Amir Khan (18-1, 14 KO's) returns from his shocking 54 second defeat to Breidis Prescott by taking on tough Dubliner, 22-5 (13 KO's) Oisin Fagan.
It's a tougher match up than many expected for Khan on his return.
Many, myself included, fully anticipated Khan being fed another non punching super featherweight.
But, credit must go to Frank Warren; whilst Khan is not returning at top level, this is no walkover.
Fagan is experienced, durable (stopped only once - in his fourth pro outing) and can keep a good pace for the full distance.
Khan's been working with his new trainer, Freddie Roach and the respected trainer has made an impact on the Bolton prospect - Khan's says he now wants to do anything get the 'W' and does not want to please the crowd every time.
Whether that changes under the lights of the Excel Arena on Saturday we will have to wait and see.
Another thing that has boosted the confidence of Khan coming into the fight is the quality sparring he's had in the Wildcard Gym in LA - Pound for Pound Number 1 Manny Pacquiao has been amongst his sparring partners.
Knowledgeable sources within the game say Khan is holding his own against Pacquiao for the opening rounds too, which bodes badly for Fagan.
So what does this all mean in terms of how the fight will go? Well...
The Prescott defeat clearly showed what many had suspected in the past - Khan's chin is a major vulnerability.
This, I expect, will see Fagan attacking intently from the outset.
Khan is bound to have some nerves on his first outing since that stunning reverse so Fagan simply has to try and capitalise on it - he'll probably realise it's his best chance of beating the talented youngster.
Whilst Fagan could well have some success in the opening round (possibly even shaking/rocking Khan if he can sustain an attack), I fully expect Khan to weather the storm on this occasion.
I don't think Fagan carries sufficient power to take the Bolton youngster out.
Thereafter, I expect a pattern to develop.
Fagan will try to push forward, whilst a more composed Khan takes control with his solid jabbing.
Roach likes Khan's jab so will have had him working that in the gym, in what I expect has been a 'back to the basics' style training camp.
Yes, Khan will still look to unleash his lightning fast combinations, but not nearly as frequently.
Fagan, as said before, will keep pushing forward in the hope of catching Khan but it simply won't happen.
Fagan's successes after the opener will be minor.
If Khan can sustain an assault, he could stop Fagan in the latter rounds of the fight.
But I think Khan wants to put on a more polished and mature performance here; expect Khan to dominate on the outside and beat Fagan to the punch consistently over 12 rounds to win a Unanimous Points Decision.
It's a tougher match up than many expected for Khan on his return.
Many, myself included, fully anticipated Khan being fed another non punching super featherweight.
But, credit must go to Frank Warren; whilst Khan is not returning at top level, this is no walkover.
Fagan is experienced, durable (stopped only once - in his fourth pro outing) and can keep a good pace for the full distance.
Khan's been working with his new trainer, Freddie Roach and the respected trainer has made an impact on the Bolton prospect - Khan's says he now wants to do anything get the 'W' and does not want to please the crowd every time.
Whether that changes under the lights of the Excel Arena on Saturday we will have to wait and see.
Another thing that has boosted the confidence of Khan coming into the fight is the quality sparring he's had in the Wildcard Gym in LA - Pound for Pound Number 1 Manny Pacquiao has been amongst his sparring partners.
Knowledgeable sources within the game say Khan is holding his own against Pacquiao for the opening rounds too, which bodes badly for Fagan.
So what does this all mean in terms of how the fight will go? Well...
The Prescott defeat clearly showed what many had suspected in the past - Khan's chin is a major vulnerability.
This, I expect, will see Fagan attacking intently from the outset.
Khan is bound to have some nerves on his first outing since that stunning reverse so Fagan simply has to try and capitalise on it - he'll probably realise it's his best chance of beating the talented youngster.
Whilst Fagan could well have some success in the opening round (possibly even shaking/rocking Khan if he can sustain an attack), I fully expect Khan to weather the storm on this occasion.
I don't think Fagan carries sufficient power to take the Bolton youngster out.
Thereafter, I expect a pattern to develop.
Fagan will try to push forward, whilst a more composed Khan takes control with his solid jabbing.
Roach likes Khan's jab so will have had him working that in the gym, in what I expect has been a 'back to the basics' style training camp.
Yes, Khan will still look to unleash his lightning fast combinations, but not nearly as frequently.
Fagan, as said before, will keep pushing forward in the hope of catching Khan but it simply won't happen.
Fagan's successes after the opener will be minor.
If Khan can sustain an assault, he could stop Fagan in the latter rounds of the fight.
But I think Khan wants to put on a more polished and mature performance here; expect Khan to dominate on the outside and beat Fagan to the punch consistently over 12 rounds to win a Unanimous Points Decision.
Source...