De La Hoya Tips Khan Huge Favourite In BoxNation Canelo Clash

Boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya has tipped Amir Khan as a ‘huge favourite’ ahead of his showdown with Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez.

The Golden Boy Promotions boss believes the British ace is a genuine threat to middleweight world champion Canelo and thinks those with knowledge of the fight game would not be surprised should he prevail against the odds.

“There’s a reason Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao didn’t want to fight Amir Khan, because he possesses skills like no other,” said De La Hoya.

“He may come in as the underdog, but he also comes in as a huge favourite to those who know the sport and to many of those who have seen him fight,” he said.

The six-division world champion was also quick to praise Khan’s willingness to face the very best, comparing his impending battle, exclusively live on BoxNation, to Muhammad Ali’s stunning upset over George Foreman.

“It’s great to be beside a fighter who dares to be great. Amir is a hard worker, not only an Olympic silver medallist, but here is a fighter who is a multiple weight world champion, always asking for the big fights and never getting them.

“Guess what? He’s now here facing the top fighter in the world, and he’s ready for it and excited to face him,” said De La Hoya.

“Whoever thought that Muhammad Ali could knock out George Foreman? I just talked to Foreman and people were praying he didn’t hurt Ali and look what happened there,” he said.

25-year-old Canelo, who is regarded by many as one of boxing’s pound-for-pound kings, knows that he will need to show that come fight night.

He takes on the Bolton born fighter at a catch-weight of 155-pounds and says he has done a lot of work to deal with Khan’s speed.

“There’s not too much more left to say, the fight is here. I’m very happy with the work I have done.

“Khan is a very fast, very elusive and very tricky fighter, but I am happy with the work I have done and I am ready to go in the ring and break him down.

“And again, I am much honoured to be opening the T-Mobile Arena. Come Saturday, I’m excited to yell, ‘Viva Mexico!’,” Canelo said.

Khan v Canelo is exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/Online & App) this Saturday night. Go to boxnation.com to subscribe.