Lawton backs Khan to beat Barrera

Khan beat a dogged Scott Lawton in Nottingham in October 2007

Stoke-on-Trent boxer Scott Lawton has tipped Amir Khan to beat legendary Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera at the MEN Arena in Manchester on Saturday.

Khan stopped Lawton in the fourth round when the pair fought in 2007.

Lawton told BBC Radio Stoke: "If it goes to points, Amir will win, but the middle rounds will be dangerous.

"He's taking a chance fighting Barrera but hopefully it will pay off for him and it'll be a world title shot for him next if things go to plan."

Barrera goes into the fight with a record of 65 wins from 72 professional contests, and Lawton thinks the 13-year age gap between the two fighters could give Khan the edge.

"Barrera is very experienced and he's coming towards the end of his career now," said Lawton.

"It's about getting fights at the right time, and Amir has a lot of advantages over him. It will test them both."

Khan, who won a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, has only been beaten once in his 20 professional fights, against Breidis Prescott in September 2008.

Khan was knocked out inside the first minute, and Lawton said that could have been a blessing in disguise for the Bolton-born fighter.

"If you get hit on the chin, there's not a lot you can do about it and it was unfortunate for Amir," Lawton added.

"You have to lose at some point, so you might as well get it out of the way early in your career so that you can work on your mistakes."