By Radio Rahim
While it might appear like a dangerous risk to take, British superstar Amir Khan (31-3, 19KOs) feels very confident that he's more than capable of upsetting WBC middleweight champion Saul 'Caenlo' Alvarez (46-1-1, 32KOs) on May 7th from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. HBO Pay-Per-View will carry the fight.
The fight takes place at a catch-weight of 155-pounds, which is eight pounds above Khan's fighting weight of 147.
After missing out on Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao and Danny Garcia - Khan views Canelo as the perfect opportunity to take.
Khan has fixated on Mayweather's twelve round domination of Canelo in 2013. That fight took place at a catch-weight of 152. Since that defeat, every Canelo fight has taken place at 155.
There is no rehdyration clause which concerns a lot of insiders, because Canelo is not restricted from entering the ring at a very high weight. Based on his recent fights, Canelo can pack on enough pounds to become a light heavyweight by fight night.
Khan's ability to take a good punch is also in question. He's been knocked out at lightweight and junior welterweight.
But Khan believes he can replicate Mayweather's masterful performance from three years ago. Khan also feels he is stronger and quicker than Mayweather.
Since that loss to Mayweather, Canelo knocked out Alfredo Angulo in ten, won a very close twelve round split decision over Erislandy Lara, knocked out James Kirkland in three and won a twelve round decision over Miguel Cotto last November.
"I don't think there is nothing crazy about [taking this fight]. Look, Canelo is a guy who lost to Floyd Mayweather....a guy who is not a bigger puncher than me and a guy who is probably not as quick as me. Mayweather is a great technician and a great fighter in the sense that he knows how to set a game plan and stick to the game plan," Khan explained to BoxingScene.com.
"So obviously we know the blueprint to beat Canelo. Mayweather showed it. With my skills, the movement and speed that I have, I think that I can beat Canelo."