Amir Khan has hinted he could switch from boxing to mixed martial arts (MMA) in the future.

Former two-time world champion Khan has moved up two weight divisions to fight Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez for the WBC middleweight championship in Las Vegas on May 7.

The 29-year-old revealed he has adopted certain MMA training methods in the build-up to Saturday's bout, and he thinks he could have a future in the sport.

"I have a stake in a company called Super Fight League (SFL), which is an MMA company in India and we have a lot of shows in Dubai, too. We are now moving over into America and putting on shows there," Khan told The Guardian.

"Bellator and UFC are the two main MMA companies, we're probably third after those two. I've always been a UFC fan and I like [Conor] McGregor and the way he promotes it. If I was to fight the champion around 147lb I would fancy my chances.

"You never know what will happen in the future – I would never say 'no' to getting into MMA. I could do it under my own banner and what a way to do it. My speed would be perfect, it's hit and move.

"Just look at when McGregor beat Jose Aldo. The guy leant forward, over extended and fell short, McGregor stepped back and threw the straight right.

"It was a proper boxing move. I would not let anyone get close to me, I would take a step back and keep it long. I also believe that us boxers punch harder than MMA fighters anyway.

"I was at the last SFL show in Dubai, watching closely at the guys in my weight. Even though I have no experience of MMA, I could have stepped in and done the business.

"I've already done MMA training too. It's good for preparing to fight a guy like Canelo who likes to put the pressure on. It's all about the feet, the feet have to be in the right position."

For the time being, however, Khan is concentrated on beating Alvarez, something he feels could make him one of the most prominent figures within boxing.

"Look, a lot of top names in boxing have retired. I think we are currently standing on the verge of a new generation for boxing," he said.

"I would like to be seen as the leader of that and by beating Canelo, I will be the leader of that movement for some time."