Canelo Alvarez v Billy Joe Saunders unification officially set for May 8!
Unified super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (55-1-2, 37KOs) unsurprisingly made quick work of mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim (21-3, 12KOs) in three rounds. Next, he will return to the ring on May 8. His opponent will be WBO super middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders (30-0, 14KOs). The fight was officially announced by Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn on social media and live on DAZN.
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The announcement is not shocking considering we here at 3kingsboxing.com have been reporting on the likelihood of this bout for months. This of course after making the correct assumption that Alvarez would take care of business against Yildirim. Now Saunders, a two-division world champion, can finally get his shot against the face of boxing! December 2020 marked the initial fight date for this bout. However due to Saunders expressing his inability to be prepared before the fight, negotiations ceased.
ALVAREZ v SAUNDERS HAS MAJOR APPEAL!
While Alvarez heads into his fight with Saunders as the rightful favorite, the WBO champion should not be overlooked. A slick southpaw with good foot-movement and speed, the confident Brit will be a significant challenge for the Mexican superstar.
Alvarez has been known to struggle with athletic boxers with above average footwork. With three belts on the line, the winner will be in position to face off with IBF super middleweight champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (21-0, 12KOs). That bout will be for the right to become the first ever undisputed super middleweight champion.
Saunders left a subliminal message hours before Alvarez vs Yildirim. He stated he was sure boxing fans would know the date of his next fight. Buckle up fight fans because May 8 is right around the corner!
By: Jerrell Fletcher
