By Terence Dooley
Boxingscene can confirm that BoxNation will show Saul Alvarez's linear middleweight title defence against Amir Khan live and exclusive on May 7.
They clash at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas at a catchweight of 155lbs as each vies to take Floyd Mayweather's mantle as the sport's premium Cinco de Mayo attraction.
Mexico's Canelo (46-1-1, 32 early) won the title by beating Miguel Cotto last year, the fight against Khan came out of the blue and took many by surprise. Khan (31-3, 19 early), though, has vowed to pull off the upset win to bring the title home to Bolton.
“I’m delighted and proud that the biggest fight of the year between Khan and Canelo will be broadcast exclusively live in the UK on BoxNation,” said Frank Warren, Chairman of BoxNation. “We’ve had a tremendous year so far with five out of the top ten world’s best fighters all showcasing their talents on the Channel Of Champions and now the fantastic addition of Canelo vs. Khan.
“The fight has caught the imagination of the public because Khan is taking a huge risk by moving up a couple of weight divisions to face one of the most fearsome fighters in the world in Canelo. It’s a fascinating clash that has got the public, trade and media all split. Can Amir overcome the odds and use his fast feet and hands to overcome the raw aggression and power of Canelo? UK fight fans will be able to find out only on BoxNation.”
“BoxNation is a great broadcast partner to carry the Canelo-Khan mega fight in the UK,” said Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Canelo-Khan is an international fight, with Mexico’s biggest star fighter facing Britain’s biggest star fighter, so I am pleased British audiences will have the opportunity to catch the action on BoxNation.”
“Amir Khan and I are two warriors and I am very pleased that such an important network like BoxNation will be broadcasting our fight in the UK,” said Canelo Alvarez. “This demonstrates the tremendous interest that exists in this mega-fight on May 7, and will remind everyone that the fans are the ones who will be victorious because we will deliver an exciting fight.”
“The fight against Canelo is the biggest challenge of my career and having the support of my fans back home, watching live on BoxNation, is going to help inspire me to victory,” said Amir Khan.
“This fight is going to have it all - speed, power, skill – and I’m going to give everything to make sure that it’s my hand that is raised come the end of the night. It’s not going to be easy but I’m going to do British boxing proud.”
