Boxing Special Report: Amir Khan- The boy who became king (Part 2)
Despite the set-back in the 10th round, Khan fought back and with only 24 seconds remaining in the match at Maidana. It characterized real grit and determination, it was indeed a battle of nerves and Khan managed to blemish the flawless record
of Maidana. The ringing of that bell marked the burgeoning of his bright career in the US market.
There is a saying that reads, “Image is nothing.” However, for most of us who are aware of the fundamentals of Marketing would agree that in today’s world of branding and advertising, Image is everything. Especially when we find ourselves dealing with combat
sports, it is the Branding that makes the greatest impact. Brands like UFC and WWE are a testament to the importance of this concept since these two sports thrive on logo’s and images that their fan’s can relate to.
When it comes to boxing, every fighter must have that unique personality, an individuality that helps him sell as a brand. Which is why it is not uncommon to find highly interesting stories like the ‘Mexican Gang master’ or more exciting travails that encompass
‘out of the hood stories.’
Like an ecosystem, boxers fight hard to remain at the top of the food chain. In the form of Amir Khan, we find a polarizing fighter who has enthralled fans all across the globe like no other. The British Pakistani boxer is now considered to be one of the
best fighters in the history of the game and even though he has a long way to go; it is his persona that sets him apart from many others.
His family belongs to a rural village of Matore near Kahuta Rawalpindi, Pakistan. He was born and raised in Bolton where he enjoyed playing sports of all sorts; however, he began to box at the tender age of 11. He won three school titles along with three
junior ABA titles. He then went on to win the gold medal in 2003 Junior Olympics. He became Britain’s youngest Olympic boxer since the likes of Colin Jones 34 years ago. He managed to win the silver medal at the Athens Olympics in the lightweight boxing category.
At the end of the day, style makes a fight. Every sportsman has his fair share of critics. Amir being a fan of basketball from a young age saw how Michael Jordan during the early days of his career was heavily criticized for his game. There were those who
said that he did not pass the ball, while others said that he could not defend, there were those who said that his game was flashy and yet others who doubted his shooting skills. With Jordan barely embarking on his career, people had written him off.
Khan has similar critics, those who criticize his technique, his style, his strength. There were those who said he had a weak chin, that he was weak on the counter, that he was too defensive. However, Khan is one of the most resilient and charismatic fighter
seen in modern day boxing. To add to his charisma is his charitable work where he has helped raise a substantial amount of money for multiple causes.
Maidana is without a doubt a fearsome fighter, however in this modern day and age it is refreshing to see a Mohammad Ali spring up every once in a while. A man who made the right thing, the cool thing. A man who was revered for standing up against the tide,
who was revered for his integrity.
The media is in dire need of role models and it would not be unfair to assume that Amir Khan can provide just that.
According to one writer, “the grit and resilience and enormous recuperative powers that Khan showed proved many of his doubters wrong. Khan may not have a granite chin, but possesses the heart of a giant. And the desire of a champion.”
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