Khan KOs Judah in unification bout

Britain’s Amir Khan captured the International Boxing Federation’s light welterweight title Saturday with a dominating fifth-round knockout of Zab Judah. Khan hit Judah with hard right hand in the midsection and the American veteran crumpled to the canvas at 2:47 of the fifth round of the 140-pound unification bout at the Mandalay Bay hotel and casino.

“I am beating everyone. Bring on the next challenge,” Khan said.

The 24-year-old Khan already owned the World Boxing Association light welterweight belt, and now adds Judah’s IBF title to his resume. Judah, who was a 5-1 underdog, stayed down on his knees as referee Vic Drakulich counted him out.

The 33-year-old Judah acted surprised when Drakulich stopped the fight as his record dropped to 41-7 with 28 KOs.

Khan dominated Judah who was bleeding from his nose and cuts to his face at the beginning of the final round. Olympic silver medalist Khan, 24, raised his record to 26-1, 18 KOs as he landed three times more punches, 61-20.

Khan, who is trained by world-renowned boxing guru Freddie Roach, said they had the perfect game plan. “We trained hard. Freddie Roach is the doctor,” Khan said. “He gave me a game plan that worked because every punch I threw was hitting him on the chin.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada, Monday AFP