Terence Crawford vs Amir Khan: Brit looking to roll back the clock one last time as his journey nears its end

Now 14 years into his professional career, Khan is as divisive as ever

It’s a ride that has lasted longer than Friends or Scrubs ever did, even though at many points it looked to be over. Welcome to Amir Khan’s professional boxing career, a topsy-turvy, unpredictable and sometimes laughable era which continues this weekend against Terence Crawford, one of the best fighters on the planet.

The world was a very different place when Amir Khan made his pro debut in July 2005. Tony Blair was still Prime Minister; Ghetto Gospel was number one in the pop charts and Antonio Margarito held the WBO welterweight world title that Crawford and Khan are fighting for at Madison Square Garden. At 18, Khan was the future and the present all wrapped up in one dazzlingly quick package. Now, at 32, the body is creaking, the speed has dimmed a touch, but the childlike ideation of success still rings true in his head.

Despite having fought – and not looked great – against a series of gatekeepers upon his return to boxing in 2018 after a near two-year layoff, Khan has been given an ultimate chance of redemption against Crawford, whose undefeated record is only surpassed by his seemingly invincible aura. This is a battle of maybes versus a clear definite, of potential versus progress – and Crawford holds all the aces.

So why are some still believing in Khan? That blissful era of the mid 2000s before financial meltdowns and political disaster still holds a soft spot for many people. Just imagine: it’s 2005, Arctic Monkeys are recording their debut album, Liverpool have just completed the Miracle of Istanbul and the nation holds hope for a teenage boxer who has already won an Olympic medal.

Nostalgia is strong, and though Khan has faced trouble both in the ring and the tabloids, his ardent – and some would say casual – fanbase still believe he can upset the odds once again. Now 14 years into his professional career, Khan is as divisive as ever.

For some, he’ll always be an exciting boxer who is as brave as they come every time he competes, while for others his career will continue to frustrate and annoy whenever he appears in the ring. The simplicity of Khan is also his fatal flaw, with his single-minded approach allowing constant belief, which occasionally lapses into delusion.

That delusion has helped in the past and not just hindered. Brutal knockout defeats have not dented Khan’s pride nor his optimism, and he does have some excellent wins on his record. A two-weight world champion, the Bolton man has tested the water against the best, and though he’s not always succeeded, he’s always given it a good go.

Which begs the question: what is more important – a fan-friendly style that guarantees excitement but creates danger, or a more disciplined approach that is less spectacular but provides more consistency? Khan has proved in the past he can box to a game-plane, but his playbook will need to be iron clad against Crawford who is among the most well-disciplined opponents this modern generation of boxing has seen.

34-0 across an eleven-year professional career, Crawford has long been regarded as one of the greatest fighters on the planet. While many boxers typically have one, or if they’re very lucky, two significant X-factors in their athletic arsenal, Crawford is simply excellent at everything.

The 31-year-old is fast with both hand and foot, has a consistent defence, plenty of power, the ability to seamlessly change tactics within a fight, and a disarming ability to beat an opponent at their own game. In short, he’s special – and has showed an exceptional ability to stay composed amid great pressure.

A three-weight world champion, Crawford was the undisputed King of the light welterweight division, before moving up to welterweight and defeating Jeff Horn last year. The Omaha-native has increased in aggression over the past few years while keeping his fluid boxing style. Whether he’ll look to finish Khan early remains to be seen, but the power he generates could prove troubling for the Brit who is susceptible to unexpected power-shots.

Intensity is one of Crawford’s biggest weapons inside the ring and he never seems to tire or lose focus. How can Khan beat him? Pray for an injury or jump on him early seems to be his only hopes. It’s unlikely he has the skills or the stamina at this time to outbox Crawford, so a rapid display of punches in the opening stages could be his best bet for success.

Crawford is clever, however, and will be expecting the onslaught. A well-timed counter could derail Khan’s night before it’s properly started and send him back to the reality TV circuit.

Crawford has increased in aggression over the past few years while keeping his fluid boxing style (Reuters)

Win or lose Khan has made his millions in his sport and most importantly has always done things his own way. Has he been frustrating at times? Yes. But it’s never been boring. Each bout has been filled with excitement and drama, which is what a sport like boxing needs in order to truly thrive. We need characters, we need backstory and Amir Khan has enough to fill an opera.

It’s not 2005 anymore, but in Amir Khan’s head it is. Who’s to say he can’t roll back the clock one more time?