Finally a matchup that doesn't end with Khan getting starched. Khan has his moments but Davis takes over the fight and is on the right side of a decision for a change.
Khan normal thrived vs boxer's without power, as he was normally so much quicker that his rudimentary skills got him by, and he could out-point them. Not the case here because he's barely quicker, if at all, and Davis was much much more skilled. One of the more underrated skillsets of that era IMO, great amateur. I think Davis out-boxes Khan quite clearly, in a sort of 116-112 decision. Khan would never in a million years do as well as Davis did vs Rosario.
Howard Davis was able to handle an offensive minded speedster in Meldrick Taylor (albeit a green Taylor) and arguably won. I think Davis could neutralize Khan's flashy combinations and outbox Khan. HOWEVER, Davis, for all his talents, seemed to find ways to look ponderous and lose to lesser fighters that he was expected to win. He didn't have much dedication or heart to fully accelerate his full potential. I honestly could see Khan doing just enough to outwork Davis. 50/50 IMO.
