Amir Khan will climb into the ring on Saturday to face Saul ?Canelo? Alvarez in what could be the defining moment of the British boxer?s career.
Khan will be under the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, Nevada, watched by millions around the world as he aims to outwit Canelo, the 25-year-old Mexican, and take his WBC middleweight title.
Climbing two weight divisions, the former double light welterweight champion has pushed himself in the lead up to the fight to ensure he makes the 155-pound weight limit.
Ultimately, the WBC middleweight championship is the top prize up for grabs when the two fighters face off at the brand new T-Mobile Arena. But there?s a lot more at stake.
Having rebuilt his reputation since his knockout defeat to Danny Garcia in 2012, 29-year-old Khan enters as the underdog and must now seize the opportunity he has so desperately desired.
Khan has sought this title fight for years, challenging the undefeated ?but now retired? Floyd Mayweather, Jr. but never being given the opportunity. Mayweather backed out of the fight with him twice in the last few years.
Mayweather did, however, take to the ring with Canelo in 2013, with a majority decision in favor of the American the only significant blemish on Canelo?s impressive 46-1-1 record.
Against Khan, Canelo will defend the belt he won for the first time from Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in November 2015. Expected to step into the shoes of Mayweather, who dominated boxing for so many years, Canelo, too, is facing a pivotal moment in Vegas.
The only sure thing on Saturday will be how much each fighter pockets. Win or lose, Khan is reported to be taking home $13 million, the biggest purse of his career, while the champion?whoever he may be?is expected to take around $22 million, depending on pay-per-view figures.
