Photos: Canelo, Khan Size Each Other Up in New York City

WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) will make his first title defense of 2016 against former two-time world champion and resurgent contender Amir “King” Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) on Saturday, May 7, Cinco De Mayo weekend, in a match-up of two of the biggest stars in boxing. T-Mobile Arena, the hottest new sports and entertainment venue located just west of the famed Las Vegas Strip, will host this epic showdown, which will also be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Golden Boy Promotions will exclusively promote the fight in association with Canelo Promotions, with Khan returning to his former home at Golden Boy Promotions for the showdown. The mega-fight promises high-intensity action between two of boxing’s most popular and powerful fighters competing in the primes of their careers. Information regarding, the venue, ticket availability and a press tour for the fight will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Pitting power like Canelo's against speed like Amir Khan’s has been a blueprint for many of the most compelling fights in boxing history and May 7 should be no exception,” said Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President for HBO Sports. “Canelo will either continue his meteoric ascent in the sport, or else Amir Khan will make history to become the lineal middleweight champ. The HBO Pay-Per-View team is thrilled to be producing and distributing Canelo-Khan on Cinco de Mayo weekend."

Richard Sturm, president of Entertainment and Sports for MGM Resorts International, said, “As the newest sports and entertainment venue in Las Vegas, T-Mobile Arena was designed to host major boxing events including the first-ever fight featuring Canelo vs. Khan. Fight fans will have the opportunity to experience pre-fight activations at Toshiba Plaza as well as the arena’s multiple food and beverage options.  We are excited to welcome the two fighters back to Las Vegas and look forward to a great event in May.”

Located west of the Las Vegas Strip between New York-New York and Monte Carlo, T-Mobile Arena is expected to host more than 100 events annually including UFC, boxing, hockey, basketball and other sporting events, major headline entertainment, awards shows, family shows and special events.  Las Vegas’ newest landmark will feature 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none.