Amir Khan Backs Terence Crawford to Shock Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas Superfight

Few voices carry more weight in predicting the blockbuster showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford than that of former world champion Amir Khan. The British star, who once held the WBA light-welterweight crown, remains the only fighter in history to have shared the ring with both of these undisputed champions.

Khan fought Alvarez in May 2016 for the WBC middleweight and The Ring titles. Despite starting brightly, he was knocked out cold in the sixth round by the Mexican powerhouse. Three years later, in 2019, Khan met Crawford for the WBO welterweight belt, only to suffer another sixth-round stoppage defeat, this time by technical knockout. With that unique perspective, Khan has an insider’s view of the strengths and weaknesses each man will bring into their Las Vegas clash this weekend.

“I’m the only one who’s been in there with both Canelo and Crawford, and I have to say they’re both exceptional fighters,” Khan told Sky Sports. “When I fought Canelo, he was easier to hit. His feet are a bit slow, but his hand speed was something I didn’t expect. And his physical strength — it was unbelievable. That’s what Crawford has to watch out for.”

Khan also noted Crawford’s impressive physical condition ahead of moving up to super middleweight (76 kg). “I saw a recent picture of Crawford — he looked like he was around 80 kilos, strong and solid. He’s kept his size really well for this move up in weight.”

When it came to making a prediction, Khan leaned toward the American. “I think Crawford has the edge. Yes, he’s nearly 38, but he’s fresher. Canelo has had almost 70 pro fights. At 35, with so many wars behind him, he doesn’t have that same freshness or hunger he had five or ten years ago.”

Khan emphasized Crawford’s unblemished record — 41 wins with 31 knockouts — as another key factor. “Crawford is still undefeated, and that counts for a lot at this level. I don’t know exactly who will win, but if I have to pick, I’ll go with Crawford. From the underdog position, he can surprise everybody.”

As the boxing world readies itself for what could be a historic clash, Amir Khan’s words serve as both a warning and a reminder: at the elite level, small differences in freshness and hunger can decide who leaves Las Vegas as the sport’s pound-for-pound king.