In the build up to a fight, there is often nothing better than the pre-match press conference. The boxers have a slanging match, the promoters build up the the contest and everyone starts getting even more excited about the fight that is going to be taking place.

Such a press conference was due to take place for the Amir Khan v Michael Gomez fight, but the latter failed to turn up leaving Khan to conclude that the Manchester boxer is ‘running scared’.

The fight itself, presuming everyone turns up, will take place in Birmingham this Saturday. The golden boy of British boxing, Amir Khan, will be defending his Commonwealth lightweight title against Irish born Gomez who is also known as the ‘Irish Mexican’.

Khan has vowed to let his fists do the talking and in all honesty, you would bet on Amir Khan to do exactly that. After 17 professional fights he is still unbeaten and has every right to be confident of another victory. Gomez put up a fight though – he is an experienced campaigner with 35 wins to his name after all.

Gomez has also claimed that Khan isn’t ready to face him and that he has trained harder than ever. Without being too harsh on Gomez, he does have to train harder than ever if he is to have a chance against Khan. Gomez has lost three of his last six fights - all of which have come by the way of knockout. Hardly the sort of recent form you want to take with you before facing the unbeaten Amir Khan is it? He can train as hard as he likes - I don’t think it’s going to be enough.

With reference to boxing betting, it comes as no surprise that Khan is the favourite for this one. He is a fighter that progresses with every fight and this shouldn’t be any different. Many have criticised his opponent selection, stating that it is a backward step to be fighting someone at the back end of his career like Gomez and Khan won’t want this one to go the distance. If it does, expect some criticism to fly towards the Bolton boxer. I expect an explosive start and finish to the fight, resulting in another knock out blow for Gomez as Amir Khan marches on.

Prediction: Khan to knock Gomez out a minute into the fourth round.

Written by Thomas Rooney - A Freelance Sports Journalist