Top Rank promoter Bob Arum joins the vast majority of critics who believe that World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Saúl "Canelo" Alvarez is an overwhelming favorite, mainly because of the size disparity he holds over upcoming challenger Amir Khan.
Both fighters will face at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on May 7, a voluntary fight by the Mexican that has suddenly drawn a lot of attention.
Khan will have to find a way to get used to the 155 pounds weight class soon if he is to defy the odds, considering he is moving eight pounds up against a seasoned Alvarez. Regardless, Khan is entering the fight brimming with confidence.
However, there are some who have cast doubts, including Arum. The Top Rank promoter is more interested in whether or not Khan can prove him and critics wrong, something similar to the feat that the Denver Broncos pulled at Super Bowl 50.
The Broncos were able to weather the storm over a heavily favored Cam Newton-led Carolina Panthers, although there are differences. Unlike in football, Khan's fate and performance will depend a lot on his preparation and he will have no one to bail him out as this is a one-on-one showdown.
Many will try to dial in and see how the southpaw is able to adapt the heavier weight class and whether his punches now come with added punch. Khan's punching power has been repeatedly criticized and was one factor why he was passed up by Manny Pacquiao and company.
Arum sees the size, power, and physical strength favoring the Mexican brawler but is leaving some room to see if Khan has some aces up his sleeve.
Khan already bared that he would be using his speed as his primary weapon against Alvarez, although it remains to be seen if the additional pounds would slow him down.
Despite being a heavy underdog, Khan is unfazed. He is undaunted by the odds stacked against him and adds that such only motivates him to take Alvarez more seriously.
