Canelo Alvarez To Meet Julio Cesar Chavez Jr In All-Mexican Showdown
Canelo Alvarez To Meet Julio Cesar Chavez Jr In All-Mexican Showdown
Boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez will return to the ring to face Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on May 6.
By Shawn Smith
Cinco de Mayo just got a little more exciting for boxing fans.
In a press release, Golden Boy Promotions announced the long-rumored fight between Canelo Alvarez (48-1-1) and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (52-2-1) for May 6 as part of the Cinco de Mayo festivities.
The fight will take place on HBO Pay-Per-View, but no venue was announced.
Alvarez, 26, is coming off of a successful 2016. After a knockout of the year contender in May against Amir Khan, he returned to the ring in September with a dominant performance against British standout Callum Smith.
"I'm excited to announce my fight against Julio César Chávez, Jr. and confirm that I will be prepared, like I've been throughout my career, to give a great fight," said Alvarez via press release. "I want to remind you that when two Mexican fighters face-off, a spectacular show is guaranteed, and I can assure you that May 6 will be no exception especially during the Cinco de Mayo festivities."
Chavez Jr., son of Mexican boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez, returned from a 17-month layoff in December against Germany journeyman Dominik Britsch, picking up a one-sided decision victory.
The fight is scheduled to take place at 164.5 pounds., which could prove an interesting decision for both fighters.
Alvarez has fought much of his career at the 154-pound. super welterweight limit, meaning he'll be fighting 10 pounds outside of his usual fighting weight.
Chavez' weight issues have been well documented throughout his career, including weighing in at 172 pounds for a 168 pound fight against Brian Vera in 2013 and being forced to settle for a 170-pound catchweight in his July 2015 bout against Marcos Reyes. His April 2015 loss to Andrzej Fonfara was for a 175lb. light-heavyweight championship.
For Chavez Jr. to make the 164 pound limit, he'll be forced to be in good shape.
The fight holds particular importance for Alvarez, who has tentatively agreed to a mega-fight with Gennady Golovkin for late in 2017.
Cinco de Mayo just got a little more exciting for boxing fans.
In a press release, Golden Boy Promotions announced the long-rumored fight between Canelo Alvarez (48-1-1) and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (52-2-1) for May 6 as part of the Cinco de Mayo festivities.
The fight will take place on HBO Pay-Per-View, but no venue was announced.
Alvarez, 26, is coming off of a successful 2016. After a knockout of the year contender in May against Amir Khan, he returned to the ring in September with a dominant performance against British standout Callum Smith.
"I'm excited to announce my fight against Julio César Chávez, Jr. and confirm that I will be prepared, like I've been throughout my career, to give a great fight," said Alvarez via press release. "I want to remind you that when two Mexican fighters face-off, a spectacular show is guaranteed, and I can assure you that May 6 will be no exception especially during the Cinco de Mayo festivities."
Chavez Jr., son of Mexican boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez, returned from a 17-month layoff in December against Germany journeyman Dominik Britsch, picking up a one-sided decision victory.
The fight is scheduled to take place at 164.5 pounds., which could prove an interesting decision for both fighters.
Alvarez has fought much of his career at the 154-pound. super welterweight limit, meaning he'll be fighting 10 pounds outside of his usual fighting weight.
Chavez' weight issues have been well documented throughout his career, including weighing in at 172 pounds for a 168 pound fight against Brian Vera in 2013 and being forced to settle for a 170-pound catchweight in his July 2015 bout against Marcos Reyes. His April 2015 loss to Andrzej Fonfara was for a 175lb. light-heavyweight championship.
For Chavez Jr. to make the 164 pound limit, he'll be forced to be in good shape.
The fight holds particular importance for Alvarez, who has tentatively agreed to a mega-fight with Gennady Golovkin for late in 2017.