Former WBA and IBF light welterweight titlist Amir Khan has returned to the fold of his former promoter Golden Boy Promotions to face Mexican boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez on May 7 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In a surprise announcement that caught boxing fans almost unaware of any ongoing talks about the possible match, Golden Boy Promotions (GBP) owner Oscar de la Hoya said those who are speculating that Alvarez will take an easy tune-up fight in preparation for his mandatory fight against Gennady Golovkin late this year “have proven wrong once again.” “We are committed to putting on the biggest and best fights in boxing,” said de la Hoya, who promotes Alvarez. ?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,” he added. The match-up surprised almost everyone in boxing because Khan’s manager and adviser Al Haymon is facing a $300 million anti-trust lawsuit from de la Hoya. Late last month, Khan was looking at either Brandon Rios or Andre Berto for a tune-up fight in early March for the Golovkin mandatory match. Khan has been inactive since his unanimous decision win against Chris Algieri in May 2015. After the Algieri fight, the British Olympic silver medalist has been pursuing a lucrative fight against Floyd Mayweather but he was junked twice in favor of Marcos Maidana. After the Maidana fight Mayweather dumped Khan for the third time and picked Manny Pacquiao for his pre-retirement fight. Read more: ?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. 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.? Khan said. For his part, Alvarez 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. 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.? Venue for the fight has not been finalized but it is likely be held at the new T-Mobile Arena off the Las Vegas strip.
