Bolton’s former two-time world champion Amir Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) was in confident mood as he and WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, kicked off a three-city international press tour for their upcoming encounter at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on May 7th.
The presser was preceded by a photo tour of London’s most famous landmarks for the two fighters on Sunday, Feb. 28. Canelo and Khan will travel next to The Hard Rock Café in New York City on March 1st and end their press tour in Los Angeles at the Five Tower Stage at Universal City Walk on March 2nd. All events are open to the public.
Below is what the fighters, their teams and promoter had to say at the press conference: Above is the full press conference video, shot by iFLTV
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SAUL ‘CANELO’ ALVAREZ
“It’s my first time in London and I’ve had a lot of support from the fans and the media.
“Amir Khan is a great fighter and this will be a great fight. Come May 7th, this will be a fantastic event. We want to put a great fight on for the fans”
AMIR “KING” KHAN
“When I was 17 and in the Olympics I was an underdog – no one gave me a chance of winning a medal. Everyone thought I was going to lose then. This is what this feels like now.
“Alvarez is a dangerous fighter. People keep asking me why I want to fight this big fighter. I really believe I can win in this fight.
“What will win this fight is speed; determination and skill. My dream has always been to fight the best and test myself and in Canelo I’m facing just that.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA
“This will be a mega-fight with high intensity action with two boxers at the height of their career.
“Amir Khan is warrior who does not avoid anyone but has been avoided and Canelo is the number one superstar in boxing and always wants to take on the very best.
“This is an exciting fight on Cinco De Mayo weekend which will have it all and is one not to be missed.” – De La Hoya is the Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions and former great fighter.
EDDY REYNOSO
“We’re up against a great fighter, one who is fast. Many people think Amir is not worthy of this fight but he is and all the fans can expect an exciting fight from the first round.” – Eddy Reynoso is the Head Trainer of Canelo Alvarez.
SHAH KHAN
“I would like to thank Alvarez. He could have fought anyone and he chose to fight Amir.
“I really do believe Amir is a pay-per-view star and belongs on the same platform as the likes of Canelo and Floyd Mayweather.” – Shah is the Father and Manager of Amir Khan.
MAURICIO SULAIMAN
“It is great to see Amir Khan move up and challenge Alvarez which will be one of the greatest fights in recent history.” – Sulaiman is the President of the WBC.
