Khalid calls for title shot after 7th victory

Ameen Khalid…dropped Liam Richards on way to points win

AMEEN Khalid declared himself ready for a title shot after dominating Liam Richards over six rounds at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms last night (Saturday).

There’s no doubt Khalid is a much improved boxer from the one who outpointed Richards in a four rounder at the same venue in June last year.

He’s sharp, slings together stinging combinations and, against Richard, showed excellent body work. But it will need stiffer tests than Liam – a veteran of over 100 fights – before we know if Worcester has a domestic contender.

After seven winning fights, the 26-year-old is still a work in progress.

On BCB’s bill last night, Khalid managed what few others have achieved: he gave Richards a thoroughly uncomfortable night, even dropping the defensive maestro in the fourth.

Some at ringside felt the knockdown controversial. I am not among them.

Richards was spun and had his back to Khalid when copping a left hook on the chin. There were those that felt referee Ryan Churchill should’ve stopped the action before the blow was slung.

It’s immaterial. He didn’t, therefore Khalid (9st 11lbs 3oz) was within his rights to take full advantage of the situation.

There were those who felt Khalid’s actions were unsporting. That’s idealistic. Boxing winners grasp whatever advantage they can within the rules. Those looking for gentlemanly conduct and good manners should consider cricket.

In any case, there were no complaints from Richards (9st 13lbs 6oz) afterwards. “He spun me 180 degrees and was trying to turn round. I thought the ref would come in. He didn’t.”

“That wasn’t the worse,” Richards pointed out as a medic sealed a thin, long cut over his left eye. “The biggest thing was in the last 30 seconds of the sixth round. He caught me with a big over-hand right and his thumb caught my eye. I heard the ‘ping ping’ signalling the last 10 seconds and clung on.”

“He was a lot better today (than their first meeting),” Richards admitted. “The body shots were better. The best work was when he span off – his corner had it spot on.”

Khalid looked pin sharp and as early as the first a left uppercut drew a grin of recognition from his opponent.

Ameen used the uppercut well and another jarred Richards’ head back in the third, a session that saw blood trickle from the sliced eye.

After the drama of the fourth, Ameen relentlessly worked the body, hacking his opponent’s sides as if attempting to fell an oak.

Richards cupped gloves round his face as Khalid chased a late stoppage. Very few, however, prevent the vastly experienced boxer hearing the final bell and Khalid had to settle for 60-53 victory.

“One hundred per cent it’s titles next,” said Khalid, “hopefully, a Midlands title.

“I’m happy with tonight. The plan was to land the left and pivot around him.”