Amir Khan returns to middleweight action in May
In the city of angels – Los Angeles – two of boxing’s most popular and powerful forces will come to loggerheads in what is deemed to be a sell-out match of high intensity action.
During the ‘Cinco De Mayo’ weekend, Amir ‘King’ Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) will make his first in-ring appearance of 2016 as he comes up against Lineal Middleweight World Champion, Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs).
With Khan coming into the bout as an underdog with the bookies, his decision to take on the fiery Mexican has been applauded by fans and pundits alike, who see it as a courageous move.
Alvarez has only suffered one defeat in his near-perfect career, that coming at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr, yet Khan says he is confident he can make it two defeats come 7th May.
He said: “I know Canelo fights the best and wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to face me like others have.
“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.”
Alvarez has managed to captivate fans both at home and around the globe previously with his action-packed fighting style, charisma and willingness to take on the toughest challenges.
Weighing in at 154lbs, Canelo dominates the boxing scene and is a bonafide ticket seller, proven by his sell-out match in 2013 against Josesito Lopez where his fifth round technical knockout saw a crowd of 40,000 fans cheering him on at San Antonio’s Alamodome.
The victory earned Canelo the WBA Super Welterweight World Championship and a legion of fans.
Speaking following the fight’s announcement, Alvarez said: “As the middleweight champion of the world, I will take on the best fighters in the sport. On Cinco De Mayo weekend, I look forward to making the first defence 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.”
Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO, Oscar De La Hoya also praised both boxers ahead of the matchup.
“We are committed to putting on the biggest and best fights in boxing,” he said.
“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 defence 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.”
The event will be filmed live by HBO and will be available on screens via ‘pay-per-view’.
