Skip to content
Home » Exclusive: Amir Khan expects Canelo return, not GGG mandatory

Exclusive: Amir Khan expects Canelo return, not GGG mandatory

Khan, 29, jumps from his recent stay at 147 pounds to challenge Canelo Alvarez for the WBC middleweight championship at a catchweight five pounds shy of the limit on May 7.

The clash opens the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada and sees two of the world’s top names collide in a mouth-watering bout as Khan attempt to jump over half a stone to face one of the biggest punchers in the sport today.

As fight week approaches, WBN caught up with Khan who was adamant his superior reflexes would play a big part, whilst stating Canelo’s weight advantage was being overplayed.

“There’s no question that my speed will be an advantage as when we stand side by side, we’re pretty much the same size,” Khan exclusively told World Boxing News.

“Speed will be very important of course, but staying with our fight plan is just as important. At this weight, I feel a bigger, stronger fighter and really feel great at this weight.”

Asked whether he expected Canelo to come in lighter than usual to combat Khan’s agility, the Bolton man replied: “We expect Canelo to be the same as his most recent fights. We are prepared to go twelve fast rounds with him and I will take the win any way I can.”

It’s never a fighter’s way to speak about any future fights that may arise from an impeding victory and Khan was no different, although he did imply that he will fight Canelo again if he wins, ruling out an immediate meeting with mandatory challenger Gennady Golovkin.

“We have a return clause in the contract but really, my focus is only on Canelo and May 7th right now,” pointed out Khan, before addressing a question on whether he could also entice Floyd Mayweather out of retirement with the opportunity to win a sixth weight world title.

“Again, my target, focus and concentration is all on Canelo Alvarez and thinking one or two fights ahead can be a mental trap,” he said.

It’s a stern test for Khan lies ahead, although the legacy he so longs for is within reach. All he has to do now is go out and take it…which will be no easy task against the rugged Mexican superstar.