SEATTLE - Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez announced that he will fight for the first time in 2024 during 'Cinco de Mayo' week, continuing with a long-standing tradition of his. In an interview with ADN40, 'Canelo' revealed that his first fight of the year will take place in Las Vegas and that it will involve an American fighter.
"I always try to fight in May and September, the Mexican holidays. We are finalizing the last details for the fight in May, but it will be an interesting and challenging fight, that's something I always prioritize for the fans," said the Mexican boxer.
This will be 'Canelo's' ninth career bout in May and the eight during the 'Cinco de Mayo' week. The first time Álvarez fought around the Mexican holiday was in 2012, in a pay-per-view fight against Shane Mosley. His record in the month of May is 7-1, with his lone loss coming against Russian fighter Dmitry Bivol.
'Canelo' has always been close to Mexican fans and has used the 'Cinco de Mayo' and Mexican Independence Day holidays as a way to connect with Mexican fans in the United States and beyond. Just last year, 'Canelo' fought in Mexican soil for the first time in 12 years and, early on Feb. 13, renewed the partnership he has with Mexican multimedia company TV Azteca. Unlike in the U.S., boxing fans in Mexico won't have to spend a dime if they want to watch a 'Canelo' fight, as Azteca 7 will air it for free thanks to their partnership.
¡Firmado y sellado!🖊️
— Box Azteca (@BoxAzteca7) February 13, 2024
Saúl Álvarez confirmó su contrato con TV Azteca en el que será un nuevo vínculo del mejor libra por libra con la que siempre fue y será su casa.🥊#CaneloEsAzteca #BoxAzteca pic.twitter.com/iXaG4o2o7X
'Canelo', who has not fought since Sept. 30, 2023, is yet to finalize a contract for his pay-per-view bouts in the United States after reported talks of the boxer leaving Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) for not being able to deliver a big enough purse for the Mexican.
With the date confirmed, an opponent is yet to be announced. During the interview with TV Azteca, Álvarez discarded the idea of facing another Mexican boxer, as he is only focused on "representing Mexico." With this in mind, it leaves us with three potential rivals the Mexican star could face on May 4 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jermall Charlo
'Canelo' faced Jermall Charlo's identical twin, Jermell Charlo, last September, and a fight with the current WBC middleweight champion is on the cards. Charlo could be a tough opponent for the Mexican champion, as he remains unbeaten after 33 bouts in his professional career, winning 22 of those via KO.
Since winning the WBC middleweight belt in 2018, Charlo has been able to successfully defend his title in five occasions, most recently against Juan Macias Montiel in 2021.
Terence Crawford
Perhaps the most attractive opponent for 'Canelo', a fight with Terence Crawford would bring in millions of viewers if they can finalize a deal for the May 4 fight. Ranked as the world's best pound of pound active boxer by multiple outlets, Crawford is the undisputed welterweight champion. Last Summer, he became the first male two-division undisputed champion of the four-belt era after defeating Errol Spence Jr.
Crawford has a 40-0 (31 KO's) record as a professional and has won each of his last 11 bouts by stoppage.
David Benavidez
Another eye-catching opponent for 'Canelo' would be a fight with unbeaten super middleweight champion David Benavidez. 'El Monstruo' made history in 2017 by claiming his first belt at the age of 20 years, eight months, three weeks and one day old, becoming youngest super middleweight title holder in the history of boxing.
Benavidez, just like the other two boxers in this list, have been able to finish off fights before the 12th round. Out of Benavidez' last eight bouts, only one of them went the distance, a bout against Caleb Plant in March of last year. In his 28 fights as a pro, Benavidez has won 24 of them via KO.
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