Amir Kahn and Freddie Roach
Headline:
Yes, we Khan
Synopsis:
Trainer Freddie Roach tells Kevin Mitchell how Amir Khan has regrouped after defeat against Breidis Prescott.
Every day, when Amir Khan leaves his apartment at 1555 Vine St, John Wayne is waiting for him. As the boy from Bolton works his way south down Vine towards Sunset Boulevard, he passes Pat O'Brien, who could fight a bit, and June Allyson, who had no wish to but who knew guys who thought they could, including the Duke. Along the way, Khan might be aware of Mel Torme, of Stevie Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, of Keenan Wynn, Perez Brado, Gale Storm and Loretta Lynn, actors, singers and forgotten stars from long ago, immortalised in brass and concrete plaques embedded in the grubby streets of Hollywood.
There is no reason Amir, 21, should be even vaguely aware over whom he is stepping on his way to work at the Wild Card gym. His mind is on more serious things. He is a kid of the new millennium and, while this is a nation and a city that trades on shimmering illusions, his is a sport and a business that does not accommodate such foolishness.
Freddy Roach is no seller of dreams. First, he is Khan's new coach and a man the kid can trust. Amir has to reciprocate this faith or they are doomed. If Roach cannot rebuild his glittering career, which the hitherto unknown Colombian hitter Breidis Prescott splintered so spectacularly in Manchester in September, Khan might as well pack up and go home.
- Publish date:
- 16 November 2008
- Author:
- Kevin Mitchell
- Source:
- The Observer
- Media:
