Manila, Philippines - The ring is all set for the unification clash between two world champions Amir Khan and Zab Judah on Saturday in Mandalay Bay Resorts, Las Vegas. TV5 airs this historic boxing match for the Filipino boxing enthusiasts to see one of the best fights to happen this year at 10:30 a.m. (Manila time) via satellite, with a replay on TV5’s primetime sport block AKTV on IBC Channel 13 at 8 p.m.
This big-time matchup at the Boxing Mecca could be a defining moment for both boxers as it will determine whether Khan can sustain his climb for possible venture in the pound-for-pound level or whether his veteran opponent can still remain relevant.
A bullish Khan is confident that this fight, which he confessed would be the toughest test of his career, could launch him into British boxing lineage alongside Lennox Lewis, Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe who had cemented remarkable bouts in Las Vegas. For some boxing observers, the time has come for Khan to prove that he could be the next big name in British boxing very soon.
Coach Freddie Roach made an earlier assessment that the 24-year-old British WBA light-welterweight champion is a superior boxer at his age than Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao was at the same age. Both boxers have been training under the supervision of Roach in his Wildcard Gym. Roach predicted that with his speed and work ethic, Khan is poised to reach Pacquiao’s status within the next two years. But for Khan – who used to be Pacman’s sparring partner – the influence of Roach and Pacquiao is a very big factor in his swift progress.
With an impressive 25 wins (17 KOs) and only one loss record, Khan is set to make his fifth defense of his WBA light-welterweight belt. His victory over Marco Antonio Barrera and Marcos Maidana (considered to be the best fight in 2010) made him known to be a force to reckon with in boxing.
Meanwhile, 33-year-old American boxer Judah tasted defeat six times (43-6, 28 KOs) during a 49-fight career. He has already lost to Carlos Baldomir, Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto, prompting Khan to be confident of a victory that could send his opponent into retirement.
Catch Khan versus Judah’s unification fight this Sunday as the biggest names in professional boxing collide only on Big Time Bakbakan on TV5 and AKTV.