Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Amir Khan vs Saul Alvarez: King Khan confirms Canelo super-fight on 7 May

Fight will take place in Las Vegas for the WBC title

Tom Sheen
Tuesday 02 February 2016 18:09 GMT
Comments
Amir Khan celebrates beating Devon Alexander in December 2014
Amir Khan celebrates beating Devon Alexander in December 2014

Amir Khan has confirmed his next opponent will be the dangerous Mexican Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.

The super-fight will take place on 7 May in Las Vegas for the WBC title.

Khan, 29, will move up in weight to fight the dangerous 25-year-old, who has won 32 of his 48 fights by knockout.

Alvarez has lost just once in his career, a majority decision to Floyd Mayweather in September 2013.

Khan last fought in May last year having been left frustrated at missing out on other big fights against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

The Bolton-born boxer was also involved in a Twitter spat with rival Kell Brook and promoter Eddie Hearn, after being accused of wanting a 80-20 split in the purse to fight the Sheffield world champion.

HBO own the rights to the fight with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions to promote the fight - it is not yet known which channel it will air on UK television.

"I know Canelo fights the best and wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to face me like others have," said 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 7 May."

Saul Alvarez beating Miguel Cotto

The Khan fight will be Canelo's first defence of Alvarez's WBC middleweight title. He said: "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."

Oscar de la Hoya added: "We are committed to putting on the biggest and best fights in boxing. 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."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in