How Amir Khan aims to conquer the world

Amir Khan tells ShortList how he can beat Canelo Alvarez and claim the middleweight world title this weekend 

"Canelo Alvarez is one of the best fighters in the world. He’s strong, aggressive and a good puncher. He’s very dangerous; at the peak of his career. Floyd Mayweather is the only man to have beaten him.

"It’s an 11st 1lb catch-weight fight for the middleweight world title. Although I’ve never fought above welterweight [10st 7lb], my natural fighting weight is just under 11st. I feel good. Speed is key for me so I haven’t done any bulking up – I wouldn’t want to slow myself down.

"I may not be as big or as strong as Canelo, but I’ve got the speed to beat him. It’s happened in the past: Sugar Ray Leonard moved up in weight to beat Marvin Hagler, Manny Pacquiao did it when he stopped Oscar De La Hoya. One mistake Canelo could make is if he rehydrates to a heavier weight.

"The only way you’re going to see his power is if he hits me. So I have to be careful and smart. I don’t think I can knock him out, but I can beat him on points.

"People consider me the underdog – let them think that. I can win this fight and prove that I belong here. A win could bring Mayweather out of retirement, Pacquiao may come back. But I’m not looking past this fight.

"It’d be one of the biggest wins in British boxing history if I pull this off. I want to leave that legacy, I want to push young fighters to take big fights. If you want to be one of boxing’s biggest names you have to take fights like this one."

Canelo vs Khan is exclusively live on BoxNation this Saturday night via Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/Online & app; boxnation.com