On Saturday, May 7, 2016, Amir Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) steps up in weight to challenge the WBC and lineal Middleweight champion of the world, Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs).
The bout will be held at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada and will air live on HBO Pay-Per-View.
Khan, who will be fighting over the 147-pound limit for the first time in his career against a naturally bigger man, is honest about the size and power disadvantages he is facing.
“I’m up against a very big middleweight fighter,” said Khan during a media conference call on Tuesday.
“He’s a middleweight world champion. I mean, look, my skills are what’s going to win me this fight. I know I’m not going to be stronger than Canelo in any way. I’m not going to be thinking I’m stronger than Canelo, but I’m going to stand with him and fight with him.”
Recent photos of Khan, including this one which was taken during the Andre Ward vs. Sullivan Barrera fight on March 26, show that Khan has bulked up significantly in anticipation of facing Canelo.
“I think I do feel stronger. I’m sparring with some very tough guys in the gym,” said Khan.
“I do see that by holding on to the weight, it’s given me a lot of ability and a lot of strength and a lot of power, as well.”
While Khan may carry respectable power into the fight, it remains to be seen how fast he will be–though he is confident that Canelo has never been up against anyone as fast as him.
“I don’t think that Canelo’s experienced speed with combinations and speed with power. I will definitely shock the world come May 7, otherwise I wouldn’t take the fight,” said Khan.
Photo by Marilyn Paulino/RBRBoxing
