HBO Boxing – Marcos Maidana Vs. Amir Khan

I was in Las Vegas this weekend and the talk of the town was UFC 124 rather than this fight, which was actually held in Las Vegas. To be fair, the UFC show would be equivalent to if boxing held a big PPV fight with Manny Pacquiao. But I was pretty amazed that I didn’t hear one thing about the fight all weekend long and was able to stay away from spoilers since I didn’t see this live.

Victor Ortiz fought Lamont Peterson in a fight that was disappointing for Ortiz. Ortiz was the much bigger fighter of the two and hit twice as hard, but for whatever reason, didn’t feel comfortable boxing him and was lunging for big shots. But he did knock him down twice in the third round, which makes the decision of a majority draw a little bit of a head scratcher. I didn’t score the fight, but it seemed like Ortiz did enough to win it.

Peterson was much more slick and landed some big shots, but never once did he really hurt Ortiz. But if there’s any blame, it has to go to Ortiz who took a few rounds off in the middle for whatever reason. Had he pressed on after the third round, he could’ve stopped Peterson, but he didn’t. This is a step backwards for Ortiz.

Marcos Maidana vs. Amir Khan

R1
Maidana is looking to land his right hand and he landed it early, but Khan was able to land multiple shots in succession several times. He then dropped Maidana with a body shot. 10-8 for Khan easily.

R2
Khan was able to continue where he left off in round one. He landed at will. His straight right hand is vicious.

R3
Maidana kept the pressure on and started to land his right hand. Khan got on his horse, though he was still able to find the target with his right hand. Maidana won the beginning and end of the round while Khan won the middle. Close round.

R4
Interestingly, Maidana’s strategy of throwing huge and lunging punches is decently successful. Khan must be feeling some of the power because the shots stop him in his tracks a bit. But Khan’s accuracy is still top notch. He’s out-landing him 3-1 probably.

R5
Khan looked oddly tired in the corner. I wouldn’t expect him to be that tired after just four. But Maidana is going to the body with big shots, so that could be taking its toll. Maidana was docked a point for hitting with his elbow. Maidana can take some shots. Khan threw a great series of punches, hitting in the body, then right on the top of his head.

R6
Maidana is just moving forward and walking through big shots by Khan. Khan’s getting hit with too many punches that he should be able to see coming.

R7
The fight is moving toward Maidana even though Khan should be winning on points by a decent margin. Maidana’s fighting physically, pushing Khan around, and throwing thunderous uppercuts. Maidana may have won the last two rounds.

R8
Khan swung the momentum back his way in round eight. Maidana looked slow and may have simply taken that round off. Khan out-landed him like 9-1 or something grotesque like that.

R9
Khan won another round and landed a stiff uppercut, but Maidana can take a shot. Khan looked to have him down again, but it was ruled a slip. Maidana is able to cut the ring off and Khan covers up to absorb the punches, and then just wheels out four and five punches in a row. It’s a pretty cool sight to see.

R10
Maidana nearly put him out. He landed a right hand that wobbled Khan. He had him reeling for two minutes and Khan was able to get away, but was taking incredible punches. Khan got his feet back and looked ok, but he was clearly hurt. It was Balboa/Creed like in how both guys were able to absorb shots and and go for it. I’d score it 10-8 for Maidana.

R11
Khan came back to win the round. Maidana has fought dirty at times. I expect him to throw from deep in round 12.

R12
If this fight is closer than I think it is, Khan is allowing Maidana to take it by not fighting back and just running. During the last 30 seconds of the round, Khan started to open up and landed some really nice shots, but I still think he lost the round.

I have Khan winning by three points. This is the best fight I’ve seen all year.

Winner: Amir Khan by way of unanimous decision

The scores were 114-111, 114-111, and 113-112.

Check out the last round and the decision.