Adam Smith expects Amir Khan, Enzo Maccarinelli and Audley Harrison to prove their points on Saturday.
Amir, Enzo and Audley can all silence their critics
So now the eagerly-awaited return of Amir Khan. On Judgement Night. Unless you've been on the moon, all boxing fans will have witnessed the most dramatic 54 seconds in British sport this year.
How this unforgiving, compelling and unique business can turn a career on its head in less time than it takes to boil a kettle.
Amir watched the fight back the very next day and has seen the chilling minute over and over again; on each occasion he says he discovers a different mistake that he intends to put right. Our associate producer Declan Johnson and myself must have watched the frighteningly clinical footage over a hundred times. And it still leaves you cold.
The piercing cry from his Mum at ringside and the image of her collapsing backstage afterwards are haunting memories. As a broadcaster, I immediately questioned whether he could ever truly re-build to the very top level; as a sensitive human, I was actually close to tears. It was a real sensation, truly shocking, and of course largely unexpected.
Frank Warren has long been a fabulous match-maker for his up-and-coming star attractions - getting the choice of fights and their timing spot on. That's why this was such a surprise and was a major upset. Maybe we should have known. Breidis Prescott's both unbeaten and a thunderous puncher - it was a stupid fight to take with big question marks hovering over Khan's punch resistance.
Prescott came from squalor on the crime-ridden streets of Barranquilla - Our reporter Craig Slater was warned not to venture where he did. The Colombian really wanted this victory, and boxed superbly for the quick time it lasted - so give him credit and wish him well. He's now a danger around the world lightweight scene and it will be fascinating to see where he goes next.
But for Amir it's done and dusted. Can he come back? He certainly should be able to. He's still so young. Khan was only 17 when he won Olympic silver, and he's not 22 until next Monday. Floyd Mayweather, and a peak Roy Jones and Oscar De La Hoya apart, he's almost certainly the fastest fighter I've seen in training over 15 years of covering this sport.
Lighter
Having boxed many rounds in sparring with Amir, his new stablemate Manny Pacquiao told me that he was THE quickest boxer he's shared any ring with. That's high praise indeed coming from the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, who's of course been in with much lighter weight men.
Amir Khan really wants this. He's utterly dedicated; he's relocated, and he has one of the world's leading trainers now on board. Freddie Roach can't be with Amir in London - because of his long allegiance with Pacquiao - but his influence will surely be there for all to see.
Look out for Khan's different body physique with much stronger legs, thanks to new conditioner Alex Ariza, and then plenty of jabs, movement and added patience. A sweet, swift, safe display will be the perfect tonic. It's a hell of a long climb back as Amir himself knows, but it will be some story if he ends up a world champion.
Khan generates interest and excitement. You want to watch him. September 6th was Khanage - exactly three months later and December 6th should see the start of the Khan resurrection. Alternatively he could be finished as a serious force.
There really is no way that tough but basic Irish-American Oisin Fagan should beat Khan, but you just never know what will be going through the Bolton lightweight's mind. And what if Fagan does connect with one of those hooks to the temple or chin?
Could Fagan pickpocket Khan at Christmas time like the Dickens' character of a similar name? I can't see it at all. Khan to bounce back, and unlike the nightmare match last time, this should be exactly the right return fight for him.
Frustration
The big ExCel bill sees another comeback - as heavy-hitting Welsh puncher Enzo Maccarinelli aims to win back his world cruiserweight title against? Enzo has found peace with his two-round knockout defeat by David Haye, and believes he will come back stronger. Maccarinelli was initially set to meet the undefeated Johnathon Banks, but the American withdrew injured. Macccarinelli must control his frustration at the late change in opponent to light up the East End show.
An interesting clash of heavyweights takes place on the undercard - The frustrating Olympic Gold medallist Audley Harrison will be forced to perform when he meets the unbeaten and aggressive Irishman Martin Rogan. Harrison has the southpaw skills, but does he have the heart and will that Rogan showed us when he won Prizefighter? He fought like a man possessed in April and if in that form again, he'll prove a real handful.
The popular Irish taxi driver is certainly talking a big fight. My guess though is that Rogan's drive and bravery will make Harrison look far better than of late, as he counters the advances. However, Audley's boxing dreams will be shattered if he comes up short again.
As Mr Warren signs up three of the brightest members of the British Olympic team - James DeGale, Billy Joe Saunders and Frankie Gavin - to light up 2009, here's a late winter's tale in 2008 about how three talented and established British professionals fight back after harsh criticism.
Khan, Maccarinelli and Harrison have it all to prove. Finally a quick good luck to the talented and friendly Carl Froch for his world title challenge. Carl has bundles of ability and has more than waited his turn. I like Carl and I wish him well.
Now - Bring on Judgement Night. I can't wait to take my seat at ringside at the ExCel on Saturday. Amir Khan is good for British boxing... he can and will come back.
