Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) will make his first title defense of 2016 against Amir “King” Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) on May 7, Cinco De Mayo weekend, on HBO Pay-Per-View.
It’s a good thing that Canelo isn’t our middleweight champion — Gennady Golovkin is — because his first 160 lb defense, of a belt he won at a catchweight of 155lbs, is against a welterweight fighter. This fight will also be at 155 lbs.
Golden Boy Promotions will exclusively promote the fight, with Khan returning to his former home at Golden Boy Promotions for the showdown. The mega-fight promises high-intensity action between two of boxing’s most popular and powerful fighters competing in the primes of their careers. Information regarding, the venue, ticket availability and a press tour for the fight will be announced in the coming weeks.
“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.”
“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.”
“We are committed to putting on the biggest and best fights in boxing,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO, Oscar De La Hoya.
“Canelo is the biggest star in the sport and as he demonstrated against James Kirkland and Miguel Cotto last year, he is only getting better. Those who predicted that he would take an easy fight for his first defense have been proven wrong once again. As for Amir, he has won his last five fights including an incredible performance against Devon Alexander, and now that he is back where he belongs at Golden Boy Promotions, his future is very bright, once again.”
Shah Khan, father of Amir, said : “We are delighted to be able to make this massive fight. I would like to thank everyone involved who made this happen including Golden Boy Promotions, Al Haymon and all of Team Khan. It’s going to be a great fight on May 7.”
We’ll have more details on Canelo vs. Khan in the weeks to come. It’s an odd match-up, that’s for sure.
