Haroon pledges to bounce back
10:10am Tuesday 16th March 2010 in Boxing By David Magilton
BOXING: Haroon Khan is aiming to put the disappointment of a shock first-round knockout in the ABA Championships behind him by training alongside his brother Amir in Los Angeles.
World ABA light-welterweight champion Amir, who defends his title in May, flew out this week to begin his training camp, and Haroon plans to follow him to California in three weeks time in the hope that the tough training regime implemented in Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym will help him improve both his fitness and technique.
The 18-year-old is still smarting from his defeat by Bolton rival Chris Blinkorn in the opening round of the ABA 54kg division, when he lost a split decision by just one point.
“I thought I had done enough to win it,“ he said. “He hit me a lot on the arms and shoulders which shouldn’t count and I caught him in the first round and bust his nose.
“I thought I boxed better this time than my last fight, but we had manual scoring and it is down to the judges.”
It was the first time in four fights that Castle Hill boxer Blinkhorn has got the better of his rival, but Haroon is determined to bounce back.
“I am happy to fight Chris again and will challenge whoever wins the ABA title because I am confident I can beat them.
“I feel my fitness will improve greatly by being in Freddie’s gym and when I come back I think I will be able to beat anybody in this country.”
Haroon admits he is frustrated by a lack of interest at international level and feels his hopes are slim of making it to the Commonwealth or Olympic Games.
Pakistan have already come calling and want Haroon to box for them if he is snubbed by his home country.
“I would love to represent England and Great Britain but if they don’t want me then I will consider Pakistan, but I haven’t made any decision yet. “I represented England at junior level but since I have turned senior have not heard anything from them.
“Neither myself or Chris have been called up into any training sqauds which is very disappointing.”
Lee Mitchell, from Gloves ABC, has reached the final of the CYP Championships after he beat Ryan Wheeler from Barnsley 4-2 in the 48kg division. The 16-year-old, a pupil at Smithills School, will fight in the final in London on March 25.
Other Gloves boxers in action were Chris Prior, who beat J Durkin of Sandygate at senior 80kg, Curtis Waugh beat J Andrews of Carlisle Villa at junior 46kg, Ellis Waugh overcame S Hayward of Sandygates at junior 60kg, while Joshua Bladen took part in his first skills bout at junior 36kg.
Gloves ABC are holding Easter holidays boxing schools for youngsters aged 8-17. Anyone interested can ring the club on 520607.
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