Amir Khan
Amir Khan is looking to upset the odds in Las Vegas Getty Images

Amir Khan admits he is facing a career-defining fight against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez at the newly built T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on 7 May. The 29-year-old Briton is stepping up two weight classes to face the much-fancied Mexican, who has only lost one of his 48 bouts as a professional.

Khan's decision to accept the fight shocked the sporting world, given the size disparity between the two men. But the former Olympian thinks he is capable of causing a huge upset in Las Vegas and winning the WBC middleweight title.

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"I know it's going to be a tough fight," Khan told The Telegraph. "But I know it's a fight that 'makes' me and it would be an amazing way of putting myself up there as one of the best fighters in the world.

"It could be my defining fight. I'm getting the chance to prove myself in a historic fight. I'm more engaged in every way than I have ever been. All my senses are heightened."

Khan thinks victory over Alvarez would represent one of British boxing's biggest triumphs on foreign soil. "Moving up from welterweight to middleweight and taking the title and becoming a world champion, and beating a massive name and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, would be one of the biggest wins for any British boxer abroad or at home," he continued.

"I know there's a rematch clause and it may mean two fights with Canelo. But I'm just focusing on this one fight, taking one step at a time. We'll do this step by step. Let's get past this fight and then we'll go from there."

Khan also said he is hoping to emulate the likes of 'Sugar' Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao, all of whom moved up in weight to win money-spinning fights against heavily fancied opponents. "I've seen other fighters move through the weights," he said.

"I've seen 'Sugar' Ray Leonard go up against Marvin Hagler, Manny Pacquiao go up and fight Oscar de la Hoya. These are other names who have gone up and beaten heavier, bigger guys when they've been the underdog. I believe I can do the same thing. That's why I'm taking this fight. I just want my name in history."