https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27VH8lzzAmg
The boxing world is still trying to come to terms with what has surely been the biggest, “I didn’t see that coming!” mega-fight announcement of the year: Saul “Canelo” Alvarez Vs. Amir “King” Khan, set for Las Vegas on Cinco de Mayo weekend of May 7th.
Set for a catch-weight of 155-pounds and for the middleweight championship Mexican superstar Canelo holds, the fight is as intriguing, potentially explosive and thrilling as it was wholly unexpected (indeed, how did rumours of this fight being planned not leak out days ago!). Can Khan, who has never boxed above the welterweight 147-pound limit before (and used to fight down at 135-pounds, a low poundage the hard work of making made Khan’s chin a liability, Amir has stated himself since long ago leaving the lightweight division in his dust) possibly win? With his speed, great heart and immense skill, who knows?
Sure, Khan is taking a huge gamble, but for this he deserves nothing but respect. And the Bolton superstar sure has been getting what he deserves.
Here are some of the things esteemed boxing people have written on Twitter regarding this special fight, one that has reaffirmed, for many reasons, the greatness of this sport we all love so dearly:
“Wow, big fight delivered ….nobody can question Khan for his opponent choices, he always wants massive names,” wrote trainer Shane McGuigan.
“Let’s all bend our necks slightly and salute @AmirKingKhan That is a fight, that is how you shut people up. Congrats to Amir and his people,” wrote top scribe Steve Bunce.
“Wow. Canelo-Khan. Outta nowhere. Need some time to process this matchup, but as an “event,” I like it,” wrote another writer, Eric Raskin.
“Kudos to @AmirKingKhan for taking on @Canelo – risky business but illustrates his fighter’s heart. Also puts Brook-Bizier into perspective,” wrote Boxing Monthly’s editor.
“I would hope this is the last time anyone puts the name Amir Khan and scared in the same sentence,” wrote Ron Lewis of The Times.
“Can’t knock Khan for taking on 1 of THE BEST fighters on the planet. Add to that stepping up in weight, inactivity…Not many would do it,” wrote tireless UK promoter Dave Coldwell.
And the praise will no doubt continue for days to come.
On the subject of Kell Brook and the once (and now doomed forever) all-British mega-fight with Khan, this May 7th blockbuster really does, once and for all, prove Khan wasn’t, isn’t and never was scared of the reigning IBF welterweight champion, a good fighter. Just what Brook’s next move will be after he does as excepted and puts away with his next mandatory challenger, Kevin Bizier in late March, is anyone’s guess. Brook and his promoter Eddie Hearn had the date of June 4th, and the venue Wembley Stadium, reserved for either the Khan fight or another “big fight.” Who that will be against is a big question.
As to Khan’s inactivity, it’s true he has not fought since May of 2015. Will this affect his performance against Canelo, a full year on from his points win over Chris Algieri; this only Khan’s third fight as a welterweight?
Once again, “King” Khan (and, should he pull off a win in May, how much will Amir be truly worthy of that nickname!) deserves nothing but a ton of credit for taking this massive fight. Amir Khan has dared to be great.
