With experience in facing both men, Amir Khan has had his say on the upcoming mega-fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
Khan stepped up to 160lbs in May 2016 to challenge Canelo for the WBC middleweight title. After a positive start from the Brit, the explosive power of the Mexican star proved to be too much, knocking out Khan with a crushing right hand in the sixth round to retain his title.
Three years later, Khan challenged ‘Bud’ for the WBO welterweight title in New York City. It was another impressive performance from Crawford, who outboxed Khan before the Brit was pulled out by his corner in the sixth round. It would go on to be Khan’s final opportunity to become a world champion, retiring from the sport three years later.
Speaking to The Ring Magazine, Khan was asked if ‘Bud’ has the punching power to trouble Canelo, having shared the ring in brutal encounters with both fighters.
“Crawford does hit hard, a lot of people don’t give him the credit for the punch power he has. Crawford does hit hard, I’ve been in the ring with him he’s hit me hard, obviously the most powerful fight between the two is gonna be Canelo but I think Crawford still has enough power to hurt Canelo and push him back.”
Canelo is set to defend his unified WBC, WBA and WBO super middleweight titles against ‘Bud’ later this year. Crawford is bidding to become a five-weight world champion in what will undoubtedly be his biggest test to date.
