Golden Boy Promotions officially confirmed in a press release that the exciting 12-round super welterweight showdown between Canelo Alvarez (44-1-1, 31 KOs) and James Kirkland (32-1, 28 KOs) will be pushed back one week to May 9 in light of the recently announced Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather mega-fight. Kirkland-Alvarez will take place at Minute Maid Park in Houston, and will be televised live on HBO.
"We are committed to putting on the best fights and a fight between Canelo, who is one of the best fighters in the sport and Kirkland, who is one of the most feared, will be an explosive night in the ring on May 9," said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. "Canelo is ready to take on Kirkland and he is prepared to give fans an entertaining fight."
The change of schedule was expected, as promoter Oscar De La Hoya did not want to have this bout competing head-to-head with the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight.
"I'm very happy that my upcoming fight with James Kirkland will air on HBO; it will be exciting, explosive and should not be missed," said Canelo Alvarez. "Kirkland is a dangerous fighter who is coming prepared for a tough night and this fight, without a doubt, will be one to remember. I promise my fans I will be victorious and invite everyone to come out and join us at Minute Maid Park on May 9. They will not be disappointed."
Canelo, 24, is a rising star with good skills who is known for his powerful combination shots. The former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight Champion has beaten some big names including Carlos Baldomir, Kermit Cintron, Sugar Shane Mosley, Austin Trout, Alfredo Angulo, and Erislandy Lara. His only loss was to Floyd Mayweather.
In Kirkland, however, he will be facing one of the sport's most enigmatic and dangerous fighters. Kirkland seems to always have some type of controversy surrounding him outside of the ring, but when he is focused inside the ropes, few fighters are more exciting.
"This is the fight I've been waiting for," said James Kirkland. "Canelo is the opponent I get asked about more than any other fighter. I'm ready to show my skills to the world and shut down the people who doubt me. Come fight night you will see a great fight between two warriors and I know at the end of the night my hand will be raised in victory."
Kirkland, 30, is a highly aggressive, sometimes reckless, offensive fighter with tremendous strength. The southpaw has 28 knockout victories over the course of his nearly 14-year professional career. After his upset loss to Nobuhiro Ishida in 2011, Kirkland has won five straight (four coming by KO), including wins over Brian Vera, Alfredo Angulo, Carlos Molina, and Glen Tapia.
"I'm excited about this match up. James Kirkland and Canelo Alvarez represent two of the best fighters in the sport," said Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Chairman and CEO of SMS Promotions. "They both have impressive knock out records and similar fighting styles. Their determination and intense preparation will make for a top fight. Whether you're with us in person or tuned in on HBO, I know this will be a fight not to be missed."
By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services
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