Thursday 3 March 2016 08:14, UK
Amir Khan says the British support in Las Vegas will help him to victory when he challenges Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez for the WBC middleweight title on May 7.
Both fighters rounded off a three-city media tour in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, where the crowd gave Alvarez a great reception, but former two-time world champion Khan insists the British fans will be the ones making an impact in Vegas.
Going up against the current WBC middleweight champion Alvarez, the British fighter will be making a jump up from his signature welterweight limit of 147lb to fight the Mexican champion at a catchweight of 155lbs.
They will face off in the first major sporting event at the brand new T-Mobile Arena and Khan has dubbed it the biggest fight of his career.
"We will go in to win this fight, and I will prove people wrong. Even though it is Cinco de Mayo, the British fans will come out. In Vegas, there will be more British flags then Mexican flags," he said.
"Thank you for the massive opportunity for this fight. This fight will be an exciting one, and I really believe I can win this fight and if I didn't I wouldn't be here."
Khan knows he is the clear underdog in the upcoming contest, but the 29-year-old has claimed five straight wins and is hoping to prove he can compete against the physical stature of Alvarez.
"This trip has been amazing for me. This is the biggest fight of my career. Canelo is physically very strong, and come fight night, I will be ready and coming in very happy and very strong.
"It will be like a game of chess. Canelo is very strong. I have a very good trainer who will tell me the right game plan.
"Come May 7, everyone will enjoy this fight."
Meanwhile, 25-year-old Canelo will be hoping to defend his world title for the first time, and also has hopes that the fans will encourage him to victory.
The Mexican has only lost one fight in his career, against Floyd Mayweather in 2013, but bounced back to win four straight fights in a row including the world title bout in November with Miguel Cotto.
"You guys motivate me to keep winning. Because of you, I wake up and want to be triumphant. Not only for me, but for you guys. I am going to prepare like always, 100 per cent," he said.
"Amir Khan is a difficult opponent. I am ready for this and much more. We'll see you May 7."
Boxing promoter Oscar De La Hoya says Canelo will have to be careful of Khan, as he believes it is experience and not size that matters in this fight.
"This takes me back to Maidana who had Amir down, and Amir fought until the end. Canelo will have to be careful and watch out. This fight will be great and will be wonderful to celebrate on Cinco de Mayo," he said.
"It is not often that two superstars of a sport face off at the peak of their careers. This is such an event, with two of the biggest international fighters fighting at the biggest arena in the world."
