Amir Khan has hinted at taking more control over his training after suggesting that trainer Virgil Hunter was to blame for his disappointing performance against Chris Algieri.
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The Brit claimed a unanimous points victory over the American at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday night, and he immediately called out Floyd Mayweather again in his post-fight interview.
However, he didn’t particularly impress during the bout and he puts it down to issues with his training camp which left him short of of his usual high standards come fight night.
“I was flat in that ring and the first half of the fight was tougher for me than it should have been,” said Khan, according to ESPN. “I will ask Virgil his opinion as to why I did not have my usual speed, power, strength and snap.
“But in part I must become my own boss now. Virgil is a great trainer and he will be in my corner next time. But I know myself and my own body better than anyone and it is my take on it all which will decide where we go from here.”
Khan added that he “left too much in the gym” before going on to question whether Hunter’s focus on defensive tactics has taken away from his natural speed and movement when he looks to go on the offense in a fight.
Given that the 28-year-old suffered some devastating knockout losses earlier in his career, many would argue that Hunter has improved him as an all-round fighter and the rewards are evident in the ring as Khan avoids getting into trouble much more efficiently than he used to.
However, he isn’t entirely convinced that it is best for him, although it doesn’t appear as though he will be splitting with Hunter any time soon.
“I need to go back to being the old Amir Khan,” he added. “All my career I’ve trusted my trainers and I’ve done everything the way they ask. But it’s time to remember that it was my free flowing ability which got me to two world titles and now to the brink of a super-fight with Mayweather.”
It remains to be seen whether Khan’s attitude brings him success, but ultimately it could be his undoing in the long run provided that he faces a dangerous and heavy-hitting opponent in the future.
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