Boxing legend Freddie Roach believes his former prize fighter Amir Khan has the tools to pull off a big upset over pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr., the reigning Trainer of the Year said in an interview with Ringside Toe 2 Toe Podcast.

Roach, who bagged another Trainer of the Year award from the Boxing Writers of America, is confident the two-time Jr. Welterweight champion can hold his ground against Mayweather, if the Grand Rapids native decides to pick him as his next opponent for his Cinco de Mayo event on May 3 at MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Having trained Khan in some of his big fights, Roach said Khan has to play smart and stay from the corners for him to have a legit shot at beating Money May.

"That's not an easy fight [for Mayweather]. I've always said Amir has the right style to beat Floyd if he fights correctly and doesn't stay in the pocket too long," Roach said to Ringside Toe 2 Toe Podcast.

Roach said Khan's hand speed could make the difference in the match, stressing that the Briton possess the tools to put Mayweather's undefeated record in complete jeopardy.

"I always thought he could beat him with his speed. I think he's faster than Mayweather and that's what it takes to beat him. Floyd might have his hands full on the night."

Money May Too Much

Roach's statement in favor Khan sounds to be surprising, given the two sides did not part ways in good terms. However, Boxing 24 writer Scott Gilfoid thought Roach's analysis is totally wrong because the Briton will never have a solid chance against the best boxer in the world.

"Even before Khan's beat downs against Maidana, Garcia and Peterson, he'd be no match against Mayweather. Khan's always been too predictable in his attacks, and Mayweather would be able to predict his every move after just 2 minutes of action," Gilfoid stated.

"Heck, Mayweather wouldn't even have to watch tape on Khan in order to be able to figure out when and where to nail him with a big shot. Khan makes it so easy with the way he charges forward like a Billy Goat throwing combinations."

"Roach did zero to change Khan's fighting style despite working with him for years. The only thing that Roach was able to do was to get Khan to use his jab a little bit more. Other than that, Roach did nothing to improve Khan," he added.

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