Amir Khan started fast, got caught, and then kept it pretty simple for much of the rest of today’s fight in Birmingham, coming out with a wide decision win over Samuel Vargas to go to 2-0 on the year.
Khan (33-4, 20 KO) dropped Vargas (29-4-2, 14 KO) early in the second round and looked to be fully in control, his hand speed dominating the action and proving far too much for the slower, more basic Vargas to handle.
But Vargas found an opening for an overhand right late in the same round and put Khan on the canvas, and once again we had the Amir Khan highwire act: yes, he was the more talented fighter, but always vulnerable.
Vargas went down again in the third, a more controversial call as it may have been a shot to the back of the head, but it was officially ruled a knockdown at any rate. From there, Khan simply outboxed Vargas, using space and opening up in bursts here and there, turning Vargas’ face into a swollen mass by the middle rounds.
The drama, however, wasn’t completely over. Late in the 10th round, with Khan seemingly in full control by that point, Vargas clipped Khan with a right hand that put the home fighter on jelly legs. Luckily for Khan, it was right before the bell sounded to end the frame, and he was able to recover, though he did seemingly use the 11th round to fully get his legs back, taking no risks.
Khan started fast in the 12th, but settled in after. Vargas tried to get Khan to exchange, but Khan didn’t give in, staying smart and composed and closing out the victory.
Scores were 118-110, 119-109, and 119-108. BLH had the fight 119-109 for Khan.
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