Claude Abrams

WHEN the fight was first made, my immediate response was that it was a smart fight. I’d been ringside when Barrera just went through the motions against Manny Pacquiao in their rematch, happy just to see out the 12 rounds. I was in Vegas again when he was outpointed by Juan Manuel Marquez, albeit in a more competitive display.

It seemed, though, that Barrera had lost his buzz. This wasn’t the same Barrera who’d gone to war with Erik Morales three times and schooled champions like Naseem Hamed, Johnny Tapia and Paulie Ayala.

Now Barrera is 35 and fighting in a higher division. Remember, he fought Naz at featherweight. And Khan is not just big for lightweight, Amir’s also fast, young and ambitious.

But what makes this fight so fascinating is that while Khan has those advantages, he can’t possibly match Barrera for experience and know-how. And only the best have ever beaten Barrera.

We’ve been racking our brains in the office for weeks trying to think of a similar type of match – when a faded legend has come to Britain to face a rising star with the promoter thinking the visitor is sufficiently over the hill. The closest I’ve come is Eusebio Pedroza-Barry McGuigan, although that was for the WBA featherweight title and Pedroza was a long-reigning champ. Barrera doesn’t hold a belt, only the WBO’s No. 1 rating (undeserved in my opinion). Also, McGuigan hadn’t been exposed as Khan has – by Colombian Breidis Prescott. The one-round defeat looked devastating. Khan has bounced back with a win, hired a new trainer and gone to LA to train alongside Pacquiao.

But what’s going to happen when Barrera clocks him? In a 12-round fight that’s going to occur at some stage.

Khan still looks shaky under fire. He doesn’t take a punch well. He might boxed brilliantly tomorrow, using all his footwork and handspeed to outbox Barrera. But Amir tends to get involved when he doesn’t have to. Can he remain disciplined and focused?

The other question is does Barrera, at 9st 9lbs, have the clout to trouble Khan? Prescott was a legitimate puncher at the weight. Barrera is unproven. However, Prescott hasn’t impressed in fights either side of the Khan blow-out. Was Khan, in fact, demolished by a fairly ordinary fighter? So there are many talking points – the hallmarks of a fantastic match. I’m still uncertain of the outcome. I certainly wouldn’t bet on it. But I think Khan’s got to get the job done early or he’s going to find himself in trouble.

It’s possible he could overwhelm an older, slower Barrera with his lightning punches. If Junior Jones could do it over a decade ago, why not Khan now?

Those fast, rangy guys give Barrera bother. And the Mexican doesn’t like it when things aren’t going his way.

But the signs are that Barrera’s come here with ambition and is looking sharp. He’s taken the job seriously. My heart says Khan and my head Barrera. I’m really torn on this one.

Something tells me Khan’s going to get through it – somehow – that his speed, size and youth will be telling.

Daniel Herbert

THIS is one of those fights where a good case could be made for a variety of outcomes. For Khan, the only really bad result would be getting blasted out quickly. If he lost on points, or got worn down and stopped late on after having been ahead, it could always be filed away as "good experience". In contrast, any victory would be magnified by the excellence of Barrera's career, even if his achievements have all come at lower weights. But that's what makes this such a smart match: significant risk, but great reward if successful.

Barrera will surely have some slick moves left but at 35, and at nearly a stone heavier than his super-bantam glory days, he may struggle to hold Khan off for 36 minutes. Amir's problem is becoming over-enthusiastic in his attacks and leaving himself open for a counter. But assuming he avoids those, or manages to absorb the smaller man's punches if he does get tagged, the pick is for Khan to wear down the Mexican with sheer volume for a finish in the fight's last third.

Danny Flexen

IN my 18 months at BN I cannot recall a fight that has divided the office as much as this one, which just shows what an excellent match-up this is. This reminds me of when Scott Harrison, like Khan promoted by Frank Warren, was matched with the former 'world' champions like Tom Johnson and Tracy Harris Patterson at a similar stage of his development. Barrera's achievements may outweigh those of the aforementioned duo and the Mexican legend also probably has more left than Johnson and Patterson did on their trips to England, but it's still a case of the young hope facing a solid test against an older version of a once-great fighter.

I have heard from both Bob Shannon – whose gym Barrera has been using in the UK – and the Sky TV boys who filmed him training in Mexico City that Marco Antonio is motivated and in great shape. He will come to win and will look to deny the rangy Khan time and space. Khan has not dealt well with intelligent pressure in the past and Barrera can hit hard, even at lightweight. Khan will look to keep his guard tight, use the whole ring and deter Barrera from advancing with his excellent jab and blurring handspeed.

They may well split the early rounds, Barrera may even open up a lead but, down the stretch, I think Khan will start landing his combinations with increased regularity and Barrera, much like he did against Manny Pacquiao in their second fight, will retreat more and more into his shell, good enough to go the distance but not to win. Khan on points for me – too young, too big, too fast.

Nick Bond

YOU can make strong cases for all sorts of outcomes in this fight. For me, the most likely are Khan via early stoppage or Barrera to stop Amir at any time.

I don’t see it going the distance. I can’t envisage Khan going 12 rounds and not getting caught at all by the wily Mexican great. And if Barrera does catch Khan – and invariably – hurts him, he’s too good to let Khan off the hook.

So, I feel Khan’s best chance is to stop him. Barrera’s not the fighter he was and hasn’t beaten anyone of significance since he outpointed stocky featherweight Rocky Juarez in 2006. He can be a bit plodding and at 35 he won’t want to fight for every minute in a hot-paced contest. He’s going to have to get close to the Bolton youngster and target Khan’s lean body with his excellent left hook.

Khan is much bigger (he’s a massive lightweight), faster, younger, hungrier and in front of his own fans he will beat Barrera to the punch with his lightning-quick jab and combinations. He’ll close the book on the Mexican legend’s illustrious career. Khan stops him in around five or six exciting rounds, probably with Barrera on his feet and shipping too much punishment.