One of the biggest boxing matches of 2016 goes down this Saturday when WBC, Ring and lineal champion Canelo Alvarez defends his titles against the resurgent Amir Khan.
The bout pits two of the sport’s biggest stars against each other in what should be an action-filled matchup.
Bet on boxing odds at BookMaker.eu
Amir Khan +400
Saul Alvarez -500
Over/under 9.5 rounds, over +115, under -135
Please note, the boxing odds at BookMaker are updated on daily basis. The lines listed here may have changed since this article was posted.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Alvarez is a heavy 5-to-1 favorite going into the bout, and it makes sense since he’s the bigger, more powerful fighter. Khan does have an advantage in speed and movement, but it’s difficult to see him actually hurting the champ. We have a relatively low over/under, but that’s to be expected considering Alvarez’s power and Khan’s vulnerable chin. If anything, I’d expect Alvarez’s line to go down further into the chalk come fight night.
FIGHT BREAKDOWN
Khan has to outbox Canelo. He’s got the fastest hands and feet in the sport, and superb accuracy and timing. We all know how quick he is, but more importantly his ring generalship is on a level few ever reach. While Khan is not a known power puncher, that doesn’t mean he’s feather-fisted. Anyone with his hand speed has the ability to seriously hurt opponents.
The former champion has also improved his defense in recent years, which was a necessary evolution considering how how he’s been rocked on a few occasions. Of course, he’s not as aggressive as he used to be, but he’s probably extended his career in the process. Still, he can be baited into brawls and puzzlingly refuse to clinch when he’s in trouble.
Canelo started out as a typical Mexican banger, and to this day he still prefers to mix it up inside. He is particularly deft at punishing opponents with hooks to the body, opening up the head for big shots. While he fights flat-footed at times, it’s obvious that he’s worked hard on extending his range, to the point where he’s comfortable at middle distance.
The biggest difference between Canelo and Khan is power. Alvarez is by far the strongest fighter that Khan has ever faced. That type of pop is a physical blessing and has defined a Hall of Fame career. Even with nearly 50-fights, he can still put out dudes with one well-placed shot -- and he’s gotten much smarter at setting it up.
THE SMART PLAYS
It’s easy to predict the gameplans of both fighters. Canelo will need to cut off the ring and make this a close-quarters fight, where he can easily outmuscle Khan. The challenger needs to take the Mayweather approach, staying off the ropes and scoring points from the outside. However, that takes a ton of mental concentration for 12-rounds, and it’s hard to put your money on Khan fighting a perfect fight. Canelo’s power gives him much more leeway, and you have to expect he’ll seriously hurt Khan at some point.
BOXING ODDS: Canelo Alvarez TKO Amir Khan, Round 7
BET ON BOXING NOW
With BookMaker Sportsbook, you can bet on boxing all year, from regional cards to pay-per-view events. Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook. Canelo vs. Khan takes place Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight will be televised on HBO pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. ET.
