.

It was an explosive display by Khan, who was looking to bounce back from his controversial defeat to WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford in April, which saw him accused of "quitting" after his corner pulled him out following a low blow from the American in the sixth round.

After flooring Dib with a counter left hook in the second, another left hook in the third saw the Australian shaken but able to stay on his feet.

There would be no escape in the fourth, though, as a double left hook followed up by a rapid combination saw Dib go down again and prompt the towel to be thrown.

The Sydney-born fighter, who has held a world title at featherweight, moved up to make his welterweight debut having only been confirmed as Khan's opponent last month and described the opportunity as his "real-life Rocky moment".

There would be no fairytale ending, though, as Dib struggled to cope with Khan's superior speed and power.

Fury wins again against Peter
Hughie Fury fought on the undercard in Jeddah and continued his climb up the heavyweight division with victory against Samuel Peter, who was forced to withdraw in the seventh round after appearing to injure his shoulder as the referee sought to break up the fighters.

The referee was caught by a glancing blow from Peter as he intervened and ended up with a bloodied nose, with the Nigerian eventually pulling out after several minutes of deliberation.

Fury had been in control at that stage, looking to keep his distance against a fighter with 31 KOs to his name but who resorted to increasingly underhand tactics.

Peter, 38, had already been deducted a point in the fourth after landing a huge left hook after being asked to break by the referee. He was then guilty of low blows in fifth, sixth and seventh rounds that went unpunished before suffering the fight-ending injury.

It was Fury's second victory since his defeat by former world-title challenger Kubrat Pulev in October after his second-round stoppage of Chris Norrad in Manchester in May.

Meanwhile, Natasha Jonas continued her resurgence with a fourth-round stoppage of Bec Connolly in Liverpool.

Jonas, the first British woman to box at an Olympic Games in 2012, suffered her first professional defeat against Brazilian Viviane Obenauf in August 2018.

The Liverpool-born fighter recovered by outpointing Tanzania's Feriche Mashauri in March and has followed up that up with a convincing performance at the Liverpool Olympia.

Connolly, 35, found herself on the canvas twice in the first round as Jonas made a ferocious start.

Things continued in a similar pattern before Jonas stepped it up further in the fourth, with a swift combination of punches by the 35-year-old southpaw forcing the referee to intervene and end the fight.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/48971044

 

[PetroDollars]

for amir this was like walking down the street and finding 5 briefcases full of cash down the alley

 

[MenInG]

Britain's Amir Khan claimed the WBC international welterweight title with a fourth-round stoppage of Australian Billy Dib in Saudi Arabia.

Khan floored Dib in the second round with a fierce left hook at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

A rapid combination of punches then saw Dib fall to the canvas again, prompting his corner to throw in the towel.

Dib only took the fight in June after original opponent Neeraj Goyat withdrew after being injured in a car crash.

It was an explosive display by Khan, who was looking to bounce back from his controversial defeat to WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford in April, which saw him accused of "quitting" after his corner pulled him out following a low blow from the American in the sixth round.

After flooring Dib with a counter left hook in the second, another left hook in the third saw the Australian shaken but able to stay on his feet.

There would be no escape in the fourth, though, as a double left hook followed up by a rapid combination saw Dib go down again and prompt the towel to be thrown.

The Sydney-born fighter, who has held a world title at featherweight, moved up to make his welterweight debut having only been confirmed as Khan's opponent last month and described the opportunity as his "real-life Rocky moment".

There would be no fairytale ending, though, as Dib struggled to cope with Khan's superior speed and power.

Fury wins again against Peter
Hughie Fury fought on the undercard in Jeddah and continued his climb up the heavyweight division with victory against Samuel Peter, who was forced to withdraw in the seventh round after appearing to injure his shoulder as the referee sought to break up the fighters.

The referee was caught by a glancing blow from Peter as he intervened and ended up with a bloodied nose, with the Nigerian eventually pulling out after several minutes of deliberation.

Fury had been in control at that stage, looking to keep his distance against a fighter with 31 KOs to his name but who resorted to increasingly underhand tactics.

Peter, 38, had already been deducted a point in the fourth after landing a huge left hook after being asked to break by the referee. He was then guilty of low blows in fifth, sixth and seventh rounds that went unpunished before suffering the fight-ending injury.

It was Fury's second victory since his defeat by former world-title challenger Kubrat Pulev in October after his second-round stoppage of Chris Norrad in Manchester in May.

Meanwhile, Natasha Jonas continued her resurgence with a fourth-round stoppage of Bec Connolly in Liverpool.

Jonas, the first British woman to box at an Olympic Games in 2012, suffered her first professional defeat against Brazilian Viviane Obenauf in August 2018.

The Liverpool-born fighter recovered by outpointing Tanzania's Feriche Mashauri in March and has followed up that up with a convincing performance at the Liverpool Olympia.

Connolly, 35, found herself on the canvas twice in the first round as Jonas made a ferocious start.

Things continued in a similar pattern before Jonas stepped it up further in the fourth, with a swift combination of punches by the 35-year-old southpaw forcing the referee to intervene and end the fight.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/48971044

 

[shaz619]

Easy win for Khan TKO round 4, towel thrown in.

Billy Dib was never in the same league but easy pay day for Khan.

Good crowd in Jeddah with Rick Ross and Tyga in the audiance too. Khan could be onto something here if makes Saudi is new home , a lot of money to be made.

AK with his 11th win over a former world champ and an easy 7 mill to, haters keep hating they also don't realise they plugged this fight indirectly lol

For the first time in his career there is a decent chance Manny could face him, Khan is past his best and lost command over range plus no feet under him; makes him more of an attractive option and he remains a draw. With saudi and their initiative involving sports, they could pay enough to bring Manny to saudi potentially

 

[shaz619]

I don't like where Hughie's career is headed, I like Peter but don't feel he is ths best man for the tools Hughie has in the box; his boxing fundamentals are sound but not a technical maestro to the point where he doesn't needs to sit on his punches and show intent, then again most technicians hold the centre

 

[finalfantasy7]

AK with his 11th win over a former world champ and an easy 7 mill to, haters keep hating they also don't realise they plugged this fight indirectly lol

For the first time in his career there is a decent chance Manny could face him, Khan is past his best and lost command over range plus no feet under him; makes him more of an attractive option and he remains a draw. With saudi and their initiative involving sports, they could pay enough to bring Manny to saudi potentially

I saw a video in ifltv- youtube, stating that khan and pacman is on for this november

 

[KingKhanWC]

AK with his 11th win over a former world champ and an easy 7 mill to, haters keep hating they also don't realise they plugged this fight indirectly lol

For the first time in his career there is a decent chance Manny could face him, Khan is past his best and lost command over range plus no feet under him; makes him more of an attractive option and he remains a draw. With saudi and their initiative involving sports, they could pay enough to bring Manny to saudi potentially

Billy Dib after a sleep and breakfast still hasn't seen the punches coming

Manny could beat Thurman, looks in great shape. Not sure he will fight Khan after a victory? I think Saddam Ali would be a good opponent for Amir in Saudi being an Arab. He has a Yemeni background so depending on his poltical views might not want to fight in Saudi.

 

[topspin]

Easy win for Khan TKO round 4, towel thrown in.

Billy Dib was never in the same league but easy pay day for Khan.

Good crowd in Jeddah with Rick Ross and Tyga in the audiance too. Khan could be onto something here if makes Saudi is new home , a lot of money to be made.

Excellent rappers.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Excellent rappers.

I prefer Rick Ross over Tyga but Im sure both were paid very well for their performances.

Tbh rap at it's best died with Tupac and Biggie.

 

[topspin]

I prefer Rick Ross over Tyga but Im sure both were paid very well for their performances.

Tbh rap at it's best died with Tupac and Biggie.

I would say Tyga's has been consistently bringing out bangers (since the Taste tune last summer) because of his producer, D.A. Doman.

Rick Ross had a short shelf life, which was good while it lasted.

Hip-hop was its peak in the 90s but the standard of the beats now are far superior and when it's lyrically up to the mark, it's up there with the best songs, however the way Tupac and Biggie executed their lines will always remain unmatched.

 

[DeadBall]

however the way Tupac and Biggie executed their lines will always remain unmatched.

 

[topspin]

Hmm?

 

[shaykh]

Foty

 

[shaz619]

Billy Dib after a sleep and breakfast still hasn't seen the punches coming

Manny could beat Thurman, looks in great shape. Not sure he will fight Khan after a victory? I think Saddam Ali would be a good opponent for Amir in Saudi being an Arab. He has a Yemeni background so depending on his poltical views might not want to fight in Saudi.

Thing is, people made a big deal out of this which just goes to show you their innate hatred and envy for AK.

We never saw sarcastic threads about Kell Brook facing a stripper and also losing to him but then being saved by matchrooms brown envelope and we never saw anyone poke fun at top boxing stars face MMA fighters ; at least Dibb was a boxer who had won a world title in the past.

Anyhow we can hardly criticise when you look at the money involved.

Amir has allegedly signed a deal to face Manny in November in Saudi

 

[MenInG]

Manny Pacquiao's publicist has denied a deal has been agreed to fight Amir Khan in Saudi Arabia in November.

Khan claims the bout in Riyadh on 8 November is "signed off and done" following his stoppage win over Australia's Billy Dib in the Middle East on Friday.

But Pacquiao's spokesperson Fred Sternberg told BBC Sport: "Manny has not signed any contract.

"As far as I know it hasn't been even discussed," Sternberg added on Tuesday.

A proposed fight between Khan and Pacquiao fell through in 2017 and the 40-year-old icon is scheduled to fight American Keith Thurman in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Khan emphasised Pacquiao has "signed" for the fight, although he was uncertain how things may play out if Thurman was to pursue any rematch with the Filipino in the event he loses his WBA super-welterweight title on Saturday.

"I hope it is him but we will have to look at back-up plans," Khan added. "I've always wanted to fight him. It's the biggest fight out there for me."

But Sternberg said his man is solely focused on Thurman.

"He's been in training camp for the past eight weeks, four in the Philippines and four in the States, and he hasn't met with Amir Khan during that time."

He also said he did not know where Khan's claims had come from: "That's a question you need to ask Amir Khan".

Khan has long sought the chance to face Pacquiao, one of the sport's most decorated fighters.

Khan earned a reported £7m in beating Dib in Saudi Arabia over the weekend and said criticism of his move to fight in the Middle East stems from "jealousy", adding fighters "would be stupid not to" take advantage of fighting there.

Since returning to the sport after almost two years out of the ring in April 2018, Khan has three wins and lost a controversial world-title shot against Terence Crawford when he was pulled out by his corner after a low blow.

The Bolton fighter was forced to answer questions on whether he quit in the bout but he returned to the ring to beat Dib and now believes he will again feature in an eye-catching contest against former sparring partner Pacquiao.

"When I sparred with him he was at his peak," said Khan. "I got good rounds with him and did really well. I have probably sparred between 200 and 300 rounds with him. He has slowed down a bit."

Pacquiao holds a record of 61 wins, seven defeats and two draws in a 24-year professional career while Khan has 34 wins and five defeats to his name.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/49001043

 

[shaykh]

Anyone who has followed Amir Khan knows that 99.9% of what comes out of his mouth is bakwaas...

No reputable boxing source gave credence to Khans claims that the Pac fight had been signed...it was all a matter of waiting for the inevitable confirmation from Pac himself...