By Edward Chaykovsky, photo by Hoganphotos

British star Amir Khan (31-3, 19KOs) pulled a rabbit out of his hat after making his shocking announcement last week.

Because he was the WBC's mandatory challenger at welterweight, many expected him to pursue a rematch with newly crowned champion Danny Garcia. Fans in the UK were expecting him to accept an offer to fight domestic rival Kell Brook for the IBF title on June 4th at Wembley.

Khan views Canelo as the biggest star in the sport. Floyd Mayweather Jr. retired last September and Manny Pacquiao is holding his final career bout in April against Tim Bradley.

"I think it's the right thing to do. I wanted Floyd Mayweather and that didn't happen. I wanted Manny Pacquiao and that didn't happen. I think Alvarez is the biggest name in boxing now," Khan told Daily Express.

The difference in size is generating a lot of concern and controversy. Canelo, who fought his last four bouts at 155, rehydrates to a light heavyweight on fight night - which even exceeds Khan's walking weight when he's out of training.  

When Canelo's promoter, Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions, first approached Khan with the idea of facing Alvarez - the British boxer admits that he was immediately concerned about the size difference.

That position quickly changed after Khan studied several of Canelo's fights from the past and present.

"I was speaking with Oscar De La Hoya and he said 'what do you think of [fighting] Alvarez?' And at first I thought he was too big for me. But then after studying a few tapes - I truly believe that I have a good chance of beating him and I can beat him," Khan said.

"I've got the speed, I've got the movement. I've got the power at that weight. He's a strong fighter who comes forward, but when I put the whole puzzle together - I said 'he's beatable, I want the fight.' I went and told my team and they said 'really, you want this Alvarez fight?' And I said 'yes' and they want and made the fight for me."