Khan: Maybe Cotto, Lara Took Something Out of Canelo

By Edward Chaykovsky

British superstar Amir Khan (31-3, 19KOs) believes this moment is the perfect time to challenge WBC middleweight champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez (46-1-1, 32KOs).

He feels that Canelo's recent tough string of fights may have taken something from him.

Khan will move up by eight pounds to face Canelo at a catch-weight of 155-pounds.

Their fight is scheduled for May 7th from the brand new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Canelo has suffered one career defeat at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2013. The following year Canelo had to dig deep to win a close twelve round split decision over Erislandy Lara, and last November he captured the WBC middleweight crown with a tough decision win over Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto.

“Mayweather is not the ­biggest puncher, but Mayweather beat him. Alvarez had a very tough fight against Erislandy Lara, against Miguel Cotto. Maybe they took a lot out of him and now is the best time to fight him," Khan said.

There will be a decent size difference, but Khan is confident that his speed combined with fast feet will be more than enough to overcome Canelo's advantages in size and strength. Canelo has the size and power, but doesn't move much and Khan is widely regarded as the much faster fighter.

Of course, even Khan realizes that Canelo only needs to land one massive shot to change the tide.

“It’s the speed and movement that can beat him. He’s dangerous, very dangerous, but he has got quite flat feet and I just know I’ve got ­everything on my side," Khan said.