Amir Khan believes he is capable to jump two weight divisions when he faces WBC, The Ring and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez on 7 May in Las Vegas. The former WBA light-welterweight champion was training in Hayward ahead of his WBC Middleweight title fight against Alvarez and Khan believes he has the right game plan to beat the big-hitting Mexican.

Khan said: Look, Canelo is a big guy, we understand that and hes going to be strong going into this fight. I might not be as strong as him going into this fight, but I am going to be strong and I am going to be faster and Im going to have better skill. My ring IQ is better and I have better footwork. I think its all about being the right position, throwing the right shots at the right time.

Ive seen it happen previously, Ive seen it happen in history where youve had a smaller guy go into a ring whos the underdog, whos beaten the heavier guy. So its happened before and I know its going to happen again.

Many were surprised at the jump from Khan, however Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya, who won 10 world titles in six different weight classes, believes Khan has what it takes.

He deserves a mega fight, and its finally going to happen on May 7. Manny Pacquiao didnt want to fight him, Floyd Mayweather didnt want to fight Amir Khan, so now hes fighting the biggest superstar in boxing today in Canelo Alvarez. Its very well deserved because Amir has the pedigree to go out there and put on a great show, De La Hoya said.

Additional reporting by Reuters