Paul's Press Ups

BoxRec News correspondent Paul Foley sizes up this week's boxing press...

Amir Khan is standing on shaky ground if he takes on WBA number one contender Marcos Maidana. That’s the verdict of a man who too held a WBA belt.

Barry McGuigan’s Saturday column in the Mirror described Maidana as a threshing machine who tracks down opponents relentlessly.

If that wasn’t enough he’s also very heavy handed and not a smaller guy coming up the weights or an ageing fighter on the down slope of his career.

The Irish hero gave a stark warning of the danger posed by a man who has already destroyed Golden Boy fighter Victor Ortiz. “Maidana is the kind of opponent that history has shown represents the greatest threat to Khan.

“He will fancy his chances against Khan, which at world level is how it should be.”

Barry is right and I wouldn’t be too surprised if Khan is advised to give up his title and look for someone slightly less armed.

The sad thing is that if Khan had been schooled in tough British and European fights he would be a little more suited to taking and slipping bombs.

How different boxing is today compared to the era of Tony Sibson and Alan Minter when you had to be tried and tested in the ring even if that meant a couple of defeats here and there!

David Haye certainly had his work cut out in 2009 when unsuccessfully attempting to secure a heavyweight challenge to one or both of the Klitschko brothers. As we now know they wanted a minimum of three fights with him and sensibly the Londoner said “no thanks.”

If Haye goes to the table in 2010 with the Klitschkos there could be an offer of even more options.

The Jewish Chronicle courtesy of Danny Caro reported on Israeli based heavyweight Roman Greenberg who is likely to be fighting in a co-promotion by his manager Robert Waterman and guess who? K2 East Promotions a company owned by Wladimir and Vitali.

According to his manger Greenberg was boosted by Haye’s recent victory over Valuev. “They used to train together and Roman always held his own.”

The plan for Greenberg is three fights before a European or world title challenge.

Rest assured Haye’s name will be popping up with any mention of Greenberg’s victories.

In hindsight maybe three fights was a good deal!

I don’t think the Boxing world is in shock after the announcement of Ricky Hatton’s return.

David Anderson of the Mirror broke the story on Wednesday (Ed writes - Hmmm...I did a story on 17th November saying he was fighting Marquez!) citing Ricky’s belief that he has got one more great fight in him as the reason for a return. (Boxing fans have heard this story once too often!)

I am not too alarmed about the Hitman having another go.

My concern level rose when I read Ricky will be going on a three week holiday to Australia before returning to his gym in Hyde next month.

Anderson said Hatton plans to fight in May, so my advice is for Ricky take some scales and stay well away from the calorie busting food and drink.

I suppose there is more chance of Frank Warren being his promoter again!