Breen: Targeting Khan’s temple

10 February 2011 – Jonny Stapleton

Paul McCloskeys trainer John Breen admits Amir Khans chin isnt as suspect as people suggest, but claimed his temples are and stressed the WBA light welterweight world champion is still susceptible to power blows.

Khans punch resistance has long been questioned and the Olympic silver medallists chin has being highlighted as the Golden Boy fighters Achilles heel. The much improved Englishman did go a long way to distancing himself from his reputation as a canvas flirter by surviving the best puncher Marcus Maidana had to offer in his December title defence.

However, Irish Trainer of the Year for 2009, Breen, who will go up against the greatest boxing trainer in the world, Freddie Roach, for the first time on April 16, believes Khan can still be hurt and is always in danger of being stopped.

Belfast based Breen believes McCloskey, who is not a renowned as a big puncher despite having his power being well respected, could take the short route to victory in the MEN Arena mega bout later this year.

This is a fight we wanted for a long time. I can see chinks in Amirs style. Things that will enable Paul McCloskey to take him apart. People are saying that Amir has proved he hasnt got a glass chin. I agree with that he hasnt a glass chin but his temples are not too solid. Anytime he has been put down he has been caught flush around the temples. The punches Paul McCloskey will throw are the ones that will cause Amir problems and if Paul catches him right he can hurt and stop Amir, Breen, who also trains Jamie Conlan and Andy Murray added, before revealing they have a 12 round game plan.

If it is to go the distance Paul can also out box Amir Khan. Paul McCloskey has never been tired in his life. A 12 round fight is no problem for him. He is facing the best fighter he has faced but he raises his game to suit his opponent. You see the real Paul McCloskey in Manchester on April 16.