Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Amir Khan
29-year-old British boxer, Amir Khan (31-3)
has been piling on the pounds to fight muscular, solid
25-year-old Mexican boxer, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (46-1).
Some boxing pundits agree with Khan’s decision, while others
do not think it is the best course of action. Some are of
the belief more weight will give Khan more cushion to absorb
blows. However, what is 10 pounds going to do against a man
you would think can punch through steel when he hits people
in the ring, due to his knockout ratio. Undefeated boxer,
Floyd Mayweather, warned regarding Khan taking on Canelo and
bulking up, stating if you are not used to fighting at a
heavier weight, it can prove difficult.
Canelo is projected to be in the 160s weight range, while Khan is at 147 pounds for the fight
Many have emphasized Khan’s quick hands,
which are indeed an asset in boxing. It is great for stealth
shots and registering punches as points. However, it is not
enough, because no matter how fast you are, if you get
clipped and your chin is known as your Achilles heel, it can
result in a knockdown or worse, a knockout. Canelo knows
Khan has experienced chin trouble in previous fights and
will be aiming for his chin like it has a big bull’s eye on
it with a sign that says “punch here.”
The only fight Canelo has lost thus far is
his bout against Floyd Mayweather. If you take a good look
at Mayweather’s physique, he’s not overly muscular nor is he
massive. He didn’t bulk up for the Canelo fight. Then again,
Canelo was somewhat smaller then. Mayweather usually fought
in the 140s (weight). Compared to a middleweight or
heavyweight, that is a trim and toned athlete, not a hulking
one. However, Mayweather’s accurate punching and evasive
defensive skills are what won him the Canelo fight.
Khan seeks to use said fight as his
blueprint for the his scheduled Canelo bout, but that’s
easier said than done. Many have tried to emulate
Mayweather’s defensive style and didn’t match it.
Additionally, Canelo has gotten bigger, stronger and
trickier since that fight. Canelo’s unpredictability in the
ring is one of his greatest assets, as seen in the James
Kirkland fight.
