Khan's job: Take out Molina. The experts weigh in

by Lem Satterfield

Dec 13th, 2012

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Amir Khan TKO 6 Carlos Molina: Amir Khan's delicate chin will always present an element of danger for him, and Carlos Molina's best hope is that one of his power shots will shatter it.

But with only seven knockouts in 17 wins, the likelihood of that happening is slim. With new trainer Virgil Hunter in his corner, Khan will return to his long-range boxing and score a decisive victory.

Record: 10-8

Paulie Malignaggi, WBA welterweight titleholder, former IBF junior welterweight beltholder

Amir Khan KO 9 Carlos Molina: I've got Amir khan this weekend. I see a more motivated Amir, knowing this fight is make or break for him, and showing the tools that once made him the promising prospect turned champion.

Carlos Molina will come trying, knowing this is his big shot. It's just that the step up may be too soon for him. Its win-win for him if he can test Amir, though, even in defeat. Khan by ninth-round technical knockout.

Record: 13-8

Ryan Maquinana, CSNBAYAREA/BoxingScene.com

Amir Khan W12 Carlos Molina: Under the tutelage of new corner man Virgil Hunter in Hayward, Calif., Amir Khan has trained in relative seclusion away from the distractions of Hollywood. I think it has rejuvenated his mindset.

With his improved defense on display, I think he handles Carlos Molina, a tough pressure fighter who finishes his exchanges well, in a rugged decision on the strength of his hand speed, combinations, and footwork.

Record: 21-5

Rich Marotta, KFI Radio, Los Angeles

Amir Khan KO 5 Carlos Molina: Amir Khan is a terrific fighter, even taking into account the result of the last fight. He doesn't have the strongest of beards, but his overall talent and extraordinary speed usually can bring him through.

Carlos Molina is good but not threatening. I don't think Khan will be troubled too much by Molina and I suspect he will overwhelm him with speed and volume of punches fairly early.

Record: 14-4

Harry Pratt, RingTV.com

Amir Khan UD 12 Carlos Molina: I believe, or at least hope, to see a new and calmer Amir Khan -- one who aims to show that he is not only a guns-blazing, weak-chinned soft touch for elite fighters.

If he fails to do this, it's 'adios Amir,' with a third big-time loss in a row looming. But I am backing the Brit to come through against Carlos Molina by a couple of rounds. Mind you, I thought the same before he crashed to Danny Garcia and Lamont Peterson.

Record: 8-4

Cliff Rold, BoxingScene.com

Amir Khan W 12 Carlos Molina: Amir Khan is Khan, and that's a good thing. He might be the most talented chinny fighter since Terry Norris.

Khan's made exciting fights since he was getting rocked by light-hitters at 130, and made two more in consecutive defeats to Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia.

At some point, brand has to be protected, and they've got a foe in Carlos Molina here who shouldn't be able to hurt Khan. If you can't hurt him, he's awful hard to outbox. Khan should be back on track after this one.

Record: 19-10

Michael Rosenthal, Editor of THE RING

Amir Khan KO 5 Carlos Molina: I'm beginning to think that Amir Khan is vulnerable in any fight, but I don't think this Carlos Molina has the tools to beat an elite opponent.

Molina actually is a solid boxer, but he's not much of a puncher, and has never fought anyone even near Khan's level. I think Molina will be overwhelmed by Khan's speed and ultimately his power. Khan wins by fifth-round knockout.

Record: 21-5

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Joseph Santoliquito/Ring Magazine/RingTV.com/CBS Sports

Amir Khan KO 8 Carlos Molina: Carlos Molina has an undefeated record, but there is a reason why fights like this take place.

It's a confidence builder for Amir Khan. His people won't serve Khan up for any more risks any time soon. I like Khan to win easily.

Record: 12-5

John Scully, trainer of RING and WBC lightheavyweight champion Chad Dawson

Amir Khan W 12 Carlos Molina: I'm looking for Amir Khan to rebound with a victory over Carlos Molina.

Sometimes, working with a new trainer, in the beginning, taps into a well of inspiration and adrenaline that had gotten stale and dry with a previous trainer. I expect Khan to come in motivated and capture a solid decision.

Record: 9-6

Ryan Songalia, RingTV.com

Amir Khan W 12 Carlos Molina: I have Amir Khan by decision. Despite the knockout losses, he's still one of the most gifted technical boxers in the world. The gap in experience will be the deciding factor against Carlos Molina.

Record: 17-6

Bob Velin, USA Today

Amir Khan W 12 Carlos Molina: Amir Khan is learning from Virgil Hunter how to fight defensively as well as offensively. In other words, he's become a smarter fighter.

And his four-inch height advantage should help him defeat Carlos Molina, who I don't believe can hurt Khan. Khan wins by decision.

Record: 13-4

The experts, by a score of 14-0, have deduced that Amir Khan's chin will survive the test against Carlos Molina.

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