AMIR KHAN ADMITS he may lack the power to trouble Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, but insists his speed and movement will be key in their WBC middleweight title fight in Las Vegas on Saturday.
29-year-old Khan is jumping two weight classes to challenge Alvarez, having never fought about welterweight previously.
Despite the difference and his underdog status, Khan remains confident he can defeat the Mexican, whose only defeat was by Floyd Mayweather in 2013.
I’m going to hit Canelo and he’s probably not going to feel it, but skill is going to win it,” the Brit said on Wednesday.
“I don’t want to be involved in exchanges, standing in front of him giving him free shots. I know he can hurt me with one big shot.
“So I have to make sure I’m balanced when I’m throwing my own shots. It’s all about being disciplined and sticking to the game-plan for 12 rounds.
“Before, I’ve not respected guys who have knocked me down or out. This fight I know I can be hurt so I’ll be on the edge and my defences will be sharper.
“A fight against Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao would have been easier because they’re my weight, so physically I would have been stronger.
“Canelo is going to be stronger, but things I have that are better than him are speed and movement.”
However, Alvarez warned Khan his game is not just about power.
“I’ll show a lot more than power, you’ll see,” the 25-year-old said. ”I bring speed as well. Whatever he brings, I’m prepared for. My best years are yet to come.”
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Great to see Rhys Ruddock in the team and in brilliant form. A massively strong lad, with a thunderous run, very hard to stop. I remember seeing him in the u20′s Irish team and he really impressed. Long may it continue!
Gopperth just isnt up to it,his tactical kicking is awful and it’s interesting to see that Madigan has been doing the place kicking in the last few games even with Gopperth on the field. O’Connor really doesnt seem to know what he is doing as regards his number 10.
I’d say Madigan kicking is an IRFU call… Johnny injured and most likely out of autumn games…
Toner is a giant
Until he addresses the two old men at halfbacks and changes this kick the ball away and hope the other team make a mistake attitude he’ll not get it right.
His away tactics are really poor and hand the home team all the advantages by allowing them constantly to have to ball.
MOC OUT
Why do you want a man who helped Leinster win a trophy in convincing fashion out? he’s proved he can do it for ye, just with picking a quality 10 and 12 as an exception.
Winning the pro12 really isn’t enough and we were awful in the Heineken. Also just the general style in which Leinster played was not exciting to watch. It feels like the team is regressing under O’Connor.
LOL Chris don’t hold back now, say what you think. No point sitting on the fence.
Andrew look what happened to Munster when they accepted mediocre coaches.
I’m sorry I’m too big of a Leinster fan to not say anything.
I tend to agree with you but the blunt honesty of your message made me laugh. There is quality in that Leinster squad but poor passing, aimless kicking and a general lack of clarity in selection and game management is not doing them any favours.
The style of quick, fast, skill-full rugby suits Leinster rugby and has allowed us to seriously compete with anybody. Departing from that general rugby philosophy will not help Leinster.
If Reid is now fit, Madigan can start at 10 which gives Leinster their kicker and game maker in a pivotal role. Hopefully a new partnership in the centre will then emerge.