Amir Khan has declared that there is one boxer that he rates higher than Canelo Alvarez.
The 35-year-old fought the Mexican for the WBC and The Ring middleweight titles back in 2016. It was Khan’s first jump into the weight category, having fought at light-welterweight for the majority of his career.
The evening didn’t end well for the Bolton-born fighter. Alvarez knocked him out with a thunderous right hand in round six. Khan’s championship dreams were dashed.
Speaking to Boxing News in 2018, ‘King’ admitted that the decision to take the fight was a mistake.
He explained: “Honestly, it’s a fight I should never have gone into because he was physically too big. I had my chances, I thought I could outbox him and be smart and not get hit but obviously he got me with a big shot.”
But he also reserved plenty of words for Canelo’s hitting power. He told FightHype in 2020 that being on the receiving end of one of his punches was “like being hit by a baseball bat”.
Khan reveals the one boxer he rates higher than Alvarez
Speaking in a recent interview with iNews, Amir Khan revealed the one boxer he rates higher than Canelo Alvarez.
Three years after his defeat to the Mexican, Khan had another opportunity to win a world title belt. His objective was to secure the WBO welterweight belt. Its holder was Terrence Crawford.
Unfortunately for the Brit, the end result went the same way as the Alvarez fight. Crawford knocked out his challenger in the sixth round to secure victory.
Khan explained: “[Crawford] has the ring IQ. Canelo was easy to hit whereas I couldn’t really catch Crawford flush.
“He was very awkward compared to Canelo. Two different styles. Canelo is a fighter, prepared to take punches to land one. Crawford is slick. He hits you and does not get hit, he makes you miss and counters.
“Spiteful. They are both spiteful. You wouldn’t want to meet either on a back street at night.”
What happened to Terrence Crawford after Khan bout?
Following his destructive victory over Khan in April 2019, Terrence Crawford has been involved in three more fights. One of the fighters he defeated was Kell Brook, who Khan takes on next month.
The American currently has an unbeaten record of 38-0, with 29 of his victories recorded by knockout. He is one of the most complete fighters on the boxing circuit.
The identity of Crawford’s next opponent is unknown. He has been linked with a possible ‘dream fight‘ against Errol Spence Jr. Manny Pacquiao is also a rumoured adversary.
Whoever the American does take on, his opponent will be hoping their fate does not befall them the same way as Khan’s did back in 2019.
Featured Image Credit: Getty