FILE–Mexican boxer Saul “Canelo” Alvarez poses with the belts and crown after defeating Kazakh boxer Gennady Golovkin to retain the undisputed super middleweight crown at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, September 17, 2022. BROWN / AFP)
Undisputed super middleweight king Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will defend his title against England’s John Ryder in Guadalajara in May, when the Mexican superstar is battling his home country for the first time since 2011.
Organizers Matchroom Boxing said Alvarez (58-2-2, 29 KOs) will face Ryder on May 6 at Estadio Akron, home stadium of Liga-MX club CD Guadalajara.
Alvarez is fighting in Mexico for the first time since he defeated Kermit Cintron in Mexico City in 2011.
The competition is also tied to Mexico’s Cinco de Mayo holiday.
“I’m really happy to be back in May because I wasn’t sure when I would be back after my surgery,” said Alvarez, 32.
“I’m particularly happy to get back in the ring and fight in Jalisco, where I came from.
“And I’m facing a very competitive fighter in John Ryder.”
Alvarez will defend his undisputed crown for the second time after beating his opponent Gennady Golovkin in the trilogy fights last September.
WBO mandatory challenger Ryder took the WBO interim title, most recently defeating Zach Parker by technical knockout in November.
The 34-year-old also had an impressive win against Daniel Jacobs in early 2022.
“Canelo is one of the best and I have great respect for what he has accomplished in the sport, but I believe it is time to fulfill my dream of becoming a world champion,” said Ryder.
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