Amir Khan believes that Oleksandr Usyk has not been slowed down by putting on 15kg ahead of his Anthony Joshua rematch.
The heavyweight pair fight on August 20 in Saudi Arabia to contest the IBF, WBA and WBO championships after the Ukrainian defeated Joshua back in September 2021.
Joshua was criticised for not using his size and strength advantages in that first bout, but now it seems 34-year-old Usyk has narrowed some of the margin.
It was reported that Usyk has added 15kg to his frame and former world champion fighter Khan has attended his Dubai training camp to observe.
“I didn’t know he was a fan of me,” Khan told Talksport about his visit. “It’s a bit surreal when the heavyweight world champion tells you that.
“He told me he’d been following me for a long, long time and I was like ‘really?!’ I’m a lightweight to him.”
Of the weight gain, Khan said: “Yeah that’s what he told me. He looked in great shape, he’s a lot bigger, a lot thicker.
“You know how some people put on weight and they look a bit soft, but he was solid. He looked strong and put the weight on well.
“He says he’s put on 15 kilos since the last fight. Is that going to slow him down? I don’t think so. I’ve seen him shadow boxing, I’ve seen him on the pads, he looked really quick and has great footwork.
“He’s a technician, his boxing IQ is the best out there I think… and how accurate he is is what wins him fights.
“What AJ has to do is just jump on him early. AJ’s got that puncher’s chance as well.
“When it comes to boxing him; AJ’s a good boxer, he’s an Olympic champion, but Usyk is a superior boxer.
“You can’t really beat him when it comes down to tactics, technique or boxing skills… AJ will be making a mistake if he tries to box him again.”