Khan (31-3-0, 19 KOs) is coming off five victories in a row since losing to Danny Garcia via TKO in 2012, but none of those five wins came by way of a knockout.
Khan has less than 50 percent knockout rate and for the Alvarez fight, his chance of winning via KO is almost nil as he has to keep his distance to avoid being hit by the power-packed hands of Alvarez.
Critics say Khan’s only chance to score the upset over Alvarez is for him to move in and out pretty quickly to score on points and he should be extra careful in the process to avoid Alvarez’s counter attacks.
If Khan can maintain a safe distance and still score on points in every round by using his hand and foot speed, he will have a slim chance of winning. In any case he needs to win seven out of 12 rounds and should be prepared to go 12 full rounds for the rare chance of outpointing Alvarez.
Khan’s former trainer Freddie Roach said the former Olympic silver medalist needs to make a perfect fight for the slimiest chance of winning.
“Khan deserves some credit for taking this kind of fight. Let’s see how good he can be. The problem is that when Canelo connects, Khan is going to have a lot of problems,” said Roach over ESPN Deportes on Boxing Scene.
“He has to make the perfect fight. If [Khan] stops to exchange he won’t be able to do anything. If he picks a bad strategy then at some point [in the fight he’s] going to pay. He has to make the perfect fight to even think of having a chance, but it’s not going to be easy. He has to be in great physical condition because he relies on his speed,” he added.
While Khan doesn’t regret taking a chance on Alvarez, who is known for his boxing skill and punching power, he believes the Alvarez fight will be tougher than his failed fight against Mayweather and Pacquiao.
“This is a tougher fight than against a Mayweather or Pacquiao because of the size difference but I love that sort of challenge – it’s why I’m in boxing,” he said. “I’m going in there to give everything and to prove that this is where I belong. I’ve done some great work for this camp and will be ready to go as soon as the bell rings to start the fight.
“Canelo is a great champion, in his prime, very skilled and I will need to be at my very best to beat him. In most people’s eyes I’m seen as the underdog for this fight but I know deep down that I can win it. I’m ready to go and prove myself on this stage,” Khan added.
Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs), is coming off a unanimous decision win over Miguel Cotto last November 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be Alvarez’s fifth fight since his lone career loss to Floyd Mayweather in 2013.