By Miguel Rivera

WBC middleweight champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez (46-1-1, 32KOs) has rejected the criticisms that he's taking an easy fight by selecting Amir Khan (31-3, 19KOs) as the opponent for his first defense of the title.

Canelo says he is training very hard for his scheduled defense against Khan on May 7th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The fight takes place at a catch-weight of 155-pounds. Khan, a former world champion at junior welterweight, is moving up by eight pounds from the welterweight division.

Canelo does not view Khan as a "small fighter" or an "easy opponent." He says the training for Khan is being taken just as seriously as the camp that he did for last November showdown with Puerto Rican superstar Miguel Angel Cotto.

Khan has never fought beyond 147-pounds and Canelo often rehydrates to over 170-pounds on fight  night. There is no rehydration clause, which further escalated the odds in Canelo's favor. For the first time in his career, the Olympic silver medalist will be a huge underdog when he enters the ring on Cinco De Mayo weekend. 

"I'm taking this fight seriously against Amir Khan," Canelo said to ESPN Deportes. "My preparation is equal to or even better than the one I did for Miguel Cotto. I'm just focused on Amir Khan and I respect all of my opponents."

"At this level there is no small opponent, and I will not get caught up in believing that Khan is. Every fight must be won and that's what I am preparing for."