AMIR KHAN will fight Mexican superstar Saul Alvarez on May 7 in Las Vegas.
Khan had been in talks with two of the biggest names in the sport, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, for possible fights that fell through. Now he will fight the world’s third most famous fighter Canelo Alvarez for the WBC middleweight title.
“As the middleweight champion of the world, I will take on the best fighters in the sport and on Cinco De Mayo weekend, I look forward to making the first defense of my titles,” said Canelo Alvarez. “Amir was a decorated amateur, a two-time world champion and is in the prime of his career. Fans are in for a great fight on May 7.”
It is a stern challenge for Khan. The fight will take place at a catchweight of 155lbs, still a weight the Briton has never fought at before. Khan started out his professional career at lightweight and only rose to welterweight in 2014. It will be a huge event but a dangerous assignment. Canelo has knocked out 32 opponents in his 48 fight career, while two of the Bolton star’s defeats have come inside the distance. Alvarez was outscored by Floyd Mayweather in 2013 but returned to the top of the sport to beat brilliant Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto last November.
Golden Boy will promote the event, which will be televised by HBO on pay-per-view in the US.
The venue for Khan-Alvarez is yet to be confirmed but the MGM Grand’s new 20,000 seat T-Mobile Arena will be open by then.
“I know Canelo fights the best and wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to face me like others have,” said Amir Khan. “My goal is to always fight the biggest names and the best fighters that is why I’m excited for this fight. Also, I would like to thank my team and Golden Boy Promotions for this opportunity. I know I have the speed and ability to beat him and will give my fans what they deserve on May 7.”
