For Joshua, it marks a return to the ring since his 2024 knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, while Paul shifts focus from a canceled exhibition against Gervonta Davis to confronting the seasoned heavyweight.

While anticipation builds for the eight-round heavyweight clash, one former world champion is sounding the alarm. Amir Khan, a British super lightweight legend, expressed deep concern over the risks Paul faces against a fighter of Joshua’s caliber.

Khan’s warning underscores the dangerous reality of mismatched fights in modern boxing, where entertainment and spectacle sometimes outweigh skill and experience.

Why Amir Khan fears for Jake Paul

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Khan said, “People get killed in boxing. That’s the reality of it, and that’s the risk of a fight like this.” The 39-year-old continued, reflecting on the surreal nature of the bout: “I didn’t believe it at first, I honestly thought it was a wind-up… Then I saw them head-to-head, and I saw Jake looking up at the sky. I thought, ‘Wow, this is actually happening.’”

Joshua’s power could prove too much for Paul

Khan highlighted the disparity in skill and experience between the two fighters. “AJ can bang. He’s a former world champion. He’s got power, size, everything. If he lands clean, the damage he can do is scary. Especially when he is landing it on someone like Jake Paul. He’s not capable of taking that sort of power. He’s still new to the game.”

Could the fight impact crossover boxing?

Khan also warned that the event could have broader implications for the sport. “I think this could be the end of YouTubers jumping in with real active fighters… Because it only takes one shot. One bad night, one clean shot, and someone can get seriously hurt. We’ve seen the way someone’s whole life can be altered.”

As Friday approaches, the stakes are high—not only for Paul and Joshua, but also for the credibility and safety of crossover boxing events in the future.

Former unified light-welterweight champion Amir Khan is among the most vocal critics, labeling the fight as “disgusting” and warning of potentially serious consequences. Khan’s own career experience, including a brutal knockout loss to Canelo Alvarez in 2016, has shaped his cautionary stance toward mismatched bouts.

The controversy extends beyond size and experience. As crossover boxing gains traction, traditionalists fear the integrity and safety of the sport could be compromised. The conversation around Paul and Davis has highlighted questions about regulation, risk, and the direction boxing is taking in the era of influencer-driven matches.

Could the Paul vs. Davis exhibition become a dangerous mismatch?

Khan didn’t mince words about the risks of this matchup. “I mean, it is disgusting, and you know, someone’s gonna end up getting hurt really badly in all this exhibition of boxing,” he said, according to SunSport. He pointed to the stark size difference as a core concern, questioning how serious the fight can be taken when one participant has a significant weight advantage.

At the same time, Jake Paul has sought to address safety and legitimacy concerns. He announced that he will undergo the “strictest drug testing possible”, including random checks by the US Anti-Doping Agency. “Clean as a whistle. Contrary to what they say,” Paul said, attempting to reassure fans and critics that the contest will be fair.

The fight between Paul and Davis remains a lightning rod for debate as November 14 approaches. Observers will watch closely not just for the outcome in the ring, but for whether the controversy surrounding safety, legitimacy, and crossover boxing will affect the sport’s reputation moving forward.

Speaking during a live broadcast on X, Garcia, who previously trained under Eddy Reynoso alongside Canelo, made it clear who he’s backing come September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, when Canelo defends his undisputed super-middleweight titles.

“When you have two great fighters, great things can happen. But I can see Crawford getting knocked out Amir Khan-style, though,” Garcia said. “I don’t see [Crawford beating Canelo.] He could definitely prove me wrong, but I’ve trained with Canelo, I’ve been around him—bro can really push back heavyweights.”

He added: “This is the first time Canelo’s bigger than somebody in a long time, so it’s like the weights are lifted off and he can fight more freely.”

Can Crawford survive the size gap against Canelo?

Garcia’s analysis didn’t stop at admiration—he pointed to size as the deciding factor. For years, Canelo has faced naturally bigger men at 168 and even 175 pounds. Now, for once, the roles are reversed.

“I’m actually interested to see. I can’t wait for the fight. I’m definitely gonna be backing Canelo,” Garcia continued. “Crawford is a great fighter and he could surprise me, but right now where I would put my money is Canelo Alvarez.”

The fight carries echoes of 2016, when Amir Khan jumped two weight classes to challenge Canelo for his middleweight belt. Khan was laid out in the sixth round—unconscious before he hit the canvas. Canelo later admitted he didn’t celebrate the moment, worried for Khan’s health.

Will history repeat itself at 168?

There are clear parallels. Khan had risen from 140 to 147, and then up to a 155-pound catchweight. His frame simply couldn’t handle Canelo’s power. Crawford’s leap is similar—he’s only fought once at 154, having spent years dominating at welterweight.

As the countdown continues, the spotlight grows brighter on both men. Canelo looks to reinforce his dominance. Crawford eyes history. But if Ryan Garcia is right, it may not last long.

Khan’s journey into the ring with each came at pivotal moments in his own career. In 2016, he dared to leap two weight classes to challenge Canelo for the WBC middleweight title.

That bold move ended with Khan unconscious on the canvas after a thunderous right hand in the sixth round. Just three years later, the former Olympic silver medalist faced Crawford at 147 pounds, hoping to claim the WBO welterweight title—but was overwhelmed and stopped again in the sixth round.

Now retired, Khan reflects with candor and clarity. Ahead of one of the most anticipated matchups in modern boxing, he’s breaking down exactly what makes each man dangerous—and why the result may not hinge solely on raw power.

Canelo’s explosiveness vs. Crawford’s precision

In a recent conversation with The Ring Magazine, Khan made one thing clear: Canelo hits harder—but that doesn’t mean Crawford isn’t dangerous. “Crawford does hit hard, a lot of people don’t give him the credit for the punch power he has,” Khan explained.” I’ve been in the ring with him; he’s hit me hard.“

While many view Crawford as a technical wizard rather than a knockout artist, Khan emphasized that the Nebraska native’s power is deceptive. Crawford’s timing, angles, and ability to land cleanly contribute to his finishing ability—even against opponents accustomed to pressure.

That said, Khan was direct when asked to compare raw force: “Obviously the most powerful fighter between the two is gonna be Canelo,” he said. “But I think Crawford still has enough power to hurt Canelo and push him back.“

A rare perspective on a rare matchup

Khan’s insights come at a crucial moment as speculation mounts ahead of the September 13 clash between the reigning undisputed welterweight champion and Mexico’s face of boxing. While the venue has yet to be confirmed, Las Vegas is expected to host the fight that could redefine pound-for-pound rankings for years to come.

From his unique vantage point, Khan doesn’t simply measure the outcome by who hits harder. He knows firsthand that timing, tactics, and movement—Crawford’s specialties—can level the playing field even against a natural power-puncher like Canelo.

Though most boxing veterans only face one legend per weight era, Khan’s rare battles against both lend weight to his analysis, offering fans an informed angle on how this megafight might unfold.

What comes next?

As anticipation builds, Khan’s words serve as a reminder that the fight won’t just be about brute strength. With two tacticians at the peak of their mental game—one moving up, one defending legacy—Canelo vs. Crawford may come down to strategy and adaptability, not just muscle.

Khan’s verdict is clear: while Canelo may carry the heavier hands, Crawford’s all-around skills make him a live threat. “He’s not someone you walk through,” Khan would likely say—and if he’s right, fans are in for a dramatic, closely contested battle come fight night.

Davis argues that Crawford’s adaptability and high boxing IQ present an unsolvable puzzle and secret weapon for the Mexican superstar. “Nobody fights like Crawford,” he emphasized in a recent interview with MillCity Boxing, suggesting that Canelo will struggle to prepare for a fighter with such fluid style-switching and tactical unpredictability.

While some expect Crawford to adopt a strategy similar to Floyd Mayweather’s—elusive movement, defensive precision, and calculated counters—there’s a growing sentiment that Bud might do far more than just survive Canelo’s power.

Nevertheless, some analysts believe that excessive stance switching may prove ineffective against a seasoned veteran like Canelo, who is not easily thrown off by such tactics. Canelo’s reduced output in recent bouts has not prevented him from winning rounds through clean, heavy shots that command the judges’ attention.

Physical disparity and weight class concerns

While Crawford’s résumé at 154 pounds is unquestioned, this jump to 168 pounds introduces major uncertainties. Unlike other fighters who gradually acclimate to a new weight class, Crawford has opted to leap directly into a championship bout without a tune-up.

Meanwhile, Canelo’s most recent opponent, William Scull, was a larger, younger, and arguably more explosive fighter. Yet Canelo handled him with relative ease, controlling the pace and neutralizing his offense. That performance, according to Davis, proves that Canelo’s timing and experience remain potent: “He looked sharp. The man lives in the gym. His skills are still elite.”

Will Crawford replicate his performance?

Davis is confident that Crawford can replicate—or even surpass—his demolition of Errol Spence Jr., an opponent he dominated in a lopsided fashion. “Crawford is going to make Canelo look like sludge,” Davis predicted, asserting that the Mexican champion won’t be able to find the proper sparring to simulate Crawford’s style.

Legacy at stake for both fighters

Ultimately, this fight is more than just a stylistic clash. It’s a litmus test for Crawford’s greatness across weight classes and a critical opportunity for Canelo to silence critics who suggest his prime has passed. While Davis and Team Crawford are brimming with confidence, the physical demands of moving up and the legacy of Canelo’s experience pose real threats.

Canelo last fought in September, successfully defending his unified super-middleweight titles against Edgar Berlanga. Crawford, meanwhile, recently moved up to 154 pounds, defeating Israil Madrimov to claim the WBA super-welterweight championship.

Despite the weight difference between the two fighters, the potential for this superfight remains a hot topic of discussion. Amir Khan, the only boxer to have faced both Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, offered his unique perspective on this potential showdown in an interview with BoxNation.

Canelo or Crawford? Amir Khan weighs in

Amir Khan, who fought Canelo at a catchweight of 155 pounds, acknowledged the significant weight advantage that Canelo would possess. “Canelo is a beast, man. I fought both of those guys, and I feel that size always wins. Having weight divisions, there’s a purpose behind that,” Khan explained. “Terence is special, don’t get me wrong, but then there’s getting hit by a guy like Canelo.”

Khan, who suffered a sixth-round stoppage loss to Alvarez, emphasized the physicality of facing the Mexican superstar. “What a fight that would be, though. I’ll root for my boy Terence and want him to win that fight, but it would be hard. Does he need that fight? No, I don’t think he does. He’s done so well in his career and beaten everyone. He’s untouchable, one of the best out there pound-for-pound. But if it’s a big payday, I get why it would be made. Why take a risky fight for less money when he can take a seriously hard fight for serious money?”

Despite the risks, Khan praised Crawford’s skill, noting that he has the ability to compete at the highest level. However, he reiterated the potential dangers of such a matchup, adding, “We never want to see fighters get hurt.”

Canelo’s cryptic response

Amid the growing speculation, Canelo Alvarez addressed the rumors with a brief but intriguing response: “I’m open to talk.” While his four-word message leaves room for interpretation, it has only fueled the excitement among boxing fans, suggesting that this mega-fight might be closer to becoming a reality.

King Khan’scurrent resume is 34-6-0, with 26 KOs involved in his career: 21 caused by the power of his knuckles, and 5 suffered by his chin. Making his professional debut at 19 years old, he became the WBA World Super lightweight Champion in 2009 and made 5 successful defenses of his belt.

So far in his boxing path, British Amir Khan had the chance to clash against several World Champions not only in England but in the United States: Marco Antonio Barrera, Paul Malignaggi, Marcos Maidana, Zab Judah, Lamont Peterson, Danny Garcia, Devon Alexander, Canelo Alvarez, and Terrence Crawford.

Amir Khan’s revealing words after suffering a KO defeat against Kell Brook

On the sixth round of his Welterweight clash against the former 147 poundWorld titlist Kell Brook, Amir Khan was stopped to concrete the sixth loss of his career. Then, outside the ring, with his face freshly smashed due to Brook’s blows, he opened his heart to Sky Sportsand shared his thoughts about his future.

“I am very upset, I did all the training that I had to do in the United States. I respect Kell Brook, he gave a great performance. He did everything he needed to do in the fight and obviously, he was the best man tonight. I just couldn’t get going, I was falling short and missing a lot. 40 fights are a lot of fights, winning World titles, I need to sit down with my family but I think is the end of my career here now: that love of the sport is not there anymore. That is a sign for me but let’s see.“, stated Khan.

Khan’s other defeats by the way of knockout

As it was said above, the one against Kell Brook meantthe sixth loss in Amir Khan’s career so far. Almost all of them were by the quick way. Back in 2008, was the first time Khan was knocked out. His executioner was Colombian Breidis Prescott. Then five years passed until he was sent to the canvas again: this time it was Danny SwiftGarcia who defeated him.

The most dramatic of the KO’s thatKing Khansuffered came in 2016: in a catchweight of 155 pounds he faced Canelo Alvarez for the Mexican’s WBC Middleweight belt but he was brutally sent to sleep bya cold right cross. Three years have gone by to witness the next fall of the British former World Champion: at the time, Terrence Crawford defeated him with a low blow that make him bend and break a forced the fight to be stopped.