Respect for Khan - an overdue privilege
As the song goes, 'R E S P E C T, find out what it means to me'. Respect to me is something you crave, but quite rightly you have to earn; it is certainly not an automatic right.
Undoubtedly in the eyes of many Amir Khan is an individual who is undeserving of respect.
So, it would stand to reason that if hypothetically you have dusted yourself off, left your comfort zone, won a world title, defended against some fine opposition culminating in a clinical dismantling of a man many had predicted would win - then Khan would have earned his respect.
Well, I think its fair to say that whilst Khan is more universally liked now he still does not have the backing or respect that a Ricky Hatton or Carl Froch has.
Why is that?
A common notion is that Khan not only has a silver medal in his possession but also in boxing terms a silver spoon also. Like many prospects he was fed a number of easy matches early in his career and many people feel that he has enjoyed advantages that others have not. Contrast this with Carl Froch who has seemingly had to scrap for every opportunity that comes his way but enjoys universal respect - you can see a pattern forming here.
Another theory, and one that has been mentioned by Khan, is that his Asian roots pose a problem. I'm not going to dwell on that one other than to say I disagree with this, but in an article such as this it is worthy of mention.
A switch to Golden Boy wont have helped - there is a perception (some would say a correct one) that like Mr Warren over here De La Hoya et al are afforded special treatment over the pond, the recent announcement of a world title fight for a certain Erik Morales would seem proof of that. Ironically, should he win who does he fight next? Yep, you've guessed it a certain Amir Khan. Probably Khan's fault.
Twitter in many people's eyes hasn't helped Amir's quest for acceptance. A number of musings allegedly by the man himself in gangsta or text speech have at times been cringeworthy. Twitter, whilst an excellent method of our heroes being closer to us can cause huge issues, you only have to look at Joseph Barton to see further illustration of the problems that can arise.
Finally, if you are to believe many it was Amir Khan's fault that Paul McCloskey barely threw a punch in six rounds, Khan's fault that the doctor stopped the fault and Khan's fault that the fight ended in a degree of controversy. I prefer to concentrate on the facts.
Since the demolition at the hands of Prescott, Amir Khan has improved beyond recognition. The thriller against Maidana is a case in point, as is the coup de grace, the dismissal of Judah.
Recently we have seen Ryan Rhodes and Matthew Macklin lose, albeit both in gallant fashion. We have had to suffer 'toegate'. We seem to treasure what we have in Carl Froch. We should do likewise with Amir Khan who, like Froch, continues to win at the highest level which is something not many of our fighters can manage.
What does respect mean to me? Respect is working hard to achieve your dreams and goals, negotiating bumps in the road on the way. Respect for me is being the best you can be in your chosen field.
Respect to me is what Amir Khan is due right now. However, it would seem for Amir Khan, respect will always be an overdue privilege.
