Amir Khan v Samuel Vargas: Khan to take one step closer to Brook bout?

Preview and tips ahead of the big fight

Amir Khan returns to the ring for the first time since April when he takes on Samuel Vargas in Birmingham.

Although there are no belts on the line, the British star will be looking to catapult himself back into world title contention at welterweight.

It will be his first fight at his preferred 147lb since 2015. However, his opponent Vargas is no mug and will be a stern contender on Saturday night.

You can catch the action live on Sky Sports from 8pm. And the Coral News Team have you covered with a breakdown of the two fighters and a bout prediction.

Khan eyeing up potential mega fights

‘King’ Khan will be under no illusions that a win here will see him back amongst the big boys in the welterweight division.

Should he get his hand raised, there’s a potential domestic super fight with Sheffield’s Kell Brook. Manny Pacquaio is also another option with the Filipino a strap-holder once again.

But the likes of Terence Crawford, Keith Thurman, Errol Spence Jr. and a rematch with Danny Garcia could also be on the cards.

We don’t need to delve too deeply into Khan’s strengths at this level. The former world champion has terrific hands speed, good movement, and a lick of power. But that’s all countered by his weak chin.

Bullish Vargas coming for an upset

There can be no doubting that Khan will have a considerably more difficult task on his hands here than in his previous win over Phil Lo Greco.

Vargas is a natural welterweight, carrying similar physical attributes as his opponent. And although he’s fought mostly in Canada throughout his professional career, the Colombian has taken on some big names.

Despite being defeated in both, the 29-year-old has taken on Danny Garcia and Errol Spence Jr., back in 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Both were early stoppages. And that would suggest that when it comes to an elite level, Vargas might not cut the mustard. However, he’s still dangerous and poses a threat to Khan’s chances.

Fight Prediction

Coral traders make Khan the overwhelming favourite at 1/25, with Vargas at 9/1. The Draw or Technical Draw is 25/1.

Obviously, when you analyse both fighters’ pedigree, it’s difficult to argue with that assertion. There’s a lot on the line for Khan here. Another shock defeat in the Breidis Prescott mould will practically finish his career at the highest level.

He can’t let that happen. And the Coral experts don’t think he will, either. Although it might not be as comfortable a victory as the outright odds suggest.

Garcia and Spence Jr. stopped Vargas in the 4th and 7th rounds, respectively. And while Khan needed just 39 seconds to dispense with Lo Greco back in April, this bout could go a little longer.

We’re expecting Khan to take his time and gradually wear down Vargas with swift, powerful combinations. He’s 4/11 to knockout the Colombian. And it’s 15/8 he does so in Rounds 5-8.

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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing