BOLTON-based boxing trainer Joe Gallagher is tipping Amir Khan to surprise Saul Canelo Alvarez when he goes up in weight to fight for the WBC middleweight title in May.

Khan shocked the boxing world when he announced the super fight against Alvarez which is set for May 7 in Las Vegas.

Many are already writing off the Bolton superstar who has only had a handful of fights at welterweight.

But Gallagher, who has trained three world champions out of his gym based at Khan's Gloves Community Centre on Prince Street, says the 29-year-old has a style to upset a fighter who has lost just once – on a majority decision to Floyd Mayweather Junior in 2013 – in 48 bouts.

He told The Bolton News: "It’s a great fight and I am so pleased for Amir to get it.

"I have seen him here in the gym and the disappointment of not getting Mayweather.

"Then he thought he had Pacquiao before Christmas and then got messed about.

"I felt sorry for him.

"To get Canelo is great for him.

"We had been in negotiations for Liam Smith to fight him so while I am disappointed for Liam, I am pleased for Amir.

"He really needed that big fight and he’s got it.

"He is no longer the bridesmaid, he’s the bride and can go in and show what he can do.

"People are quick to write him off but it is all about styles.

"Amir has a style to do well, particularly early on in the fight.

"The second half is crucial but under Virgil there is a maturity coming through in Amir’s work.

"He listens and sticks to a game-plan and Virgil has been excellent in bringing that out in Amir.

"Let’s not forget Alvarez isn’t this huge monster people are making him out to be.

"He went the distance with Matthew Hatton and only beat Ryan Rhodes late on.

"He is a good fighter and has improved but he is not a Golovkin of the world."