High noon for Blinkhorn and Khan
9:40am Friday 12th March 2010 in Boxing By Liam Chronnell
IT’S the fight all Bolton boxing fans have been waiting for — Haroon Khan v Chris Blinkhorn Part IV.
Blinkhorn vowed never to fight in his home town again after losing a controversial points decision to Bury ABC’s Khan in October.
The Castle Hill fighter then performed a u-turn and the 54kg duo were set for a rematch at Tonge Moor Labour Club before Christmas only for Khan to pull out over fears for his safety — and give up his North West Belts title.
A war of words followed between the two camps but now the talking will be done in the ring when the 18-year-olds meet in the regional senior ABAs in Gorton, Manchester this afternoon.
And there is even more at stake with both fighters’ Olympic hopes hinging on the outcome.
“It’s make or break,” said Blinkhorn, who has lost three times to Amir Khan’s younger brother.
“It was a controversial points decision last time and a lot of people thought I’d won it. I’ll just have to make sure there is no doubt this time.
“It’s a big fight, especially with regards to the Olympics because whoever loses has no chance of getting there.”
Despite the acrimony surrounding the last encounter, Blinkhorn insists the two boxers have remained friends.
“There’s no malice between us,” he said. “All stuff that’s been going on and said in the newspaper has not been me or him. We’re still mates.”
Haroon’s father, Shah, added: “There was never a problem between the two of them.
“We were just worried about the crowd the last time they were due to fight.
“But this is in Manchester and Haroon is really looking forward to it.
“When these two kids fight there is never much between them and I’m sure it will be very competitive again.”
Castle Hill’s Chris Jenkinson takes on Ryan O’Hagan (Preston & Fulwood) at 71kg.
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