By Yannis Mihanos: As the fight is getting closer it appears that Amir Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) is trying hard to close the gap in size and weight for his May 7 fight against WBC middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) on HBO pay-per-view at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In fact, on the most recent weigh in, the difference between Khan and Canelo appears to be just a few pounds (163.8 vs. 161.2).
Khan and his team having watched how emphatically big and strong Canelo appears against all of his opponents, decided to do this drastic turn and pile up on muscles and weight.
The special plan includes primarily matching Canelo’s size to the bare minimum.
That normally would be a big deal if you compare with how much smaller and thin Miguel Cotto appeared in the fight against Canelo.
One thing Team Khan doesn’t want for Amir is to be intimidated by Canelo’s strength and size.
For many this appear to be the one and only winning factor that Canelo has.
Now If you ask my opinion I would say that this is not the key because I believe speed can beat size and strength.
Best example? Look no further and watch the whole fight Floyd Mayweather and Canelo from 2013. Now since that time Canelo has improved but not that much.
If Khan only could improve his reflexes a bit more that would give him a better chance to win the fight.
He has nice quick hands. In the photos he also appears a bit taller. It’s another advantage and as with any advantage you have, you must use it, no matter how small it appears.
That’s how many wars are won and in boxing too.
If the special plan focuses just on Khan bulking up in size, I am not convinced at all that he can win or last in all the fight.
Canelo is a classic breed fighter, strong as a bull but with no particular speed and his defense often drops due to his confidence to take a punch or two.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28xIer1N9Pw
Special plans can do miracles only when they are applied intelligently, gradually and naturally.
Closing this article, I would say that if you don’t have it (strength) simply don’t bother. If you are blessed with something, then use that something else.
Decorate it, make it better, but make sure you use it…