Canelo's Coach: Khan Took This Fight For Respect, Not The Money

By Miguel Rivera

Eddy Reynoso, trainer for the world middleweight champion of the World Boxing Council (WBC), Mexico's Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs), is working hard with his boxer in San Diego, as they prepare for the upcoming title defense against Amir Khan ( 31-3, 19 KOs) on May 7th at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The fight takes place at a catch-weight of 155-pounds. Khan, who competes at the moment at welterweight, is moving up by eight-pounds.

Canelo is a huge favorite to win the contest and some view it as a physical mismatch.

Some fans and pundits have accused Khan of taking the fight to secure a big payday. Khan has been knocked out at lightweight and junior welterweight, which makes many wonder what will happen when Canelo connects with his first big punch.

Reynoso rejects the suggestion of Khan fighting Canelo for a payday. He says Khan is trying to get respect by fighting a very dangerous opponent in a higher weight division.

"Canelo, he needs to keep winning fights. The big names are the ones which take you to stardom. What gives you the prestige is to beat boxers who are world champions or those who are already at a high level. This is a step by step process. We have already have gained strong opponents. Canelo is young, still has a lot of time left in his career and hopefully he continues with the discipline that has led him to where he is," Reynoso said.

"There is no such thing as an easy opponent at this level. Amir Khan is a fighter with great prestige, with a great amateur career and a former world champion. When a fighter on this level takes a fight like this, it says something [about him]. At these levels I do not think [fighters] go for the money, as many are saying. Khan has our respect and he's going to make it a very competitive fight."