Khan looks to hard work not ‘magic’ for second Pro win

Exciting lightweight prospect, Imran ‘Magic’ Khan makes his highly anticipated ring return on the ‘Locked and Loaded’ card billed for April 9 at the Giftland Mall.

He will be plotting to get back into the winner’s circle against Keeve Allicock after back-to-back defeats at the hands of Quincy Gomes last February and August at the same venue.

Khan, 24, stopped his opponent David Thomas in the second round of his debut bout at the Pattensen edifice in October 2015 but ran into a speed bump on his road to another victory in the form of a super confident Gomes.

The orthodox prize fighter, who has contemplated retirement, said he is ready to return to the squared circle and is excited about his immediate prospects.

Imran Khan

“It’s been five months, but I am back now and looking forward to building my record while I do what I love in the ring,” Khan told this publication yesterday.

‘Magic’ who racked up 102 wins in the amateur ranks will be looking to continue that success in the pro ranks in 17 days.

The 2013 ALBA Games bronze medalist will be tested over six rounds against the wily Gomes and he is confident of turning the tide.

“I’m feeling great, I’m not worried about him, I’m training hard to win easy,” boasted the ‘Magic Man’.

Khan’s inauguration into the professional landscape was a breath of fresh air as the heavy-handed youngster provided many highlights during his amateur career and his pro debut. He has earned the reputation as a fan-friendly fighter with his no-nonsense, offensive style in the ring.

Boxing fans are looking forward to his return.

Meanwhile, the knockout night of boxing will be headlined by the flashy Dexter ‘De Kid’ Marques.

The showman flyweight, who has not fought since last February, will look to shake off some ring rust since his promotional team has already lined up a Commonwealth title fight with their sights set on a world title crack later in the year.

Marques (15-2-0) will match gloves with Venezuelan, Luis Alberto Requena in a 10-round affair.

The co-feature will involve Edmond ‘Wonder Boy’ DeClou and Winston Pompey matching gloves in a six-round super middleweight encounter.

There will also be three amateur bouts. Admission for ringside is $2000 and $1000 for regular seating. Bell time is 19:00hrs.

Stabroek Sport will keep readers updated as events for ‘Locked and Loaded’ unfold.

(Emmerson Campbell)