As big time boxing returns in September the always insightful Peter Wells is back on Boxing News and Views to give his big fight previews and predictions. First up, it’s his Amir Khan vs Samuel Vargas prediction.
With rumours circulating of a bout between Kell Brook and Manny Pacquiao, long-time rival of the pair, Amir Khan 32-4(20KO’s) makes his way to the Arena Birmingham on Saturday night, in a contest that will further prove Khan’s relevance on the British boxing scene.
His opponent will provide little in terms of how much the 2004 Olympian has left, but nothing less than an inside the distance stoppage to conclude a dominant performance is expected when he meets Columbian Samuel Vargas.
Vargas 29-3-2(14KO’s) drew last time out with Mauro Godoy, and holds a win over the faded Ali Funeka during his recent 5 fight unbeaten streak. But his flirts with world level have seen him come unstuck in 7 against Danny Garcia 2 years ago, and inside just 4 rounds when he met the fists of Errol Spence Jr in 2015. Khan’s 12 round meeting must end within time for the Bolton man to make the right impression.
It won’t come in such simple fashion as it did when meeting the even more outmatched Phil Lo Greco, but Vargas will only be able to keep his cool for so long in the face of the lightning quick hands of Khan.
Vargas is game enough to make this exciting, but Khan will be in control from the start, before forcing an intervention from the third man in the ring in round 6.
The co-feature sees a rematch of a small hall classic between the current British champion Jason Welborn and Tommy Langford.
It is 4 months on from the Black Country derby between the pair at the Walsall Town Hall in which Welborn held on to an early lead to win on the cards. Langford 20-2(6KO’s) was dropped once and hurt multiple times as Welborn 23-6(7KO’s) finally leapt over the hurdle that had seen him come up short in Lonsdale belt challenges at both Welterweight and Light Middle.
Langford was the favourite going into the first meeting and should he avoid any early drama this time around then he should exact his revenge.
But the pick is for the champion to keep his hot streak going as he is buoyed be the vocal support and momentum he carries. Confidence plays a huge part in this sport, and it will prove pivotal as Welborn stuns the British fight scene with a 9th round stoppage win.
