Amir Khan v Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez: What the experts say

Amir Khan attempts to make history this weekend when taking on Middleweight kingpin Saul Alvarez.

While the British two-time world champion is blessed with blistering hand speed many think the naturally bigger Canelo will prove too powerful for the Bolton man.

The odds suggest a win for the Mexican, with Alvarez priced at 2/7 for victory and Khan deemed a 3/1 shot.

However, while the betting hints at a comfortable night’s work for the WBC and The Ring champion, the experts are divided in their opinion.

Here’s snapshot at how some fellow fighters and respected boxing journalists see the fight going.

Gary Andrew Poole

Guardian writer and author of PacMan: Behind the Scenes with Manny Pacquiao Poole believes Khan’s speed will be his best chance but predicts a KO win for Canelo.

“Khan’s greatest asset is his attacking speed, and to win he will need to put his speed to work quickly because his defensive tactics and chin are seriously suspect,” he said.

“I see Canelo winning. Three major factors point to a Canelo knockout victory: the Mexican superstar has more power, of late, Alvarez has fought more quality opponents … and, finally, Canelo smartly set a 155-pound catch-weight because it will make his power punches more devastating.”

Tyson Fury

WBA (Super), WBO, IBO and The Ring Heavyweight champion Fury disagrees however and believes Miguel Cotto has laid out the blueprint that will see King Khan reign supreme…

Just watched the first 2 rounds of cotto vs Alvarez & cotto showing how @amirkingkhan is going to win on Saturday, boxing & moving, key!

— Gypsy King (@Tyson_Fury) May 4, 2016

Dan Rafael

ESPN’s resident boxing expert recognises the heart Khan has shown by agreeing to the fight but ultimately feels the Brit is being too brave for his own good.

“Canelo is bigger, stronger and younger and while I think Khan will give it a great effort and be more competitive than some think he might be, Canelo will win by knockout in the middle rounds,” he claimed.

Jeff Powell

Daily Mail man Powel, like many sees the fight as one of speed versus power. On this occasion though he is backing the Brit, saying: “At the early time of asking, I say Khan by decision but it’s a close call between speed and power, which some factors could affect in the coming days.”

Ian Darke

The voice of boxing is sitting on the fence somewhat and if anything appears to be leaning towards a Canelo win. An experienced head, he knows exactly what Khan must do in order to win …

You would like Amir Khan’s chances more against Canelo if he was more elusive. Has to be punch perfect and not hang around “in the pocket”

— Ian Darke (@IanDarke) May 5, 2016

Gavin Glicksman

The Sun man is warning Khan not to get drawn in to a dust up and instead listen to the carefully laid out plans of his trainer. Glicksman expects a tough fight but claims Khan has the tools to succeed.

“Khan has craved a super-fight for years and is determined to write his name into the history books with what will go down as one of the biggest upsets in boxing if he wins,” he said.

“It’s a massive ask, and there is the fear he will be stopped if Canelo lures him into a tear-up, but I believe his fast hands and footwork will see him take the champion the distance. As long as he follows Virgil Hunter’s game plan to the letter and boxes smart, Khan claims the WBC world middleweight title on points.”

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.