British boxing star Amir Khan picked himself off the canvas to claim a unanimous points win over Colombian boxer Samuel Vargas after a thrilling fight at Arena Birmingham, reported the Daily Star Sunday.But while Khan claimed the 33rd win of his rollercoaster career, he will have to be much better if he wants to avoid a fifth loss against either Pacquiao or Brook.The 31-year-old welterweight had put Vargas down in the second before he was put over by a right hand.
But his hopes of a meeting with eight-weight world champion Pacquiao or bitter British rival Brook before Christmas were not derailed despite the drama.
The Bolton fighter has now picked up two wins since his devastating knockout defeat by Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in 2016 after his 39-second win over Phil Lo Greco in April.
He may be a former world light-welterweight champion and Olympic silver medallist at just 17 back in 2004, but he still has plenty of critics who question his chin.This will only give those doubters more ammo but nobody can say he is ever involved in dull fights after another thriller.Before either Brook or Pacquiao could be considered, Vargas needed to be dealt with and it proved a tougher task than expected.
Khan dropped Vargas twice in the bout.
Colombian was given little chance of ripping up the script and entered the arena to a chorus of boos and chants of ‘Who are ya?’ from a crowd of around 10,000.Khan ensured it was as hostile in the ring too as he whipped in an early right hand.The favourite then rocked the outsider with a brilliant left hook in the second round before a right hand put the Colombian on the deck for the first time.
Vargas beat the count and as blood streamed from his nose he floored Khan with a right hand of his own that left the arena stunned.
Khan was decked in the second round but beat the count
The bell came at just the right time for Khan to fully recover and he had Vargas down again in the third with another right, although the shot appeared to land on the back of the away fighter’s head.It was still counted by referee Terry O’Connor which got Khan back in control of what was turning into a dramatic affair.The pace slowed in the fourth before Khan peppered Vargas with combinations in the fifth.
