Khan vs Vargas: Amir Khan’s ruthless instincts were on show in a world title fight with Dmitriy Salita

Khan vs Vargas: Amir Khan's ruthless instincts were on show in a world title fight with Dmitriy Salita

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Look back at Amir Khan's win over Dmitriy Salita in 2009

Amir Khan’s blistering win over Phil Lo Greco was a reminder of the ruthless fighter who had defended his world title in just 76 seconds against Dmitriy Salita.

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Khan vs Vargas: Amir Khan's ruthless instincts were on show in a world title fight with Dmitriy Salita

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The British star continues his comeback against Samuel Vargas in Birmingham this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports, as Khan returns to the ring following his 39-second win over Phil Lo Greco in April.

Khan had given an early display of his blurring hand speed in December 2009 when he defended his WBA title against Salita in Newcastle.

What are your memories of that fight against Khan?

Khan vs Vargas: Amir Khan's ruthless instincts were on show in a world title fight with Dmitriy Salita

He was very fast. I remember that it wasn’t a hard punch, it was a very quick punch. The quickness is what gets you.

He was very quick and obviously I was kind of nervous because of the atmosphere and tried to take a minute to adjust. Amir, the experienced fighter that he is, sensed it, and jumped on me, and did what he had to do.

How highly would you rate Khan’s hand speed?

I have trained and sparred with world champions and great fighters, so his [Khan] speed and his instincts were with the very best. He is one of the fastest guys.

Can you describe Khan’s punch power?

Could you have done anything differently against Khan?

It was my first time as a professional, or as an amateur fighting outside of the United States. That experience emotionally is a lot to deal with, so having the experience now, you grow, you learn, you know how to deal with certain situations better.

Khan vs Vargas: Amir Khan's ruthless instincts were on show in a world title fight with Dmitriy Salita

I would be much more engaging from the beginning, in a mental type of way. I wouldn’t have thought about taking my time and warming up into it. I would be much more engaged and much sharper from the beginning.

Were you surprised by Khan’s quick win over Phil Lo Greco?

Khan vs Vargas: Amir Khan's ruthless instincts were on show in a world title fight with Dmitriy Salita

1:20 The British star showed off speed in a swift win over Phil Lo Greco

Yes, I was kind of surprised. I think it was a very impressive performance. Phil obviously talked a lot before the fight, and I feel that a lot of guys when they get in the ring, they just have a hard time dealing with Amir’s speed.

Will we see another swift KO from Khan on Saturday?

Khan vs Vargas: Amir Khan's ruthless instincts were on show in a world title fight with Dmitriy Salita

From what I know of Joe Goosen’s training methods, he concentrates a lot on power and proper placement of punches. He has very long workouts. I know that his workouts are significantly longer than other guys.

That should prove that Amir is going to be in great shape and I think he’s going to have some punching power too. I don’t know Samuel Vargas, but if it goes a couple of rounds, we will be able to see what Amir has.

Should Khan target a world title, or British rival Kell Brook?

Amir Khan against Kell Brook is a huge fight in England, but Amir Khan versus Manny Pacquiao is a big fight all over the world. Both very interesting fights.

Amir Khan against Adrien Broner would be a great fight, just because of their personalities, and their styles.

Khan vs Vargas: Amir Khan's ruthless instincts were on show in a world title fight with Dmitriy Salita

1:48 Khan could fight Kell Brook or Manny Pacquiao in December, says Eddie Hearn

Kell Brook against Amir Khan is not going to mean a lot in the United States, because while people are familiar with Amir Khan, they are not as familiar with Kell Brook. They know the name, they don’t really have the relationship with him.

Amir Khan and Pacquiao in the United States is a huge fight.

Watch Amir Khan against Samuel Vargas, from the Arena Birmingham, on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Action from 7pm.

Khan vs Vargas: Amir Khan's ruthless instincts were on show in a world title fight with Dmitriy Salita

Sourse: skysports.com

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