Amir Khan could find himself in danger in the later rounds against Kell Brook as he fades due to age, according to former world champion Ricky Hatton.
Brook and Khan finally meet in the ring on February 19 in Manchester, with both boxers no longer at the height of their powers.
Hatton pointed out the limitations of both fighters when speaking to Sky Sports, saying: "Maybe it should have happened a few years ago.
"As you get older you don't have the same stamina or speed.
"Amir has the speed, the boxing ability, the footwork and movement to give Kell trouble. But Amir gets drawn into a fight - and that's why we love him!
"As he gets older Amir might go into the trenches early which will make for a great fight.
"From rounds six, seven, eight and nine - Amir can get drawn in.
"Then it shifts into Kell's favour."
Hatton is also impressed by Khan’s decision to train with Terence Crawford and Brian ‘Bomac’ McIntyre.
"Being in Crawford's camp is a fantastic thing," he explained.
"Crawford is flying.
"But Ingle has been with Kell since day one. I'd have stayed with Billy Graham until the end of my career [if possible].
"I had a new trainer in Floyd Mayweather Sr and it can revitalise you - it can give you a spring in your step."