Canelo Alvarez Set To Defend Title Against Amir Khan

Middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) and welterweight contender Amir Khan (31-3, 19KOs) have sealed a deal to fight May 7, 2016 in Las Vegas. The bout will be fought at 155 pounds, the same weight Álvarez won the title at against Miguel Cotto in November. Khan who has won titles at both 140 and 147 pounds will have to move up in weight.

Oscar De La Hoya, for whom Álvarez fights for under Golden Boy Promotions said, “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’s only getting better.”

While known to a have a shaky chin, Khan possesses great hand speed, perhaps the fastest in the sport, he is confident in his abilities to go up against the stronger Álvarez, “I know Canelo fights the best and wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to face me like others have,” alluding to his failed attempts to fight Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, he continued, “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.”

Álvarez showed the same respect for Khan, “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.  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.”