WBA Super and WBC 168lbs champion Canelo Alvarez has confirmed a two-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing, beginning with his February 27 defence against Avni Yildirim at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
After his WBC mandated bout against Turkish challenger and former sparring partner Yildirim, the Mexican star will appear again in early May, most likely against WBO champion and Matchroom fighter Billy Joe Saunders.
“Avni Yildirim is a good boxer and I know we will put on an exciting fight,” said Canelo. “I’m very glad that we are able to bring this event to Miami, a short distance from where my hero, Muhammad Ali, trained. February 27 will be a great night for the sport.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “It is an absolute honour to promote the pound-for-pound number one and I’m so excited to head to Miami and the home of the Dolphins at the Hard Rock Stadium.
“Even in a pandemic, Saúl is looking to be more active than ever and in his plan to be undisputed he must overcome his mandatory challengers to keep his belt. Yildirim is the first of those challenges who will be attempting to dethrone the king on February 27. We look forward to a huge night of boxing on DAZN and the start of a huge year for Canelo.”