Press Release
Pound-for-pound superstar Canelo Alvarez (57-1-2, 30 KOs) has signed a new two-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing and DAZN. The first fight will see boxing’s biggest attraction step up in weight to take on Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs) in a bid for the WBA light-heavyweight title from Las Vegas on May 7. The second fight in the two-fight deal is set for September.
The May 7 blockbuster will be available to DAZN subscribers around the world, excluding Latin America and Mexico.
In the U.S. & Canada, the event will be offered exclusively on DAZN Pay-Per View (PPV) - newly introduced for very select events to come - and priced at $59.99 for current subscribers and $79.99 for new subscribers (inclusive of a one-month subscription to DAZN).
Canelo Alvarez claimed the IBF Super-Middleweight strap last time out against a tough Caleb Plant, becoming the first boxer ever to become undisputed champion at Super-Middleweight. Prior to that, the Mexican star picked up the WBA, WBC, WBO and The Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight titles against Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders respectively, all within a year to make history and cement his spot as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world, a memorable period that saw the 31 year old bag numerous fighter of the year awards including ESPN, Sports Illustrated and Ring Magazine.
Dmitry Bivol has been flawless in the paid ranks and now bags the blockbuster showdown he’s been craving in the form of boxing’s pound-for-pound king Canelo. Bivol picked up the WBA Light-Heavyweight title in 2016 and has defended it an impressive ten times already to become of the best active Light-Heavyweight fighters in the world.
“We’re delighted to continue growing our long-term partnership with Canelo, beginning with a spectacular fight between the pound-for-pound king and a very tough and determined champ in Dmitry Bivol,” said Ed Breeze, DAZN EVP, Rights. “Both fighters were eager for this battle, and we’re thrilled to make it happen around the world on DAZN as well as in the U.S. & Canada by way of the introduction of DAZN PPV. It’s a truly mega matchup and we look forward to broadcasting it to fight fans all over the globe.”
“It is an absolutely honors to announce a multi fight promotional deal with the pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez. Canelo transcends boxing and is the biggest star in the sport and we look forward to promoting some historic nights in 2022 live on DAZN PPV,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “First up, Saul takes on yet another champion, this time in the shape of fearsome undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight king Dmitry Bivol. Fans can expect a thrilling all-action match up and we look forward the pair coming face to face in San Diego next Wednesday.
Canelo Alvarez said: "I am very happy with this fight against Dmitry Bivol. It is another great challenge for me and my career -- especially as I go up in weight and face an exceptional light heavyweight champion like Bivol."
“I am also very excited that we have this fight slated for Cinco De Mayo Weekend -- May 7 -- for all the fans to enjoy. We will be ready, like we always are."
“I always only wanted to fight the best! I believe that the rest of my goals will begin materialize on May 7th!” said Dmitry Bivol.
Andrei Ryabinskiy, World of Boxing president said: “Bivol vs Canelo, this is going to be a very competitive and interesting fight. I am very glad that we were able to make this happen, for Dmitry this is a big chance!”
Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, said: “This will be a great night of boxing where two of the best collide for the highest recognition in the sport! The victor on May 7th will go on to become the biggest name in boxing for many more years to come!”
