Amir Khan deserves credit for embracing this dangerous assignment.
When Khan couldn?t land the fights he really wanted against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, the ambitious British star accepted a fight against Canelo Alvarez.
Khan could walk away from their WBC middleweight title fight Saturday night in Las Vegas with more than $10 million, depending on how well the card draws on pay-per-view in the United Kingdom.
But Khan could?ve made millions fighting welterweights, namely unbeaten countryman Kell Brook, and avoided moving up 8 pounds to challenge Alvarez at a catch weight of 155.
The former junior welterweight champion is chasing greatness, and it?s difficult to knock him for that.
Khan?s considerable bravery aside, this is a bad idea.
The 2004 Olympic silver medalist has been knocked out in fights at 135 and 140 pounds by Breidis Prescott and Danny Garcia, respectively. He didn?t seek rematches against either fighter before moving up to welterweight two years ago.
Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) is 3-0 at 147 pounds, but has won each of his three welterweight bouts by 12-round unanimous decisions.
He couldn?t knock out Luis Collazo ? after dropping him three times ? Devon Alexander or Chris Algieri.
What makes him think he?ll be able to affect Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) enough to keep the aggressive Mexican superstar honest?
“I know I?m not going to be stronger than Canelo in any way,” Khan said during a recent conference call. “I?m not thinking I?m going to be stronger than Canelo, where I?m going to stand and fight with him.
“I think my skills will win me this fight. ? I think I will definitely shock the world come May 7. Otherwise, I wouldn?t have taken the fight.”
Khan?s confidence never has been an issue. He always talked a great game, and typically performs at an elite level.
He believes he?ll be stronger in this fight because he hasn?t drained himself to make a lower weight.
The problem, of course, is that Alvarez, a 5-1 favorite, figures to be stronger than any opponent Khan has encountered since he made his pro debut in July 2005.
Alvarez also has displayed a very reliable chin throughout his 10-year pro career.
Speed often converts to power, but it?s tough to envision the fast-handed Khan hurting Alvarez when stronger punchers couldn?t.
Confidence and ambition can only take you so far. This is an offer Khan should?ve refused.
Twitter: @Idecboxing
