The Mexican superstar puts his WBC middleweight title on the line against Amir Khan in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
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“Amir Khan does tend to be easier to hit in the later rounds, just how Chris Algieri was able to land some nice right hands, so it definitely is a unsafe fight for Amir, but it’s also a big money fight and we have to acknowledge that”.
Six months after being knocked out by Prescott in the first round, Khan took the risk of facing the aging – but still risky – Barrera, a three-time champion. It’s the first time that Khan will be in the main event of a United States pay-per-view event.
Khan’s trainer Virgil Hunter, who has significantly improved him as a fighter since Khan’s split from the respected Freddie Roach after his defeat by Danny Garcia in 2012, has spoken of his admiration for his fighter in the way he has rebuilt his career to feature in such a significant fight. I’ve seen it happen in history, where you have the smaller guy go into a ring, who’s the underdog, who’s gone in there and beaten the heavier guy.
Few people expected Mayweather not to box again when he announced his retirement after beating Andre Berto last September.
Fellow Briton Tyson Fury earned around £5m for dethroning Wladimir Klitschko as heavyweight champion of the world past year, while Carl Froch made £8m for knocking out George Groves in front of a record crowd for a British boxing match at Wembley Stadium in May 2014.
Speed often converts to power, but it’s tough to envision the fast-handed Khan hurting Alvarez when stronger punchers couldn’t.
The team guiding his career, including father Shah, was criticised when it stalled during that period but they have since delivered the Alvarez fight, which Khan believes vindicates the faith he has shown in them. He is probably the most popular fighter on the planet these days.
Alvarez’s biggest payday came when he lost to Mayweather in September 2013.
Alvarez has certainly come a long way since the days of schoolyard scraps after being taunted for his flame-coloured hair.
Much of Alvarez’s earnings will depend on this weekend’s figures.
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya confirmed at the press conference that Trump will be at the T-Mobile Arena.
The 29-year-old star is moving up two divisions to take on Canelo Alvarez this Saturday night.
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Boxing is longing for big fights, and perhaps none possess more meaning than Alvarez-Golovkin. “I’ve always been a UFC fan, and I like McGregor”, Khan said.
