Amir Khan has announced that he will fight WBC middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Las Vegas on May 7.
The 29-year-old Briton will make the step up from welterweight to take on dangerous Mexican Alvarez, who beat Miguel Cotto by a unanimous decision last November to take the middleweight title.
Former light-welterweight world champion Khan has not stepped into the ring since beating Chris Algieri in New York last May and will face a major test 12 months on.
The bout will take place at a catchweight of 155lbs according to Khan – five pounds below the official middleweight limit.
Alvarez’s only defeat in 48 professional contests came against Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2013, while Khan boasts a record of 31 wins and three losses.
Khan’s father, Shah, last week revealed that his son could fight in March ahead of a potential bout with either Kell Brook or Danny Garcia later in the year after missing out on the chance to do battle with Manny Pacquiao.
And he has chosen to fight the talented 25-year-old Alvarez came out of the blue.
Khan said: “I know Canelo fights the best and wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to face me like others have,” he is quoted by Yahoo.
“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.”
Canelo stated: “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.”
Muftawu Abdulai Nabila
