Amir Khan has refused to rule out a switch from boxing to mixed martial arts ahead of one of the biggest fights of his career.

The 29-year-old is preparing for his WBC middleweight title clash against Saúl Álvarez in Las Vegas on Saturday.

But he's hinted at swapping the ring for the octagon.

"My speed would be perfect for MMA, it's hit and move. I wouldn't let anyone get close to me," Khan said.

The Olympic silver medallist has a stake in a MMA company called Super Fight league.

"We have a lot of shows in Dubai," he told reporters.

"I was at the last SFL show watching the guys at my weight and I swear, even though I have no experience of MMA, I could have stepped in and done the business.

"I really thought 'shall I go in there and do something crazy?' Lucky I didn't, I probably would have got banned from boxing.

"I've already done MMA training, grappling stuff and the other bits and pieces.

"I enjoyed it, it's good fun and is good for preparing to fight a guy like Alvarez, who likes to put the pressure on."

Khan wouldn't be the first boxer to make the switch.

Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm, was a professional boxer before turning to mixed martial arts.

Khan has long been a UFC fan and reckons he's got the skills to take on the sport's biggest stars.

"Doing MMA training means I know the positions to be in. It's all about the feet.
"MMA is a little slower than boxing but you make up for that by using your elbows and knees.

"I can kick hard, don't worry about that. I also believe boxers punch harder than MMA fighters.

"Imagine Mike Tyson as a heavyweight hitting a guy on the floor 20 times."

Boxer Amir Khan refuses to rule out switch to MMA - BBC Newsbeat