London (May 3) – Boxing ace Amir Khan is using Leicester City’s shock triumph of the Premier League title as inspiration ahead of the biggest fight of his life.

The 29-year-old star is moving up two-weight divisions to take on the formidable middleweight world champion Canelo Alvarez this Saturday night, exclusively live on BoxNation.

Two-time world champion Khan, however, is undaunted at the prospect of facing the big Mexican puncher but instead is using the fairytale victory of the East Midlands side as proof that the underdog can prevail.

“I’m seen as the underdog in this fight against Canelo but I feel this is the year of the underdog. What Leicester City have achieved is absolutely amazing. You would have been called crazy if you thought that Leicester would win the title at the start of the season – it’s such an inspiring story,” said Khan.

“I’m definitely going to use that to help me because it shows that even though people say you have no chance what really matters is how you perform on the pitch, or in the boxing ring in my case.

“I’m ready to shock the world and beat Canelo even if some may have written off my chances. I know I’m ready for this fight and want to get in the ring right now,” Khan said.

Bolton native Khan touched down in Las Vegas yesterday afternoon after making the trip from his San Francisco training base alongside trainer Virgil Hunter.

Fight week begins in Las Vegas with the Grand Arrivals later today before the pair meet on May 7th at the newly built T-Mobile Arena.

The former Olympian is looking forward to opening the new 20,000 seater stadium and is thrilled to headline in the boxing capital once again.

“It’s great to fight in Las Vegas again, every fighter dreams of topping the bill here because so many legendary fights have taken place in the city,” said Khan.

“I have fought here a number of times against the likes of Zab Judah, Marcos Maidana and Devon Alexander but this is one fight I’m really excited about.

“To be the first boxing event at an arena which will become the new home of big-time boxing in Las Vegas feels special. I want to make the first fight here a remarkable one and a fight that will live long in the memory of all the fans,” he said.

Khan v Canelo is exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/Online & App) this Saturday night. Go to boxnation.com to subscribe.

-ENDS –

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon).

BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers.

ESPN and ESPN Deportes offer extensive pre- and post-fight multi-platform coverage of the anticipated middleweight championship between defending title Saúl “Canelo” Alvarez and Amir Khan, including special bilingual production led by ESPN Deportes’ A Los Golpes and One Nación to air on Friday, May 6 at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Hosted by Bernardo Osuna and Claudia Trejos from the ESPN studios in Los Angeles, the 30-minute pre-bout show goes behind the scenes the anticipated fight with a unique look at Alvarez and Khan’s training, and the analysis of Mexican world champion Julio Cesar Chavez alongside special guests commentator Max Kellerman and boxing trainer Abel Sánchez.

In addition, ESPN Deportes will present weeklong multimedia coverage beginning Monday, May 2, at 6 p.m. ET, with a special edition of A Los Golpes, hosted by the network’s experts David Faitelson, Osuna and Chávez, and featuring special guest, Oscar De La Hoya.

The network will also present special segments from Las Vegas, Nevada, on SportsCenter, Capitanes, Nación ESPN and #Redes; followed by a live edition of Golpe A Golpe from the weigh-in on Friday, May 6, starting at 6 p.m. ET.

On Sunday, May 7, Golpe a Golpe will lead the pre- and post-fight live coverage from the Arena, with the analysis of Osuna, Faitelson, Juan Manuel Marquez, Chavez, Trejos, Joe Cortez and Jorge Eduardo Sanchez, starting at 8 p.m. ET.

ESPNdeportes.com will post daily features surrounding the fight by Carlos Nava and Salvador Rodriguez, and ESPN Deportes will air re-runs of two Mega Fights featuring Canelo throughout the week.

Programming Schedule:

Date

Time (ET)

Coverage

Network

Mon, May 2

6 p.m.

A Los Golpes

ESPN Deportes TV

Wed, May 4

9 p.m.

Mega Fights: Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez vs. Ryan Rhodes

ESPN Deportes TV

Thru, May 5

7 p.m.

SC Primera Plana: Canelo vs. Khan

ESPN Deportes TV

Fri, May 6

6 p.m.

Semana de Campeones: Weigh-in show

ESPN Deportes TV

Fri, May 6

10 p.m.

A Los Golpes/One Nación Special

ESPN2

Sat, May 7

6 p.m.

Mega Fights:

Floyd Mayweather vs. Miguel Cotto

Undercard: “Canelo” Álvarez vs. Shane Mosley

ESPN Deportes TV

8 p.m.

Semana de Campeones: Pre-show

ESPN Deportes TV

2 a.m.

Semana de Campeones: Post-show

ESPN Deportes TV

-30-

By Bart Barry-

Saturday Mexican super middleweight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will defend the lineal middleweight championship of the world, not to be confused with the PBC middleweight championship or the HBO middleweight championship, against Britain’s Amir “King” Khan, currently the WBC’s silver champion of the welterweight division. The match will happen in Las Vegas on pay-per-view, naturally.

All the boxes are checked – Face Off, 24/7, Greatest Hits – but interest is wholly wanting.

I’ve been ringside for fights enough of Canelo’s to know they’re better in person than via television yet I hadn’t a farthing of an impetus or a modicum of that farthing to travel to see this fight. Amir Khan has never struck me as better than a highlight reel of nationalistic and ethnic special effects. Surely some Brits and lots of Pakistanis feel something like pride when they watch him, but in many more cases, I infer, persons claim to be impressed by Khan because their own box-checking told them to be so: Handsome, well-spoken, fast hands, bilingual, beloved by others.

That was certainly Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer’s calculation way back when. Not too long after Khan – an Olympic silver medalist, have you heard? – got plastercracked by Breidis Prescott in 2008, he won a cynical rehabilitation match against Marco Antonio Barrera 18 months after Barrera resigned his ownership stake in Golden Boy Promotions by retiring, and not long after that Khan began appearing at ringside as Oscar’s guest.

After racing through Paulie Malignaggi in the best performance of his career Khan raced away from Marcos Maidana in the expiring moments of their 2010 match – a performance that couldn’t be talked to pretty. The image of Khan in perimeter-hopping flight, eyes wide, tail high, pride low, endures and endures. It’s why many of us cheered for Danny Garcia in 2012, seven months after Khan lost a decision to Lamont Peterson. Garcia uncorked Khan with a left hook that’s aged better than both Garcia and Khan.

Then it was back to the rehabilitation circuit for King Khan, a string of decision victories against opponents a prizefighter of Khan’s celebrity should not have needed judges to best. After making Chris Algieri, a small welterweight, look formidable enough to get Algieri recently fed to a PBC prospect, a year ago Khan settled in for a victory hibernation. It took a cashout arrangement for Khan and his advisor – I’m going to cash you out, Amir, because I’m out of cash – to get Khan back in the ring, this time in a match for the lineal middleweight championship of the world Cinnamon Alvarez beat from the waist of Miguel Cotto who won the title from a cripple who decisioned a drunk.

Which mightn’t be amusing as it is were it not for the purists now propped high on their hindlegs by dudgeon for Canelo’s refusal to defend this august title above 155 pounds. Gennady “He’ll Fight Anyone Between 154 and 168 Pounds” Golovkin, the reigning, defending and undisputed middleweight champion of HBO, may not have a chance to sue posterity for greatness, his partisans fear, if he cannot accumulate on his record some marquee welterweights or 154-pounders willing to face him at the middleweight limit.

Fans are now clamoring for Canelo to fight Golovkin, except they aren’t. HBO is clamoring for Canelo to fight Golovkin for a combination of reasons like: The Golovkin marketing budget is starting to outpace its effect. Most idiots left boxing with Money May, and the aficionados who remain are more interested in great matches than abetting networks’ lame starsystems, which means the HBO middleweight champion will never get back on pay-per-view without either luring Canelo into a match with him or, heaven forbid, moving up in weight and challenging himself.

Golovkin won’t move up in weight for the same reason Canelo won’t move up in weight: Why the hell take a risk when there are millions to be made by not taking risks? And before you say “Posterity!” wipe that smirk off your face.

Nobody thinks Canelo will beat Golovkin at 160 pounds – so how does anyone expect the disinterested among us to believe there is clamoring for a match whose promotional tagline would be “Ratify Golovkin!”? Canelo knows this, and Canelo knows he is the AAA-side in a match with Golovkin, and he is behaving like it. A question for those who sincerely believe Golovkin’s starching Canelo at 160 pounds is what’s best for our beleaguered sport: Then what? Canelo is off pay-per-view till he can be rehabilitated, and Golovkin has no one to fight with his easy new prestige. Or is the idea actually to harangue the welterweight champion of the world out of retirement?

Goodness, stop it.

Back to Saturday’s spectacle. The best outcome is Khan, SD-12: A narrow, controversial decision in which Khan outbusies Canelo, who shows massive amounts of frustration for his loyal fans at Khan’s unwillingness to engage in a manly way. Oscar, Canelo’s promoter, can get in the ring afterward and tell us about protesting the decision and hiring investigators and so forth. The WBC – to whom Golovkin’s folks pretend they’ve pinned dreams of fairplay; yet in whose sweatsuit Canelo trains – can order an immediate rematch, and knowing Canelo will win that by prefilled scorecards emulate Hollywood by ordering a sequel to the rematch at the same time they order the rematch, filling Canelo’s calendar until Mexican Independence Day 2017, time enough for him to grow in to a middleweight while Golovkin grows out of one.

Some folks will remember Canelo didn’t move up to 160 pounds while Golovkin was still there. Some folks remember Golovkin didn’t move up to 168 while Andre Ward was still there. As we’ve seen, though, that’s nothing some quality agitprop can’t fix.

I’ll take Canelo, KO-8, because, who are we kidding, Khan has no chin.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

LONDON (29 April) – Ahead of the biggest fight of his career, Amir Khan is putting his rivals to task on a whole different platform in new mobile game app Khanage, available on iOS and Android from 2 May.

The boxing arcade app, which challenges players to take Khan to the top of boxing, is inspired by the fighter’s own lofty ambitions to top the sport’s coveted pound for pound list, and features a few antagonists not too dissimilar to his real life rivals.

The game follows ‘King’ Khan on his quest to be crowned the greatest fighter in the universe and dethrone current champions Dan Ello, Barry Mackyowl and Dollar Bills Jr. One a Mexican warrior with flame red hair, the other dubbed the Beast form the East and the last a flash American with lots of money.

In a three-part story trailer for the game, King Khan can be seen confronting each rival before they get the spooks and run off, leaving the brave and somewhat reluctant Dan Ello to take the fight.

Download videos from here: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BzK3jDt4vQcAa09Ba3NfajlMLWM&usp=drive_web

Or embed videos at the links here:

Barry Mackyowl trailer

Dollar Bills Jr trailer

Dan Ello trailer

These champions are so hell bent on avoiding Khan in the game, they send out evil droids to stop him in his tracks. How the story ends though is down to the fast hands of the player as the game lets you take up the fight as Amir Khan and swipe your way through legions of killer robots to dethrone the phoney kings of the sport and collect all the Title Belts.

“Going into the biggest fight of my life I wanted to give fans another way to connect with me and my story. I think everyone knows my desire to prove I belong at the top of boxing in the biggest fights, and Khanage is a fun way of expressing that,” said Khan.

“I am surprised how realistic it is for a mobile gaming app – Digital Shoguns have done an incredible job with the gameplay and graphics. I’ve played it a few times now whilst in camp on the way to the gym, it is very addictive and quite motivating. It’s great fun for all ages and I think everybody is going to love it. Download it for free to join the ride and lets bring these belts back home!”

For more information and further assets, or to arrange a test of the game contact Amir Rashid at [email protected]

Note to Editors
Amir Khan Khanage is the new mobile game app by Amir Khan and Digital Shoguns.

The game will be FREE to download on iOS and Android from 2 May. Khanage takes Britain’s most exciting fighter into an equally exciting sport arcade game that tests users reflexes and boxing technique. Featuring in-app purchases, infinite levels, special kits and video game graphics, this little app packs a mighty punch.

Developers Digital Shoguns is one of the UK’s leading 3D animation studios. As sole 3D agency for Hasbro Europe, the London-based studio was responsible for the 3D characterisation of some of its biggest brands, including Monopoly Junior, Scrabble Junior, Cluedo Junior and Game of Life.

By Norm Frauenheim

By now, all the arguments have been stated and re-stated. We’ll hear them again, ad nauseam, next week in the final days before Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan fight at Las Vegas’ new T-Mobile Arena.

Catchweight or middleweight? Should Canelo surrender the WBC’s 160-pound title or move forward with a mandatory defense against Gennady Golovkin? Those questions will be heard about as often as Donald Trump’s name.

Fair or not, Khan figures to become a footnote, at least in the pre-fight proceedings. That might become a very big piece of motivation for him and he’ll need every bit of it against the bigger, stronger Canelo.

Nevertheless, the GGG question isn’t going to go away. For Canelo promoter Oscar De La Hoya, it’s a classic dilemma.

The young promoter, a Hall of Fame fighter who wanted to fight the best and still does, faces controversy no matter what path he chooses in the wake of a likely Canelo victory.

On the one hand, there’s growing public pressure on him to do the deal for Canelo-GGG in September. On the other, there’s the risk of losing income that Canelo, the game’s current pay-per-view leader, figures to generate if he isn’t ready and suffers a one-sided knockout.

What would you do? For vocal fans armed with the various forms of the social-media megaphone, it’s easy to demand that the bout happens ASAP. They don’t have any skin in the game. It’s not their money. If it was, what would they do? If it was your money, what would you do?

The guess here is that a big percentage would delay the inevitable, especially after watching GGG’s powerful blowout of Dominic Wade last Saturday.

Wade won’t be remembered for anything other than being GGG’s 22nd straight knockout victim. He didn’t look as if he could beat any known middleweight, or good junior middleweight for that matter. Nevertheless, GGG’s dominance was evident in his power, style and body language. He’s in his prime and fought as if he wanted everybody to know exactly that.

With all due respect to unbeaten flyweight Roman Gonzalez and his one-sided decision over McWilliams Arroyo Saturday, Golovkin trainer Abel Sanchez said GGG was pound-for-pound No. 1. No argument here. I didn’t hear much of an argument from anywhere else either.

I’ve said before and I’ll say it again: Khan’s skill set – fast hands and faster feet – could make Canelo look bad. But Khan’s instinct is to brawl after he gets tagged. At some point, that will do him in, say, after the eighth round. Canelo wins a stoppage, but not in a dominant enough fashion to suggest he’ll have any chance against GGG four months from now. He’s 25, yet still another fight or two away from the kind of maturity he’ll need for a legitimate shot against GGG.

“Many things have changed,’’ Canelo said of how he has grown since his lone loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. “I’m more experienced now. I’m more of a complete fighter. I’ve learned so much in that fight. So many things have changed. I think I have more confidence around the ring, so there’s many things that have changed.’’

But the suggestion is that more still has to change in an ongoing process for the young Mexican who is about nine years younger than GGG. Canelo’s demand for a 155-pound catchweight is just a dodge. Truth is, it’s his corner’s way of saying he still needs to mature. It would be refreshing if they just said that. But pride and business won’t allow them to. Instead, we get euphemistic talk, all rhetorical feints and all very annoying.

For De La Hoya, the question looks to be simple enough. Canelo is the key to his financial war chest, which will be critical for a while.

The boxing business is down, predictably so amid the continuing hangover from Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao, a turn-off for all of the causal fans who bought the hype and the fight last year. HBO has cut it boxing dates. That’s why Bob Arum will stage Terence Crawford-versus Viktor Postol on pay-per-view on July 23.

There’s a further red flag in a $925-million lawsuit that investors have filed against Waddell & Reed, which bankrolled Al Haymon’s ambitious PBC venture. http://www.courthousenews.com/2016/04/28/investors-furious-at-money-put-into-boxing.htm

It’s hard to know where the suit is headed. But it is enough to know that a big risk in September just wouldn’t be wise.

Boca Raton, FL:
As Curtis “Cerebral Assassin” Stevens (27-5, 20 KOs) prepares to step into the ring against Patrick Teixeira (26-0, 22 KOs) on the HBO Pay-Per-View undercard for the May 7 Canelo-Khan telecast live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, he has a new trainer, a new nickname and new plan of attack.

Stevens, 31, originally from Brownsville, Brooklyn recently moved to South Florida and hooked up with elite boxing trainer John David Jackson. Jackson, a former world champion, also trains Main Events’ stablemate and WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev. Curtis’ decision to move forward with a new trainer also inspired him to drop his “Showtime” nickname. He said, “Me and my uncle [Curtis’ former trainer/uncle Andre Rozier] isn’t working together anymore and ‘Showtime’ was a thing of the past ever since I was playing football in high school. It is time for a new era, new person, new identity. I am a wrestling fanatic so I get ‘Cerebral Assassin’ from Triple H. A cerebral assassin is very distinctive with his skill and I like that.”

Curtis Stevens
Photo Credits:
Rich Graessle/Main Events

Stevens and Jackson starting working together in February after Stevens spent time sparring with Canelo Alvarez while he prepared for his November fight against Miguel Cotto. Curtis said he learned a lot during his time at Canelo’s camp and that was part of his motivation to change his game plan. Stevens said, “Canelo told me to be more relaxed. We’ve got ten rounds to fight, so I don’t need to go in there and try to knock him out in the first like I usually do. Not every shot has to be the finishing shot.”

Jackson echoed that same sentiment when the two first got together. According to Stevens, “Mostly we are just working on me being relaxed. We are working on my slips and working on going to the body, me just using my speed and not just relying on the power.My uncle was more ‘go get ’em.’ John is like that too but do it in a calm and casual way instead of always going for the knockout. He is just more relaxed and wants me more relaxed.”

John David believes Curtis has all the tools he needs to be successful, but in the past he relied too much on his powerful left hook. Jackson explained, “Curtis can box. He just never used his full boxing capability. I am making him throw more punches, go inside and go to the body. He has a tremendous right hand. The power is still there but the delivery is better now. He has a great jab too. He has all the tools to be a world champion. He was relying solely on the left hook and when he didn’t knock the guy out he had no other game plan. Now he can break these guys down systematically and then knock them out. He’s listening but it takes time. I think he and I will need three or four fights before it really comes together the way it should but glimpses of it are coming now as we work together more and more.”

Canelo vs. Khan, a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, Casa Mexico Tequila, DOOM® — Fight Like Hell on May 13, and HANDS OF STONE: The True Story of Roberto Duran, in theaters this August.
David Lemieux vs. Glen Tapia is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management and
Patrick Teixeira vs. Curtis Stevens is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Main Events. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600 and $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $250 and $150 price level) are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

LONDON (April 28) – British star Amir Khan always believed that he would get the chance of a legacy fight, despite setbacks in his pursuit of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

The two-time world champion has told BoxNation that he has always been convinced of landing a superfight ahead of his eagerly anticipated showdown with Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez next Saturday night.

The pair are set to do battle at the newly built T-Mobile Arena for the lineal middleweight world title, with Khan revealing that he was certain that he would eventually get the opportunity to shine on the biggest of stages.

“I always believed that I would get the opportunity to prove myself in a historic fight, even after the disappointment of not getting Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao,” said Khan.

“I felt that an opportunity would present itself and that always kept me going and moving forward. That time has come now with Canelo and I can look to create my own legacy and take on someone who is one of the very best out there,” Khan told BoxNation.

29-year-old Khan, a welterweight who will be moving up two weight divisions to take on the formidable Canelo believes that this fight will be harder than against either Mayweather or Pacquiao.

“This is a tougher fight than against a Mayweather or Pacquiao because of the size difference but I love that sort of challenge – it’s why I’m in boxing,” he said.

“I’m going in there to give everything and to prove that this is where I belong. I’ve done some great work for this camp and will be ready to go as soon as the bell rings to start the fight.

“Canelo is a great champion, in his prime, very skilled and I will need to be at my very best to beat him. In most people’s eyes I’m seen as the underdog for this fight but I know deep down that I can win it. I’m ready to go and prove myself on this stage,” Khan said.

The fight will take place on the Mexican holiday weekend of Cinco de Mayo in which there is expected to be a large turnout of Canelo fans.

Khan, however, is undaunted at the prospect of entering into the lion’s den and expects the sizeable contingent of British fans making the trip to be just as boisterous.

“British fans are the best around,” said Khan. “They can out-sing anyone so I’m sure they’ll make their voices heard on fight night. It doesn’t worry me how many fans he has in the arena because I know there are a lot of fans travelling from Britain and their support will be incredible.

“It’s going to give me an extra boost hearing them and seeing them waving their flags. I want to do this for the UK and keep British boxing on the high we’ve been experiencing of late,” he said.

Khan v Canelo is exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/Online & App) next Saturday night. Go to boxnation.com to subscribe.

– ENDS –
About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers.

LOS ANGELES (April 27, 2016) – Laying down the gauntlet against Presidential Candidate Donald Trump for his disparaging comments about Mexicans and Muslims, Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO today offered the GOP frontrunner two free ringside seats to watch the Canelo vs. Khan super-fight showdown on May 7 in Las Vegas during a live interview on Fox Business News TV’s “Cavuto Coast to Coast.”
On Cinco de Mayo weekend, De La Hoya will bring together Mexican superstar, WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight Champion Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) and British Muslim boxing star Amir “King” Khan (34-3, 19 KOs) at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for an international boxing event that will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

“I want to take this opportunity to invite Mr. Trump to the Canelo vs. Khan fight on May 7 in Las Vegas,” said Oscar De La Hoya during his interview with Neil Cavuto on “Cavuto Coast to Coast” today. “I have Amir Khan, a Muslim fighter from the UK, fighting against the most popular boxer in Mexico, Canelo Alvarez, opening up the new T-Mobile Arena. We have an opportunity to show Mr. Trump just what Mexicans and Muslims can achieve — and in a city that screams America: Las Vegas. Trump, let me invite you so that you can see what a Mexican and a Muslim can generate.”
Raised in East Los Angeles by Mexican immigrant parents, De La Hoya named Trump when asked how he came up with the Canelo vs. Khan match, citing Trump’s controversial comments of Mexican immigrants and Muslims as an incentive to bring these two popular and diversely cultural fighters together in the ring.
Canelo vs. Khan, a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, Casa Mexico Tequila, DOOM® — Fight Like Hell on May 13, and HANDS OF STONE: The True Story of Roberto Duran, in theaters this August. David Lemieux vs. Glen Tapia is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management and Patrick Teixeira vs. Curtis Stevens is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Main Events. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.
Episode two of HBO’s reality series “24/7 Canelo/Khan” premieres Saturday, April 30 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. Liev Schreiber narrates the 18-time Emmy-Award-winning series.
Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600 and $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $250 and $150 price level) are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloKhan.
Photos and videos are available for download in the official Canelo vs. Khan press kit here: bit.ly/canelokhan.

LOS ANGELES (April 26, 2016) – Fighters featured on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Amir “King” Khan undercard today hosted a Los Angeles media workout ahead of their upcoming respective bouts set for Saturday, May 7 at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Co-main event fighter Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia (23-2, 15 KOs), former WBA Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (22-5, 7 KOs) and undefeated opponent Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez (20-0, 13 KOs) featured on the HBO Pay-Per-View undercard were all in attendance as well as top prospects featured on the non-televised undercard Jason “El Animal” (10-0, 9 KOs) and David Mijares.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s Los Angeles media workout:

GLEN “JERSEY BOY” TAPIA, Middleweight Contender:

“This is a big opportunity, we all know what is on the line. I’m so excited.

“I prepare for this fight as I always do – train hard and train smart. I need to train hard for David Lemieux. I need to beat him.

“I know what I can bring to the table. David is fun to watch, but he uses the same style every fight. I’ve watched his last 10 fights. People don’t understand I have a lot of power too. I have a lot of skills to box. All I am thinking about is fighting Lemieux. I don’t want to get ahead of myself.”

MAURICIO “EL MAESTRO” HERRERA, Former WBA Interim Super Light Weight World Champion:

“I’m gonna work on what I’m going to do and not what he [Frankie Gomez] is going to do. I’m going to go out there and be confident and have fun.

“A win over Frankie Gomez would mean a lot. He’s an undefeated prospect that many people are watching.

“I know this is a big opportunity; it’s the first fight at the 20,000 seat T-Mobile Arena and a HBO Pay-Per-View show. When the fight with Lucas Matthysse fell through I told Golden Boy, ‘Keep me on the card, for whomever the opponent ends up being.'”

FRANKIE “PITBULL” GOMEZ, Welterweight Contender:

“I’m 100 percent focused on this fight and ready for May 7.

“I’m training hard to accomplish the things I want.”

JASON “EL ANIMAL” QUIGLEY, Middleweight Prospect:

“Every fight has the same meaning for me because I treat it like a world title fight.

“De La Rosa is another obstacle and hurdle I have to jump over to become a world champion. I’m ready to fight anyone and ready to shine on May 7. This is my chance to blow onto the scene. I have a lot to win and not much to lose.

“De La Rosa is coming off a knockout defeat and he is getting in the ring with a knockout artist, me, on May 7. He’s got to have doubts.

“I’ve never looked for a knock out. On May 7, I know the knockout can come. I just have to look for the opportunity.

“There are a lot of people traveling out from Ireland for this fight. The Irish fans are unbelievable. The way they have supported me has been amazing.”

DAVID MIJARES, Super Lightweight Prospect:

“I started boxing because there was one day I was at my father’s gym and there was a hockey player there that hit the water bag so hard that it fell down to the ground and I thought ‘wow! I want to be able to do that!’

“I’m very excited to make my debut on such a big card. The excitement cancels out the nervousness. I can’t wait to get in there and do my job.”

Canelo vs. Khan, a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, Casa Mexico Tequila, DOOM® — Fight Like Hell on May 13, and HANDS OF STONE: The True Story of Roberto Duran, in theaters this August. David Lemieux vs. Glen Tapia is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management and Patrick Teixeira vs. Curtis Stevens is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Main Events. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Episode two of HBO’s reality series “24/7 Canelo/Khan” premieres Saturday, April 30 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. Liev Schreiber narrates the 18-time Emmy-Award-winning series.

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600 and $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $250 and $150 price level) are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloKhan.

Photos and videos are available for download in the official Canelo vs. Khan press kit here: bit.ly/canelokhan.

NEW YORK (April 26, 2016) – With less than a week to go before the Canelo vs. Khan Fight Week in Las Vegas officially begins on Monday, May 2, Tecate, the fight’s presenting and exclusive beer sponsor, is launching several digital activations to bring fans 21+ closer to the May 7 international mega fight. Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) is set to face former two-time world champion, Amir “King” Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) in an action-packed event at the new-state-of-the-art T-Mobile Arena produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View®.

In February, Tecate, Golden Boy Promotions and boxing’s biggest star, current WBC, RING Magazine and Lineal Middleweight Champion Canelo Alvarez, announced they were partnering and would feature the prizefighter in the brand’s upcoming national English and Spanish advertising broadcast campaign which debuted on April 11.

Today, Tecate and Golden Boy Promotions are releasing the free Bold Punch iOS app which integrates fans 21+ into all the fight week activities starting on Monday, May 2 via live streams and virtually in the ring during fight night. The knockout app, demonstrated here by the Tecate Chicas, features five unique types of content for fight fans including, for the first time ever, the ability to feel one of Canelo’s power punches:

* Punches – Don’t just see the punches, feel them. Every time Canelo lands a bold punch, your phone will vibrate to reflect the bold intensity of the match.
* Behind-the-scenes-video – Live streams and exclusive pre-fight locker room content.
* See Fight – All of the ways to see the fight – from where to buy tickets to how to watch the fight live on HBO or in theaters via Fathom Events.
* Tecate – Check out the latest national television campaign featuring Canelo Alvarez and the brand’s iconic black eagle.
* Fighters – A quick tale of the tape that highlights the fighters’ important stats ahead of the fight.

“Tecate is synonymous with both legendary fights, and the experiences we create for consumers surrounding our partnerships,” said Felix Palau, Vice President of Tecate Brand Marketing. “Unlike past physical activations, our goal here is to leverage Canelo’s international star power, creating digital experiences that can be felt by the masses – whether you’re heading to Vegas or planning to enjoy the fight at home with friends.”

Starting Wednesday, April 27, Tecate is launching a dedicated Twitter promotion giving fans 21+ the opportunity to win their very own version of the WBC world championship belt by following @Tecate and clicking the button “#BoldestBeltSweeps” from the brand’s latest tweet featuring Canelo. By entering, users are agreeing to the promotion’s terms and conditions and a tweet is automatically generated, alerting their followers that they want to win the #BoldestBeltSweeps. Five winners will be announced by the Tecate Chicas through the brand’s Twitter live stream on Friday, May 6 before the fight’s 2:30 pm PDT weigh-in.

Additionally, Tecate is offering fight fans one more way to get closer to the match through a simple text-to-win sweepstakes. More than 150,000 have already entered for a chance to win four tickets to the fight plus a VIP boxing experience and other branded prizes since the sweepstakes opened seven weeks ago. The sweepstakes will close on April 30.

To date, Tecate’s promotion of Canelo vs. Khan includes a national English and Spanish advertising broadcast campaign featuring Canelo in ‘Flashy’; the popular, national, no purchase necessary mail-in-rebate program; extensive media buys across Las Vegas from bus and building wraps to digital billboards; an aggressive national retail program across 6,000+ stores; and will be prominently featured on Canelo’s trunks and at the center ring, around the mat and throughout the arena.

For additional details on Tecate’s “Born Bold” campaign, the sponsorship of Golden Boy Promotions fights, or to speak with a Tecate and Tecate Light representative about the brand’s support of boxing, contact BRAYA at [email protected].

About HEINEKEN USA
HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s leading upscale beer importer, is a subsidiary of HEINEKEN International NV, the world’s most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken®, the world’s most international beer brand, Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, Amstel Light, and Newcastle Brown Ale. HEINEKEN USA also imports the Dos Equis Franchise, Tecate Franchise, Sol, Indio, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For the latest information on our company and brands, follow us on Twitter @HeinekenUSACorp, or visit HEINEKENUSA.com.

About Golden Boy Promotions
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by 10-time world champion in six divisions Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the world and has worked with networks such as HBO, HBO Latino, Estrella TV, ESPN, TeleFutura, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes, Televisa and TV Azteca. The company has also promoted some of the top boxing events in the history of the sport including De La Hoya vs. Mayweather, Mayweather vs. Canelo and other notable pay-per-view fights featuring fan-favorites Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Marco “Baby Faced Assassin” Antonio Barrera, Erik “El Terrible” Morales and Sugar Shane Mosley.

About Canelo vs. Khan

Canelo vs. Khan, a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold”, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Casa Mexico Tequila, DOOM® — Fight Like Hell on May 13, and HANDS OF STONE: The True Story of Roberto Duran, in theaters this August!

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloKhan.

Photos and videos are available for download in the official Canelo vs. Khan press kit here: bit.ly/canelokhan.

April 26, 2016 – Leading up to the highly anticipated middleweight championship between Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan – set for Saturday, May 7 and presented live by HBO Pay-Per-View® – HBO Sports will present the exclusive replay of two intriguing showdowns that highlight the remarkable skill and will of these competitors.

On Friday, April 29 at 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT), HBO2 will replay Cotto vs. Canelo 2015 and Khan vs. Maidana 2010 back-to-back. This past November in the bright spotlight of Las Vegas, Canelo imposed his strength on a valiant warrior as he scored a major win over sure-fire Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto to capture the lineal world middleweight championship. On December 11, 2010 in Las Vegas, Khan won a unanimous decision against the highly skilled Marcos Maidana in a high-action contest that earned BWAA selection for “Fight of the Year” honors.

Both fights will also be available 24 hours a day to HBO NOW, HBO On Demand® and HBO GO® subscribers.

Canelo vs. Khan takes place Saturday, May 7 at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

SAN DIEGO (April 25, 2016) – WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) today hosted a media workout at the House of Boxing in San Diego, just a week before he departs for Las Vegas for his upcoming showdown with Amir “King” Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) on Saturday, May 7 at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Canelo was joined by Eddy Reynoso, head trainer, Jose ‘Chepo’ Reynoso, manager and trainer, and Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya at today’s media workout. Canelo and his team spoke onsite about his matchup with Khan and his training leading up to the mega event for his middleweight titles. Below is what Canelo and his team had to say at today’s workout:

CANELO ALVAREZ, WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion:

“I always prepare 100 percent for every fight. They only thing that changes is the strategy. Every fighter is different, every fighter brings different skills and you have to adjust for that. For Amir, we have focused on increasing my hand speed, counter punching and preparing for lots of movement and footwork.

“We believe [Amir] will adopt a similar style to Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Erislandy Lara; however, we have made sure that I am prepared for that style of boxing and anything he brings to the table to not be surprised on fight night.

“I have my game plan and he has his. We are both preparing to the best of our ability to what we know are each other’s strengths. Yet, fight night can be very unpredictable. You have to adjust to what your opponent is doing and also apply pressure at the same time. I can’t predict a definite outcome, but I can say that I am going to bring the best of me in the ring.

“I don’t like to talk trash just to be able to sell fights. What I do is I train hard and do my talking in the ring. I want people to respect me and to follow my fights, not because of what I say but what I do.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“On May 7, Canelo is going to go out there and go out there for the knockout. He will go out there and be aggressive and continue giving the fight fans what they want to see.

“It’s great for Canelo to have this fight on Cinco de Mayo because its important for the fight fans to carry that tradition. It is a tradition that Julio Cesar Chavez started. On that date, people want to see fights, people want to see action. People want to see great boxing and they will get that on May 7 because Canelo is an exciting fighter to watch. I think it’s important that we have a fighter like Canelo own this Cinco de Mayo weekend because it’s guaranteed action. It’s a win-win.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer for Canelo Alvarez:

“Canelo is a very intelligent fighter. He takes in everything very quickly and is always willing to learn. This camp, we have made sure to focus on increasing his hand speed. We have made sure that he is prepared to quickly counter punch when needed.

“Amir’s style is one of speed, both hand speed and foot movement. We have made those adjustments to Canelo’s camp and made sure to select sparring partners with similar styles in order to prepare Canelo for fight night.

“Canelo is in the best shape of his career and the fans will be surprised at how fast and strong he is going to be. We are 100 percent prepared for anything Amir brings on fight night.”

JOSE ‘CHEPO’ REYNOSO, Manager and Trainer for Canelo Alvarez:

“We have seen Canelo grow up as a fighter and every year he gets better and better. Canelo is not at his peak yet. We will see a better Canelo this upcoming fight, better than when he fought Cotto.”

“We have adjusted a lot for this training camp. Amir is going to be a challenge, and we have to make sure we are not surprised on fight night. One of things we have worked on for Canelo is to make sure he is faster and stronger.”

Canelo vs. Khan, a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, Casa Mexico Tequila, DOOM® — Fight Like Hell on May 13, and HANDS OF STONE: The True Story of Roberto Duran, in theaters this August. David Lemieux vs. Glen Tapia is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management and Patrick Teixeira vs. Curtis Stevens is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Main Events. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Episode two of HBO’s reality series “24/7 Canelo/Khan” premieres Saturday, April 30 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. Liev Schreiber narrates the 18-time Emmy-Award-winning series.

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600 and $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $250 and $150 price level) are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloKhan.

Photos and videos are available for download in the official Canelo vs. Khan press kit here: bit.ly/canelokhan.

British boxing star Amir Khan wants to take on Indian boxing sensation Vijender Singh.

Bolton hero Khan is gearing up for his maiden middleweight contest against Mexican great Canelo Alvarez on Saturday 7th May, shown exclusively in the UK on BoxNation.

Two-time former world champion Khan, 31 wins, 3 losses and 19 KO’s, faces the biggest challenge of his life when he steps up in weight to take on Canelo in a truly career defining fight.

Lightening quick Khan has faced insurmountable odds in the past when as a 17-year-old at the 2004 Athens Olympics he mesmerised the nation as he battled his way to a silver medal.

King Khan accepts he will face a “monster” when fighting Alvarez but is confident he can summon his underdog spirit and prove his class on the global stage. Once he has overcome WBC middleweight champion Alvarez, Khan says he’d love to take on Singh in his Indian homeland.

Speaking to Indian media from San Francisco ahead of his fight against Alvarez he said: “Vijinder is the talent that India has in professional boxing and I would want to fight him in India soon,”

He added: “I am a big fan of Mary Kom and Vijender Singh. They are where they are because they had the opportunities. It’s the same for most boxers and that’s why I want to create these academies so that the facilities reach to all corners of India. I hope to create world-class boxers and MMA fighters in the next 2-3 years from India.”

Singh, 30, has made an explosive start to life in the paid ranks by blowing away his first four opponents inside three rounds. The Indian superstar takes on French terror Matiouze Royer in his fifth professional fight this Saturday at Stratford’s Copper Box Arena. Knockout merchant Singh knows it is crucial that he wins at the Copper Box Arena and then again at Bolton in May before setting his eyes on a huge Indian homecoming in the summer.

Heavyweight sensation Hughie Fury headlines the card when he challenges American Fred Kassi for the Vacant WBO Intercontinental Title; Red-hot Liam Walsh defends his British and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight titles against Troy James; Ovill McKenzie and Dmytro Kucher clash for the Vacant European Cruiserweight Championship; Ryan Walsh defends his British Featherweight Championship against James Tennyson; Anthony Nelson defends his Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship against Jamie Conlon. The undercard features big-hitting light-heavyweight star Anthony Yarde, Southampton super-welterweight Joe Pigford, Erith super-bantamweight Lewis Pettitt; Chingford super-featherweight Boy Jones Jnr; Indian middleweight sensation Vijender Singh; Chelmsford super-middleweight Billy Long, West Ham super-welterweight Sammy McNess; Sidcup super-featherweight D.P Carr; West Ham super-lightweight Ben Smith; Hornchurch super-lightweight Sanjeev Sahota; Nantwich heavyweight Nathan Gorman; Enfield super-middleweight Barney Joe Jones, and Stains-Upon-Thames welterweight Tony Bange.

Tickets priced at £30, £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200 are available from See Tickets 0871 230 7148 and www.seetickets.com, Eventim 0844 249 1000 and www.eventim.co.uk, Ticketmaster 0844 8440 444 and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415 and Freeview 255. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices.

LAS VEGAS (April 22, 2016) – Tickets for the closed circuit viewings of the super-fight between WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) and former Two-Time World Champion and resurgent British Contender Amir “King” Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) will go on sale today, Friday, April 22, 2016.

Fans unable to purchase tickets to see the fight at T-Mobile Arena will have the opportunity to experience an exciting night of boxing live in Las Vegas in an electrifying setting side-by-side with other fight fans at closed circuit viewings at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino and Monte Carlo Resort and Casino.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecasts of Canelo vs. Khan are priced at $60, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and go on sale Friday, April 22 at 10:00AM PST at each individual property’s box office outlets or by phone with a major credit card at 866-431-7111.

Canelo vs. Khan, a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold”, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Casa Mexico Tequila, DOOM® — Fight Like Hell on May 13, and HANDS OF STONE: The True Story of Roberto Duran, in theaters this August! David Lemieux vs. Glen Tapia is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management and Patrick Teixeira vs. Curtis Stevens is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Main Events. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event at T-Mobile Arena are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600 and $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $250 and $150 price level) are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

An all-new edition of HBO’s Emmy-Award-winning reality series “24/7” premieres Saturday, April 23 at 12:15 a.m. ET/9:15 p.m. PT with episode one of “24/7 Canelo/Khan.” Liev Schreiber narrates.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloKhan.

Photos and videos are available for download in the official Canelo vs. Khan press kit here: bit.ly/canelokhan.

LONDON (April 22) – BoxNation subscribers who join the channel ahead of pound-for-pound star Gennady Golovkin’s world title clash this weekend against Dominic Wade will be able to enjoy an incredible first month of live action.

Available at just £12 a month, fight fans who sign up to ‘The Channel of Champions’ before Saturday night will not only be able to see knockout king Golovkin take on undefeated challenger Wade but a spectacular line up of world class fights in their first four weeks.

BoxNation is to screen a host of exclusively live fights in the coming weeks including British ace Amir Khan’s biggest fight to date when he takes on lineal middleweight world champion Canelo Alvarez from the new state-of-the-art T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on May 7th.

Kazakh assassin Golovkin will be looking to make a big statement to prove to both Khan and Canelo that he is the top dog in the 160-pound division when he goes up against the unbeaten and talented American Wade from The Forum in Inglewood,

California. Plus, that’s not all, BoxNation subscribers will be able to see the very best heavyweight action from a division that has revived itself to become one of the sports most talked about.

And one of its brashest talkers, and most skilled fighters, WBC world champion Deontay Wilder goes up against the ruthless Russian Alexander Povetkin exclusively live from the Megasport Arena in Moscow on May 21st.

The charismatic and playful American will be looking to entertain as he takes on Povetkin in a dangerous matchup that could prove to be Wilder’s trickiest test yet.

The division is stacked with emerging talent with another Fury out to cause havoc as cousin Hughie looks to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious cousin, unified world champion Tyson.

21-year-old Hughie will look to showcase his talent and stake his claim for a shot at the big time when he meets Fred Kassi on a stacked card at the Copper Box Arena in London next Saturday night.

The card also features talented lightweight Liam Walsh who will be out to extend his unbeaten run to 20 fights when he takes on Troy James.

BoxNation will be the only place to see how all these fights play out over the coming weeks, with subscribers guaranteed to enjoy a whole summer of thrilling and unrivalled boxing action.

On top of this coming month, BoxNation will be the only place to see the megafight between Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko as they lock horns in a rematch at the Manchester Arena on July 9th.

BoxNation regularly screens the best fights around, at incredible value, offering fans the chance to watch on various platforms including Sky, Virgin, TalkTalk, Freeview, online and app.

Jim McMunn, Managing Director at BoxNation, said: “Our upcoming calendar of live fights is our best to date – and that is saying something. We have shown some of the biggest and best fights around in recent years but the impending schedule is certainly something to be very excited about. For just £12 a month BoxNation will deliver to boxing and sports fans the best fights this summer at a truly remarkable value-for-money price. The world class boxing action and value we are delivering to our subscribers is unmatched anywhere else. The next few months is going to witness some historic fights and is certainly not to be missed.”

Watch Golovkin v Wade live on BoxNation this Saturday night from 2am. BoxNation is available on Sky (Ch.437/490HD), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

Kenny Bayless has been appointed to referee the May 7th bout between Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Appointed to serve as judges on the fight were Adalaide Byrd and Glenn Trowbridge, both from Las Vegas, and Connecticut’s Glenn Feldman, all of whom have extensive world title experience.

LOS ANGELES (April 20, 2016) – A thrill-packed night of fights await fans at the new state-of-the-art T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 7. The night will heat up as undefeated rising stars Diego De La Hoya (13-0, 7 KOs) of Mexicali, Baja California and Jason “El Animal” Quigley (10-0, 9 KOs)Donegal, Ireland are set to headline the preliminary undercard in respective career-defining fights set to test them like never before.

First, in defense of his WBC Youth Super Bantamweight Title, De La Hoya will face off against fellow unbeaten Rocco Santomauro (13-0, 1 KOs) of Duarte, Calif. in an eight to ten round showdown. Quigley will take on the experienced “King” James de la Rosa (23-3, 13 KOs) of San Benito, Texas in a 10-round middleweight event set to open up the stream available on select channels before the pay-per-view event and digitally on HBO Boxing’s YouTube Page, www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com, Ring TVLive.com and additional websites and outlets where Ring TV is available starting at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT.

Additionally, boxing’s top prospects will be on the sport’s biggest stage as undefeated talents Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis (14-0, 11 KOs) of Lynn, Mass. is set to fight in an eight-round welterweight event, Washington D.C.’s Lamont Roach Jr. (10-0, 3 KOs) will participate in an six-round super featherweight fight and newly signed Golden Boy Promotions’ fighter David Mijares of Santa Monica, Calif. will make his professional debut in a four-round super lightweight bout. Opponents will be announced shortly.

“We have a stacked undercard set for the fans on May 7 and luckily for the fans watching from home, they will also be able to get in on the action by watching the impressive Diego De La Hoya and Jason Quigley on select channels and various digital outlets,” said Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.

“I am looking forward to being part of one of the biggest boxing events of 2016,” said Diego De La Hoya. “This is my chance to perform in front of a big stage and give everyone a great fight against another undefeated top prospect.”

“I’m delight and excited to be on the undercard of such a big show,” said Jason Quigley. “This is exactly the platform I need to be able to show the world what I’m capable of and what I’m here to do. James De La Rosa is simply just another hurdle on my path to be coming a world champion and lifting them belts.”

“I am excited to get the chance to fight Diego De La Hoya, he is a top fighter and beating him puts me at the top,” said Rocco Santomauro. “I have Sugar Shane Mosley in my corner and he has trained me to make sure I keep my undefeated record. It’s going to be a battle to the end. I think a lot of people will be interested in the dynamic of this fight. I am going to use my new Mosley KO power. Just watch, on May 7 the boxing world will know that I have arrived”

“I was looking forward to fighting a bigger name, but Jason Quigley is a strong, young fighter,” said James De La Rosa. “He doesn’t have half my experience as a professional, but I applaud his confidence for stepping up. I’ve been in camp since January and although my last fight was canceled I am ready to face Quigley on May 7.”

Just 21 years old, Diego De La Hoya has shown maturity beyond his years in the ring, and despite the pressure of being the cousin of Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya, the Mexicali native’s poise outside the ring has garnered him a growing legion of fans. In 2015, De La Hoya began his move on the super bantamweight elite with five wins highlighted by back-to-back victories over former world title challengers Manuel “Suavecito” Roman and Jesus “Estrella” Ruiz, Ramiro “Zurdo” Robles, Jose “Hollywood” Estrella, and Giovanni “Lloviznas” Delgado. De La Hoya kicked off 2016 in style in February with a fourth-round body shot knockout of Arturo “Fuerte” Badillo setting the stage for a tough fight against fellow unbeaten Rocco Santomauro on the Canelo vs. Khan undercard.

Ready to take a step to the next level in his promising career, 28-year-old Rocco Santomauro made his name on the Las Vegas scene, winning 10 of his 13 professional bouts in the ‘Fight Capital of the World.’ Always looking to entertain the crowd on fight night, Santomauro is coming off an impressive six-round victory over Jose “Hollywood” Estrella in February 2016, and now he’s got his sights set on taking away De La Hoya’s perfect record.

The fighting pride of Donegal, Ireland, 24-year-old middleweight Jason Quigley has built a huge fan following in his adopted home of Los Angeles, California, and that’s no surprise considering the has ended nine of his 10 professional fights by knockout, eight in two rounds or less. Quigley was last seen in the ring on November 20 going the distance against Marchristopher Adkins and in 2016, Quigley won a first round knockout over Freddy Lopez. Now in the toughest challenge of his career thus far, Quigley will be looking to make a statement over the experienced San Benito middleweight “King” James de la Rosa on May 7.

“King” James de la Rosa is the fighting pride of Harlingen, Texas, boasting a record of 23 wins, against 3 losses, with 13 wins coming by way of knockout. De la Rosa has been boxing since he was five years old and became a professional boxer at the age of 17. De la Rosa holds key victories over Abel Perry, Tim Coleman and Tyrone Brunson. De la Rosa’s biggest victory came on Sept.12, 2014, against former Mexican Olympian and Interim WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo on the undercard of Mayweather-Maidana II. “King” took 2015 off to a great start with new trainer James Johnson and All-American track and field strength and conditioning coach, Hickel Woolery.

Undefeated welterweight Rashidi Ellis may have the nickname “Speedy,” but it’s his punching power that has been leading him to victory as of late. Winner of four straight fights by knockout, the 22-year-old most recently dispatched Victor “Pambele” Gonzalez in four rounds to win the vacant WBA Fedecentro and interim WBC Latino Welterweight titles. On May 7, he makes his Las Vegas debut on one of the biggest sporting events of 2016.

Also fighting in Las Vegas for the first time this May will be Washington, D.C. super featherweight Lamont Roach Jr. A stellar amateur who won multiple amateur titles before turning professional in 2014, the 20-year-old Roach has barely lost a round on his way up the 130-pound ladder. 2015 was a busy year for Roach Jr. as he took on and defeated Herbert “Sensational” Quartey, Jose Miguel Castro, Christian Santibanez and Jose “Flash” Bustos. The super featherweight doesn’t plan to slow down as 2016 has already proven to be a good year with a victory over Jesus Lule on the undercard of Luis Ortiz vs. Tony Thompson in March 2016.

Some fighters are made in the gym. The 20-year old David Mijares was seemingly born into the sport. As Mijares’ father worked with legendary musician Bob Dylan, his pregnant mother visited the boxing gym and her water broke. David wasn’t delivered in the gym, but as he grew up, it was his second home and he would even put on gloves and do drills as a toddler. By the age of 12, he began competing, going on to compile a 57-12 record as an amateur. Among his accomplishments were three National PAL Championships, a 2015 Golden Gloves title, and a Bronze medal in the 2015 USA National Championships. Even more impressively, he did it all while excelling in his studies and even playing the Euphonium for the nationally-ranked orchestra at Santa Monica High School. Now, he is set to make his professional debut in the largest stage in boxing, opening the night for Canelo Alvarez vs. Amir Khan.

Canelo vs. Khan, a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold”, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Casa Mexico Tequila, DOOM® — Fight Like Hell on May 13, and HANDS OF STONE: The True Story of Roberto Duran, in theaters this August! David Lemieux vs. Glen Tapia is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management and Patrick Teixeira vs. Curtis Stevens is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Main Events. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600 and $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $250 and $150 price level) are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com

LOS ANGELES (April 18, 2016) Former two-time world champion Amir “King” Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) today hosted a media workout at his gym in Hayward, Calif. ahead of his battle against WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs)on Saturday, May 7 at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Canelo vs. Khan will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Below is what Amir and his team had to say at today’s media workout:

AMIR KHAN, Former Two-Time World Champion:

“It’s been very different this time around. This camp has to be one of the hardest training camps I’ve had. Strength conditioning, the boxing and sparring have been different. I’m being pushed to the limit every time. I’ve trained very hard this time and I’m going to go into the fight very strong.

“This is probably my fifth fight under Virgil. We’re getting to know each other even better. He knows what to improve on. He knows how to work me. We are bonding better now than ever.

“This is a massive fight, fighting Canelo. He is a big name around the world. Beating Canelo will definitely take me back to the top where I want to be. I’ve always dreamed of being one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world, and I think by beating Canelo that will definitely get me there. That is why I took this fight.

“We are going to have to use the right game plan towards what Canelo will bring in the ring that day. We will have to be very focused in this fight. What beats Canelo in my eyes is speed, and movement, skill and boxing IQ so that’s what we are going to be using.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“Amir is looking great this camp, very strong, fast and confident. I know Virgil and he are working on a solid game plan for this fight. Come May 7, we will see if speed can overcome power to be victorious.

“Amir is a very talented fighter. I think he has matured, grown in his knowledge and ring IQ and that will impact how he fights on May 7. I think the fans can count on Amir giving it everything he has in the ring on May 7, which will make for an exciting and explosive fight with Canelo.”

VIRGIL HUNTER, Trainer to Amir Khan:

“My job is to get Amir Khan ready to fight May 7 and win May 7. He’s going to have an IQ that night in order to be successful. And the IQ he uses should be simple: don’t get hit and hit back. That calls for focus and if he’s in tune, he should be OK.

“His defense has to come in ways that is going to work for him. He needs to be defensive for the right thing at the right time. That’s what we are focusing on: where to be, where not to be.

“He’s already exceeded the expectations for his career. He’s competitive. Mentally, he has come a long way to understand the game where he doesn’t just rely on his physical gifts.”

SHAH KHAN, Manager and Father to Amir Khan:

“The training is going really well up to now. We have had good sparring partners. The preparation for the fight is going according to plan. Virgil is working out a great game plan for him on May 7.

“We wish the best to Canelo’s team and hopefully the best guy will win on May 7.”

Canelo vs. Khan, a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, Casa Mexico Tequila and DOOM® — Fight Like Hell on May 13. David Lemieux vs. Glen Tapia is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management and Patrick Teixeira vs. Curtis Stevens is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Main Events. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600 and $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $250 and $150 price level) are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

An all-new edition of HBO’s Emmy-Award-winning reality series “24/7” premieres Saturday, April 23 at 12:15 a.m. ET/9:15 p.m.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloKhan.

Photos and videos are available for download in the official Canelo vs. Khan press kit here: bit.ly/canelokhan.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions: Thank you for joining us today on this international media conference call for 2004 Olympic silver medal winner and former two?time world champion Amir “King” Khan. As you know, Amir Khan will battle Canelo Alvarez for the WBC and Ring Magazine Lineal Middleweight Championship which will be on Cinco de Mayo weekend on May 7th, live from the T?Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and if you can’t make it to Las Vegas, you can watch it on HBO Pay?Per?View.

We’re really excited once again to be working with Amir Khan, and as you know, Golden Boy Promotions is the exclusive promoter to Canelo?Khan, and we are thrilled that Amir Khan is once again working with us.

This fight is all about speed and power, and history has shown us that these types of fights make for an exciting one, action?packed fight. I’ve said it before: This fight takes me back to Maidana, who had Amir in a really, really tough fight, and Khan with his amazing footwork and speed and strength, you know, he was able to be victorious.

We are extremely thrilled and excited, and we certainly can’t wait for May 7th. I do want to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, Cerveza Tecate, “Born Bold,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, Casa Mexico Tequila, and DOOM, “Fight Like Hell,” on May 13th. All of the marketing, if you haven’t seen it yet, will start kicking in in these next couple of days. They are doing a tremendous, tremendous job on a global scale to make sure that everyone knows about this tremendous, tremendous fight.

Tickets are still available, and they are moving fast. We expect a sellout, a sellout crowd. We expect a lot of Brits. We expect a lot of wonderful fans from all over the world supporting these two great fighters. If you haven’t gotten your tickets, they are moving fast.

The person I will introduce to you now I’m happy to call a friend, a man that I’ve always admired. He’s brought up Amir Khan in such a way that a lot of people should be envious about. He is Amir’s father and manager, and that is Shah Khan. Shah?

SHAH KHAN, Father and Manager of Amir Khan: Hi, everybody, and thank you for coming online for this media conference call.

Yeah this is a tough challenge for him, and Amir is up for the challenge. The interest in the UK is incredible. Massive interest, just alone, just from the office, we’ve sold like 1,000 tickets, you know, not talking about the ticket ?? or the ticket outlets, and it’s a massive interest in the UK, and I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a great night for boxing.

The preparations are going really, really well, and Amir is really up for this fight, and it’s going to be a great fight, two great fighters. You’ve got power and you’ve got speed, and I think it’s going to be easily a contenders’ fight in boxing. Thank you.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Thank you very much, Shah. Next up to say a few words, he really needs no introduction. He’s trained some of the top fighters in the world today, and my hat’s off to him for doing a wonderful job a couple of weeks ago with probably one of the top fighters on the planet today, so let me introduce to you Amir’s trainer, Virgil Hunter.

VIRGIL HUNTER, Trainer to Amir Khan: Thanks, Oscar. Hello, everyone. Once again, glad to be part of such a big, big event in boxing, a sport that I love.

Amir is having a great training camp in preparation for a fight that we know is a very dangerous fight, and I commend him and his courage and his insight on taking the fight and thanking everybody who is involved, and looking forward to seeing everyone May 7th.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Thank you very much, Virgil. And now the man of the hour. He’s Britain’s top fighter, Amir “King” Khan. He was catapulted into the media spotlight after winning the silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and he went on to turn pro the following year in July of 2005 with a first?round technical knockout victory over Phil Edwards, which obviously has taken him to the top of the sport. Amir Khan is a fighter who is a technical challenge, is a fighter who wants to fight the best, is a fighter who has been a multiple world champion, and yes, he continues to work hard and can push himself to new heights and push himself to the limit. He’s the kind of fighter who I personally have admired ever since he turned pro, ever since I saw him in the Olympic Games, and so I want to introduce to you a man who, like I said, shies away from no challenge and is willing to fight the very best, to be the best, and let me introduce to you Amir “King” Khan.

AMIR KHAN, Former Two Time World Champion: Hi, everyone. Thanks for joining the conference call. Training camp is going really well. It’s going really well. We’re still continuing all the camp.

It’s been tough, obviously, working on these strategies with my trainer Virgil, being more focused, because I know that one little mistake in a fight like this could get me in trouble, so I’m making sure that I’m not making any mistakes from being in the ring, scoring, or being in the gym training, doing work, or even outside the ring when I’m recovering and how long I’m going to be keeping the weight on, keep my ?? because I want to walk into this ring strong. I don’t want to be too light because by being too light, it could only ?? it won’t make me real strong.

I’m up against a very big middleweight fighter, which Canelo, he’s a middleweight world champion. We’re doing everything right. I mean, look, my skills are what’s going to win me this fight. I know I’m not going to be stronger than Canelo in any way. I’m not going to be thinking I’m stronger than Canelo, but I’m going to stand with him and fight with him. I think my skills in this fight will win me the fight, and I don’t know if the speed I have is something that ?? I don’t think that Canelo’s experienced speed with combinations and speed with power. I think there will be a lot of people who will be ?? I would say I will definitely shock the world come May 7th, otherwise I wouldn’t take the fight.

I’ve been watching video of Canelo, and day after day it’s getting more and more confident that I can beat this guy. So I’m really looking forward to it, and we still have another three to four weeks left of training where I’m going to be focusing, and I’m still going to be giving 100 percent so when I do walk into that ring, I’m not only going to do myself proud, but I’m going to do my family proud, I’m going to do my country proud, and I’m going to bring back home the belt. Thanks.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Thank you, Amir. Before we go to questions, just a quick reminder, we’re going to host the media on Monday, April 18th, in Oakland, so if you don’t get a chance to ask a question, then hopefully you can make some time to go out there and see Amir train live in person. Thank you.

Q. Amir, you’ve been training a while now at this weight. How have you felt? Is this possibly the best you’ve ever felt not having to take weight off?

AMIR KHAN: I think I do feel stronger. I feel strong. I’m sparring with some very tough guys in the gym, and I do see that by holding on to the weight, it’s given me a lot of ability and a lot of strength and a lot of power, as well. That’s something that I know I’m not going to be naturally stronger than Canelo. Canelo is going to be stronger, obviously. He’s one of the bigger guys, but I think what’s going to happen to me is just happier at this weight and not killing myself.

Q. And having not to lose weight, meaning have you had more time to work on tactics and technique and improving that side of your game?

AMIR KHAN: Correct, yeah. That’s what we’re working on because obviously normally we have to be losing a lot of weight, and going down in weight and stuff like that weakens me, so this time I won’t be doing that. I’ll just be focusing on my game plan for the fight and improving my boxing skills.

Q. Could I ask Virgil a question, please. What did you think, Virgil, when Amir came to you with this fight? What was your first reaction?

VIRGIL HUNTER: Well, it was Shah who came to me with the fight, and initially I wasn’t for the fight, but I hadn’t seen Amir yet. Well, I take that back. He was here in the States. I wasn’t for the fight.

I think what changed my outlook on it was Amir’s response to me when I asked him why do you want this fight, and his response to me was quite assuring that he understood what he was going up against and what he was getting into.

Off of that, I felt much more confident in his ability to be competitive and win the fight.

Q. And how do you think he is looking at this weight in training?

VIRGIL HUNTER: Well, I’ve seen him come past through this weight before, and I’ve always been impressed when he was at this particular weight on his way down to making weight. It’s good, like he said, to be able to train and to be able to just focus on boxing and not have the worry and the grind of taking off pounds and doing it right and making sure you’re going to peak right and all these things. It’s been a plus. It’s been a plus.

Q. My first question is for Virgil. My question for you, I heard what you were just saying about when you asked Amir why he wanted to fight. When you heard that he wanted to fight, besides your opinion and as far as how Amir could match up against Canelo, what was your thought about what it said about Amir’s sort of mentality and desire to fight the best fighters? What did you think about that when he asked you about this match?up?

VIRGIL HUNTER: Well, again, maybe I said it wrong; he didn’t ask me initially. I was conversing with Shah, and once Shah let me know that the fight was on the table, I asked Amir why he wanted to fight.

Q. I heard that part. I heard that part. I meant your thought about that, when he told you.

VIRGIL HUNTER: When he asked? Well, what he told me as I was thinking also when he went into the fight, and usually it takes maybe two to three weeks sometimes for a fighter to buy into any strategy or plans you might have, maybe sometimes even longer, but to go into a camp already on the same page, that’s really a plus. You can get right to work.

So it was quite convincing, but it let me know that he understood what he was going up against, and he understood what he could and could not do.

Q. So how impressed are you by the desire to fight a bigger guy who’s got as much ?? a lot of experience against top fighters where your fighter is certainly the underdog? Do you like the idea that he wants to be great like that? What is your thought about that?

VIRGIL HUNTER: Well, you have to be impressed. I mean, it’s a step that not many fighters would take under those circumstances, so you have to be impressed.

I always said one thing about Amir, even in some of his setbacks, I’ve never really seen it affect him to the point where he got gun shy or not competitive. He has a personality and characteristics about him that he believes in himself, and he understands why he lost when he lost, and he just moves forward. That’s a plus in itself.

Yeah, I give him all the credit in the world. He’s got more than guts and balls; he’s got audacity. So it means a lot.

Q. Is it going to be difficult do you think for Amir and for you to sort of get it through his mind that he’s going to have to stay very disciplined with the way he boxes against a fighter that’s as big and strong as Canelo Alvarez because obviously that would appear to be part of the plan where you’re ?? nobody is going to expect Amir to stand there and slug it out with this guy. As he said in his statement, it’s going to be his skills that win this fight, not necessarily because he’s a bigger, stronger fighter. Can you keep him disciplined for 12 rounds?

VIRGIL HUNTER: Well, first of all, if he’s disciplined, I can keep him disciplined. If he doesn’t have the discipline and focus now, he’ll never have it, but I believe it’s there, and I think it’s very intact, and he understands what he needs to do, when he needs to do it. He understands the danger, and he also understands how to win the fight.

So it’s just going to be a great fight, I believe, and I believe that he has a fight in him that hasn’t come out yet, like all fighters when they get around 29 to 30 if they’re winners. They can just bring a fight out, bring it up, and I believe that that fight is in him somewhere, and I expect to see the fight come up that night because of all the elements. It should, and it will. If it’s ever going to come up, it’ll come up May 7th.

Q. Amir, I know that you were very disappointed that you did not get a fight with Mayweather, you did not get a fight with Manny Pacquiao, but now you’ve got probably the best guy other than them, and those other two guys now claim to be retired. What was your thought process to constantly strive to have the biggest fight possible, and not only have the biggest fight possible with Canelo, but then to go up in weight against a guy that’s going to be bigger and stronger than you? What is it that drives you to take that type of risk?

AMIR KHAN: I’m thinking about making history in boxing and leaving a great legacy behind and fighting the best out there. I wanted the big fights against Mayweather, Pacquiao, and both fights didn’t happen. I wanted the next big thing, and the next big thing was Canelo, and I remembered a long time ago being asked to speak about that fight, and you know, it seems to be more realistic now. I’m in a position where I’m growing up now and getting stronger, and I’m knowing and getting to understand boxing a lot better now, and having a good team around me with Virgil and the team, I think that helps, also, so I just needed that big fight now because that was something that was only going to give me more confidence and kind of give me that more drive.

Q. It kind of strikes me, Amir, I get the feeling from hearing some of your comments, from seeing some of your interviews and seeing some of the stories that you kind of like the fact that you’re the underdog because it will give you even more satisfaction should you be victorious? Can you speak about that and that mentality?

AMIR KHAN: I think it’s great, yeah. I think it’s great to be the underdog. This is the first fight I’m walking into as the underdog because normally I’m walking in as the favorite, and possibly a bit of pressure on you, where this time I’m going to be walking in as the underdog, and that way it’s a time where I can prove people this is where I belong. I belong as one of the best fighters in the world, and it’s going to be a great test for me.

Q. Oscar, when you boxed, there’s nobody that would doubt that you always strived to fight the very best fighters out there. You fought everybody in your career. When you look at Amir Khan and you see the desire for him to take on these types of challenges, does it in some ways remind you of the attitude that you had, and can you speak about that and the mentality of that as far as desiring to fight the best out there because you always did it?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Yeah, that’s who Amir Khan is. He’s a fighter, a human being that believes in himself, believes in his abilities. He’s a hard worker. I strongly feel that every fight should look at Amir Khan and dare to be great. That’s exactly what takes it to the top, whether they’re tough fights or whether they’re winnable fights. As long as you take the challenge, that’s the only way you’re going to know if you’re going to be great or not.

Q. Does it remind you of yourself a little bit?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: You know, it actually does. It actually does. I won some, I lost some, but one thing about my career today is that nobody can take that away from me. I dared to be great and fought everybody that was in front of me, and that’s who Amir Khan is.

Q. I have a question for Virgil. Virgil, you were saying that your initial reaction to the match?up is that you were against it. Can you explain what your thinking was there just when you first heard the idea of Amir facing Canelo?

VIRGIL HUNTER: Well, just being logical. Size difference being first and foremost, and the fact that Amir had been off for a while. Those are the first two things that came to my mind. Canelo has been fighting quite regularly, and you can get into a groove fighting as frequent as he’s been fighting and Amir having some time off.

But also on the other end, I believe that fighters who have started out as young as Amir has at nine and eight years old, that they need periods of time off. I think that it refreshes them, and I think that that’s been proven, Pacquiao the other night, Mayweather fighting Marquez, even Andre coming back and fighting No. 1. When you’ve been fighting since you were a kid, those muscle memories, they stay intact, and you don’t really get ring rust unless you’re doing things in your lifestyle, staying up, staying out drinking, whatever you’re doing that’s detrimental to your physical well?being, that can throw you off, of course, and it would exhibit to the viewers some sort of rust and things that are missing.

But the size and his frequency of fighting, that was the first concern.

Q. Virgil, when you spoke to Amir you mentioned that his excitement kind of changed your thinking and changed your mind on that. Was there anything else that changed your opinion about the fight, or was it just Amir’s ?? just his confidence?

VIRGIL HUNTER: No, his response. That pretty much did it. I didn’t entertain any other thoughts. Just his response.

Q. And lastly, about the size issue, heading into the fight, how do you think Amir ?? obviously Amir is going to be bigger. How do you think he’s going to respond to being a bigger fighter? Will that affect his speed do you think at all?

VIRGIL HUNTER: His speed has not been compromised at all, and I know it’s a lot of photos out there, outlets or public, make your own determination, weigh?in or during the fight, but he has not lost an iota of speed. When you’re gifted with it like he is, you’ll grow with it. It’s no different than LeBron James being in high school touching the white square at 190, and he still can do it at 230. It’s really not that much different than a sprinter, Bo Jackson running a 9.1 in the 200 and still doing it at 225. No, his speed hasn’t been compromised at all.

Q. Amir, just wondering, did you have to convince Virgil that this was the right match?up, and what was that conversation like when Virgil, I guess, expressed that maybe he had some second thoughts on the match?up? Just take us through that conversation that you had with him.

AMIR KHAN: We had to think about it, because there’s always a bit of ?? we don’t want to walk into a fight and get hurt. There’s a life after boxing, and I think that my thinking about this fight, and I think by me taking this fight, I think even Virgil probably understood and knew that I’m going to be more focused, and I know that I can’t make any mistakes against a guy like this. I’ve made mistakes in the past against guys my own weight because I know naturally I’m more gifted than them and I’m more skilled than them and I’m a better fighter than them, but these are ones that probably could be my worst opponents because I don’t really have that fear element, whereas when you’re fighting someone who’s tough and who’s dangerous and it’s going to be a tough fight, then that’s what brings out the A game in me.

I think Virgil understood that, as well, and I definitely understand that myself, that I’m going to train more, I’m going to be more focused for a fight like this than I would be for a fight against someone my own weight and someone I know who I’m better than.

Q. Virgil, we heard Amir say maybe 10 minutes ago that he intends on shocking the world. It sounds like he recognizes he’s the underdog of this fight. Given the way that the odds seem to be stacked against him, the size difference, et cetera, how does this compare to your greatest challenges as a trainer?

VIRGIL HUNTER: I’m sorry, I didn’t get the last part. How does it compare to what now?

Q. Your greatest challenges as a trainer.

VIRGIL HUNTER: Well, every fight is a challenge. You know, that’s how I feel about it, from an amateur to a prospect to the level that Amir is on.

Of course I understand the whole content of the fight. I understand what comes off a victory, and I understand that by him saying that he intends to shock the world that quite possibly it could be a shock. It’ll be a shock to a lot, but I it won’t be a shock to some. So he falls somewhere right in that 60 percent shocked, 40 percent I’m not shocked.

But it means a lot to be able to participate in the sport that you love at this level and in an event of this magnitude. It’s very humbling. I feel fortunate. I feel blessed to have been here, not just one time but a few times.

To me, to be able to maybe one day be retired and hopefully have enough health to reflect back, it means quite a bit.

Q. When was the last time you felt or you had a fight where you felt like the underdog?

VIRGIL HUNTER: Probably Andre going into the Super Six. I know everybody viewed him as an underdog, but I didn’t. I don’t view Amir as an underdog in this fight. I’m very confident in his abilities. I think I would be doing him a disservice if I viewed him as an underdog. I view him as the top dog, and that’s how we’re approaching the fight. We’re not approaching the fight hoping to get the victory. We’re not approaching the fight hoping that it goes our way. We’re approaching the fight determined to get the victory and to make it go our way. That’s the approach.

Q. Amir, this is the biggest fight of the year. You can’t sit on the fence. Those that love you support you, those that go for Canelo go for Canelo. What do you tell your supporters, and what do you tell the people that are doubting you?

AMIR KHAN: Well, I know it’s the biggest fight this year that’s going to happen, and I just want to tell them to tune in and watch this fight because this is going to be a fighting style a lot of people are going to love. You’ve got a boxer versus a fighter, and you’ve got speed versus power, and it’s going to be exciting from round 1 until the end.

It’s a fight for me that I want to prove to people that I really do belong up against the best fighters in the world, and I want to be the best one there. This is a great fight for the fans to watch, as well, and I’m going to give it to the fans of the UK because they’ve always been waiting and expecting a big fight from me, especially with Floyd Mayweather not happening and then Manny Pacquiao not happening. I want to do this for the UK crowd and hopefully bring back home the belt, and definitely it’s going to be a big, big Mexican holiday. I believe that the UK fans are going to turn out for me and they’re going to come and support this big fight.

Q. Virgil, if you could compare in the history of boxing, who does Canelo remind you of and who does Amir Khan remind you of?

VIRGIL HUNTER: Boy, you’re putting me in a position where I’d be doing somebody a service and a disservice.

Look, I’d like to give each one their own identity. They’re one of a kind. I would probably have to search high and low to get a close comparison, so to speak. But there is a time in an athlete’s career if they’re gifted that they should be able to stand alone in their own aura, and I give both of these gladiators that respect.

Q. Oscar, with Manny retiring, Mayweather retiring, what are the implications of this fight? Where does it put the winner?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Well, I mean, it puts the winner as being the man. You know, now that Pacquiao retired, Mayweather is retired, the winner of this fight becomes the man. You know, it doesn’t happen often, including other sports, where just because you beat the man doesn’t make you the man, but in this case here, you have two elite fighters, elite athletes, who are at the peak of their career, who are at the top of their game, and whether Amir wins or whether Canelo wins, the winner is going to be the man in boxing for a very long time.

Q. Amir, my first question is when you opted to take the fight with Canelo, why didn’t you tell Virgil that this was a discussion you were having?

VIRGIL HUNTER: I did know. I did know there were discussions with his dad, so I did know. He didn’t keep me uninformed.

Q. Okay, because it seemed like when we spoke to you in Los Angeles that you didn’t know the discussions were going on, so then Virgil, I’ll ask you, since Amir has joined your stable, what do you think is the biggest change in him from that time until now?

VIRGIL HUNTER: Well, you know, change is always subtle. I’ve seen him tremendously focused, and I’ve seen him slightly distracted. So I think in Amir’s case, it’s where his focus is. If his focus is locked in, he becomes a very formidable opponent. If he’s slightly distracted, then he can make his way a little tougher. But even in those situations, I’ve seen his competitiveness, his will to win, even when he’s distracted and he’s come up against a tougher situation than is expected. I’ve seen his competitiveness take over and still pull out the victory. I mean, he’s a silver medalist at 17, so he’s a winner. But when he’s focused, he can do some things that you really can’t prepare for, and for this fight he is focused, as he very well knows he has to be.

Q. I’ve just got a couple for Amir. Obviously you know that Canelo is going to wear you down, therefore your speed is going to be major in this fight. Are you worried that putting on the extra weight you’re going to run out of gas in the championship rounds at the end?

AMIR KHAN: No, look, we’ve been conditioning well. We’ve been training very hard, so we know ?? we’re going to expect that Canelo is going to come forward and try to grind me down, and we know what to expect. I’ve got some great sparring partners who are going to get me conditioned and get me ready for that kind of pressure. So I’m looking forward to whatever Canelo brings, really. I’m just going to be working towards a very strong, hard?hitting, come?forward fight with Canelo, and we’re going to be ready for that, and if he wants to do that, we’re going to have answers for it. If he wants to do ?? whatever Canelo does in the fight, we’re going to have answers, also. We’ve basically worked on two different strategies for this fight.

Q. How are you feeling about the weight long?term because if you pull this off and your hand is lifted at the end of this fight, there will be pressure for you to stay at that weight and not drop back down to 147 or 154.

AMIR KHAN: Yeah, it just depends on ?? we’re going to wait and see how everything ?? how the outcome becomes and what naturally feels good for me.

I mean, look, this weight could be amazing for me where I feel strong and it suits me better, so it just depends on ?? we’ll see after the fight. Me and Virgil will sit down afterwards, but naturally I think I am a middleweight, naturally, but who knows. By putting this extra bit of muscle and strength on, I think it’s only going to maybe make me stronger, and time will tell. It’s hard to tell at the moment, but while I’ve been sparring and while I’ve been in the gym training, I do feel really strong and really good, and I feel really happy, as well. It gives me enough time to spend on skill and to work on my defense and work on my boxing skills.

Q. Away from this actual fight, this is an Olympic year. Obviously you showed success in our country with your fantastic escapades in the Olympics. We’ve heard from Oscar earlier on about the start of his career in the Olympics, as well. What’s your attitude about professional boxers going into the Olympics?

AMIR KHAN: I think it’s hit and miss, really, because a lot of the world?class professionals might not enter. It’s something that I’d love to maybe enter because me winning a silver medal and I want to turn it into a gold medal by going to the Olympic Games, it would be a little different because obviously you’re only fighting three rounds, but the minutes of the rounds are going to be the same. It could work and it could not work. It’s just a matter of it would be too much of a big risk for these world champions as professionals to go into.

I think it just all boils down to what I think ?? it’s hard to say, really, but I think if it was me and I had the opportunity to go back to the Olympic Games and change out a silver medal to a gold medal, because when I was in Doha certainly I was invited by AIBA and they invited me to be there, and I watched the guys who were fighting at my weight category, and I was watching them and thinking, I can still beat these guys, even having the same work rate and everything, and even not fighting 12 rounds but fighting three rounds.

Yeah, it’s something I would probably maybe consider. Like I said, time will tell, but before that I have a big fight to focus on, and we’ll get past this fight and then we’ll see what goes on.

Q. Amir, do you think boxing is a logical sport, or do you think the boxing logic ??

AMIR KHAN: What do you mean, sorry?

Q. Do you think that boxing is a logical sport?

AMIR KHAN: I mean, boxing really is a sport, but at the end of the day you’ve got ?? it’s a sport that you need skill, I think, and you need to have a big heart. There’s a lot of fights out there that don’t happen because a lot of fighters don’t basically have the balls to take the fights on, but I think with this fight, me taking this fight, I hope it inspires other fighters out there and other professionals to take big fights in their boxing career, and if you want to be remembered as a great fighter, you need to take big fights like this.

So yeah, that’s what boxing is all about, really, and that’s one of the reasons I’m in boxing, because I want to be remembered as a great fighter and I want to achieve everything and fight the biggest fights in my boxing career because one day when I leave, I don’t want to ever be like, oh, I regret not having this fight and I should have taken this fight and I should have had this fight. So that’s something different, yeah. Everyone is different.

Q. The last time that a Mexican opened a big arena like this time, like Canelo will open the T?Mobile, was Chávez vs. Randall ’94, so do you believe that you are the Randall of Canelo?

AMIR KHAN: Canelo is a great fighter. He’s a great fighter, and this is going to be a big event. Whoever comes to this fight is going to be really happy because you’ve got a style there, and it could be bigger than the Chávez?Randall fight because you have the whole of Mexico, you have the whole of ?? you have the whole world watching that fight, and I think in this fight, especially two big superstars from two different parts of the world fighting each other, I think this could be a massive fight really because not only you’ve got Great Britain, you’ve got like ?? you’ve got the whole of Asia, India, you’ve got Pakistan, you’ve got the Middle East, you’ve got America, you’ve got so many nations who are going to be choosing and watching this fight, this is a very big fight, and it’s just great for boxing. It’s only promoting our sport of boxing, and it’s going to, like I said, promote big fights in the future.

Q. Last week I talked with Mayweather Sr., and he said that you are wrong about gaining weight and losing your velocity. Do you believe that you are gaining weight and you don’t lose the velocity?

AMIR KHAN: I don’t think it’s going to really make a difference on the speed or anything, because I’ve been training, and this is more natural for me. Normally what I do, I have to go down in weight and I have to lose weight normally, but this time I’m not going to be losing the weight, this time I’m going to be at my natural weight. I’ll be happy making the weight. I’ll be keeping the strength, I’ll be keeping the speed, so this is all natural for me.

Q. Can you tell me something about your Mexican trainer, Luis García, how he’s doing in Oakland?

AMIR KHAN: Yeah, we love Mexican people. I mean, a lot of people said my fighting style is like a Mexican. A lot of people say my style is like a Mexican fighter. I’ve been watching a lot of Mexican boxers for a long, long time, you know, and I like the fighting style they have. So this is going to be a great show. I mean, you’ve got two warriors in the ring come May 7 that both want to be the best in the world and both want to win, so it’s what makes this fight even more better and classic.

Q. How close do you think that you are for Mayweather blueprint with Canelo?

AMIR KHAN: Mayweather is his own fighter, and everyone is their own fighter, everyone is different in that way, so I’m not going to say that I’m going to do what Mayweather did. I think since Mayweather beat Canelo, Canelo is a better fighter. I’ve been watching his fights, and I think he’s improved a lot as a fighter.

So really I’m just going to have to beat the Canelo who is going to be in front of me. I know he’s going to be changing his style a lot, but whatever Canelo brings we can have answers for. Canelo is a strong guy. There’s not much of a blueprint there. There’s only one guy who beat him, which is Mayweather, and like I said, he’s changing as a fighter. He’s getting better.

Once we get in that ring, we have a game plan. We have a game plan. We have a strategy to win this fight, and it’s all about sticking to that, and I know I can win this fight that way.

Q. Do you think that the winner of this fight after Mayweather and Pacquiao leave boxing should be the next star of boxing, Canelo or Amir Khan?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Look, I was asked that question before, and what I said was the winner of this fight is going to be the man, yeah, and when you take everything into consideration, you look at the regimens, you look at the fight, the number that it’s going to generate, this is going to be a mega, mega, mega event, and whoever wins this fight is going to call themselves the Pay?Per?View King. This is part of the stakes that goes along with a fight of this magnitude, you know, and so that’s why this fight is so important for both guys, for many reasons.

CECILIA ZUNIG, Golden Boy Promotions: Amir, do you have any final comments to the press on this call?

AMIR KHAN: I just want to say a big thank you very much for being on this conference and supporting me. The UK press has been great. I mean, the press around the world have been great. They’ve been very supportive in this fight, and they have given me a chance ?? a lot of people at first didn’t give me a chance, and now I think as time is getting closer, they’ve really seen that I can go into this fight and win this fight, so I hope to see you all at the fight. It’s going to be a big fight, and just a big thanks to you guys again, and hopefully we’ll see you soon. Thank you.

CECILIA ZUNIGA: Oscar, we’re ready for your final comments and any reminders.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Thank you very much. I gave you the reminder. Amir Khan will be working out, whoever didn’t have a chance to ask a question. He is opening up his training camp which will be Monday, April 18, in Oakland, so we will see you there. Thank you very much.

FastScripts by ASAP Sports

Canelo vs. Khan, a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold”, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Casa Mexico Tequila and DOOM® — Fight Like Hell on May 13. David Lemieux vs. Glen Tapia is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management and Patrick Teixeira vs. Curtis Stevens is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Main Events. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloKhan.

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600 and $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $250 and $150 price level) are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

LAS VEGAS (April 12, 2016) – Cinco de Mayo Weekend just got more caliente as Golden Boy Promotions has turned up the heat for a packed weekend of boxing to kick off the highly anticipated showdown between Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs)and Amir “King” Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) on Saturday, May 7 at the new T-Mobile Arena. As a special treat for all Las Vegas boxing fans, Golden Boy Promotions will present a free night of outdoor boxing on Friday, May 6 at the Toshiba Plaza adjacent to the state-of-the-art T-Mobile Arena. Located on the Las Vegas Strip between New York-New York and Monte Carlo, fans will get to see Canelo and Khan face off for the final time during their official weigh-in on the Toshiba Plaza immediately followed by a night of action-packed fights starting at 4:00 p.m. PT.

For fight fans watching the festivities from home, Estrella TV will present a special three hour broadcast of boxing with the main event featuring Tijuana knockout artist and former lightweight world title challenger Marvin “Cachorro” Quintero (28-6, 24 KOs). He will defend his NABF Lightweight Title against current NABA Lightweight Champion Petr “Zar” Petrov (36-4-2, 17 KOs) of Ryazan, Russia in a 10-round winner-takes-all event.

In the televised co-main event, Mexican warrior and former WBA Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano (29-4-1, 21 KOs) will take on the resilient Alan Sanchez (17-3-1, 9 KOs) of Fairfield, Calif.in 10 rounds of guaranteed excitement for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title. Opening the televised Estrella TV broadcast, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico’s Horacio “Violento” Garcia (30-1-0, 22 KOs) is scheduled to participate in a 10-round super bantamweight fight against an opponent to be announced shortly.

“Golden Boy Promotions is giving back to all the boxing fans in Las Vegas and kicking off Cinco de Mayo weekend on May 6 with an action-packed night of free boxing to get everyone warmed up for Canelo vs. Khan,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Golden Boy is committed to bring the best in boxing and the fights featured on May 6 are guaranteed non-stop action between fighters in their prime battling for titles that will get them closer to becoming the next world champions.”

“We are excited to have Petr Petrov fighting on this great weekend of boxing,” said Arthur R. Pelullo, President and CEO of Banner Promotio`ns. “Petr is on the cusp of fighting for a world title and winning this fight will gain him the NABF title, which will be added to his NABA title and will solidify him as one of the best lightweight’s in the world.”

Part of the non-televised card but still streaming live on Ring TV, Oscar “Ratón” Cortes (25-2, 13 KOs) of Zapopan, Mexico will participate in an eight-round lightweight clash and fan favorite Joet Gonzalez (12-0, 6 KOs) of Glendora, CA will go up against Chihuahua, Mexico’s Ricardo “Cepillo” Proano (11-3, 9 KOs) in a six-round featherweight bout. Leaving behind a highly decorated amateur career, Santa Ana, Calif.’s Alexis Rocha (1-0) has the entire boxing world buzzing as he fights professionally for the second time in a four-round super welterweight bout. Opponents will be announced shortly.

Marvin Quintero vs. Petr Petrov is a 10-round fight for the NABF and NABA Lightweight title and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold.” The festivities begin immediately after the Canelo vs. Khan official weigh-in at the outdoor Toshiba Plaza in front of T-Mobile Arena with the first bout starting at 4:30 p.m. PT. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, May 6 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 4:30 p.m. PT through 9:00 p.m. PT

Marvin “Cachorro” Quintero will make his return to the ring after his knockout over Jeffrey Fontanez in September 2015 at the Belasco Theater winning the NABF Lightweight Title. Throughout his long and notable boxing career, this experienced southpaw fighter has faced the likes of Walter Estrada and Miguel “Titere” Vasquez, the latter of whom he went up against for a shot at the IBF Lightweight World Championship. Quintero is fired up to fight Petr Petrov this May for his chance to add the NABA Lightweight Title to his collection.

With 36 victories under his belt, lightweight contender Petr “Zar” Petrov holds an impressive boxing resume including winner of ESPN’s 2014 Boxcino tournament. Petrov was last seen in the ring on April 2015 taking on former world champion Gamaliel “Platano” Diaz winning the NABO and NABA Lightweight Titles via unanimous decision. As the current NABA Lightweight Title holder, Petrov will be looking to add another notable title to his name when he faces Quintero on May 6.

High off his last win against Silverio “Chamaco II” Ortiz, Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano of Tlalnepantla, Mexico State, Mexico is set on demolishing any opponent who stands in his way of adding another title to his name. No stranger in battling for belts, Cano is the former WBA Interim Super Lightweight World Champion and NABF Light Welterweight Champion and along his path to world championship gold has fought for the WBA Welterweight World Championship against Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi and the vacant WBC Super Lightweight World Championship against Erik “El Terrible” Morales.

Meanwhile, hailing from Fairfield, CA, Alan Sanchez has impressed boxing fanatics everywhere, especially in his defeat of John Karl Sosa on the weekend of the Cotto vs. Canelo this past November at Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and Casino last November. A former sparring partner for world champion Canelo Alvares and coming off a five win streak over Jorge “Pantera” Silva, Jorge “Zurdo” Ramirez Jr., Ed “The Lion” Paredes, and Carlos “Kalimba” Lozano, Sanchez is hoping to secure his first title when he takes on Pablo Cesar Cano for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title.

Last November, Guadalajara, Mexico’s Horacio “Violento” Garcia brought every bit of his power and punch when he took down distinguished fighter Raul “Bule” Hidalgo at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Café as he fought during the weekend of Cotto vs. Canelo. As the current title holder for the WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight Title, “Violento” is ready to take on any opponent willing to step up in the ring to face him Cinco de Mayo weekend.

Oscar “Ratón” Cortes, the 27-year-old native of Zapopan, Mexico, will bring his experience to the ring on May 6, with victories over well-known fighters such as Alejandro “Zorrito” Barrera and Alexander Monterrosa. As the two-time champion for the WBC Youth Intercontinental Lightweight Title, Cortes is has all of the experience to make this eight-round lightweight bout an all-out brawl on May 6.

Always swift in the ring, Glendora, CA’s Joet Gonzalez has so far taken on the likes of Marcos “No Money” Rios, Miguel “Yaqui” Tamayo, and Jose Angel “Pepe” Beranza in his hopeful boxing career. After his latest knockout last November at LA FIGHT CLUB, this undefeated fighter is using all of his power to maintain his undefeated status, opening up the Cinco de Mayo weekend festivities against Ricardo Proano of Chihuahua, Mexico on May 6.

Chihuahua, Mexico’s own Ricardo “Cepillo” Proaño will be making his first appearance in Las Vegas on May 6. Having previously fought for the WBC FECOMBOX Super Featherweight Title in 2012, Proano will be looking to use that experience against the rising featherweight star Joet Gonzalez. A professional since 2011, he has taken on tough opposition in Edgar “Lic” Martinez, Cesar Alan Valenzula and Francisco “Panchito El Centenario” De Vaca. On May 6, Proano will look to start off 2016 in the winner’s column.

Newly signed with Golden Boy Promotions, 20-year-old southpaw standout, Alexis Rocha of Santa Ana, CA will make his debut in the “Fighting Capital of The World” on May 6. As the brother of fellow Golden Boy Promotions stable mate and current WBC Silver Featherweight Champion Ronny Rios, Rocha brings an impressive amateur record that has helped develop him as a top talent in the ring.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #BoxeoEstelar.

LONDON (April 8) – Boxing ace Amir Khan has hailed Manny Pacquiao as one of the greatest ever.

The Filipino superstar is set to call time on his illustrious career when he takes on Timothy Bradley live and exclusive on Premier Sports this Saturday night from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Speaking about his former stablemate Khan was quick to praise the eight-time world champion regarding him as one of the best of his generation.

“What Manny has achieved in boxing is incredible,” Khan told Premier Sports. “If he does call it a day with his career he can look back and be very proud of what he achieved because very few fighters have done what he has.

“He’s been in top fights, won a lot of world titles and has fought for everything to get to where he has got to so I have nothing but respect for that.

“It’s clear that he is one of the best fighters of this generation and I wish him nothing but the best if he does end his career against Bradley,” he said.

The 29-year-old Bolton boxer who is lined up to face Canelo Alvarez in a megafight at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas next month for the middleweight world title was in the running to be Pacquiao’s opponent this time around.

However, despite intense negotiations the fight never materialised, something which Khan hoped would have taken place.

“You always want to test yourself against the best and Manny is still one of the best around. It’s a fight we tried to make happen between us but for some reason or other it never came about,” said Khan.

“My team met with Bob Arum in London and we had agreed everything but it didn’t happen. It would have been a great fight and backstory but we both have other big fights coming up so are focused on them.

“I have no doubt it would have been an explosive fight but I wish Manny luck in his fight with Bradley,” said Khan.

37-year-old Pacquiao will meet Californian Bradley in a rubber match following previous meetings in 2012 and 2014.

Five-time world champion Bradley controversially won the first one before Pacquiao bounced back to win their second meeting in style, with this weekend’s clash set to be the decider.

Khan has picked the Philippines Congressman to come out on top despite acknowledging the improvements in Bradley.

“I think the fight will be closer this time around but Manny will have too much in the end. It will be interesting to see how he bounces back from his shoulder injury though and what sort of affect that will have on him,” Khan said.

“Bradley has improved under Teddy Atlas but it takes time to really get to know each other and they’ve only been together for one fight so it’s still early in their relationship.

“I’m interested to see what they have up their sleeve for this fight but I’m sure Manny will be able to deal with it,” he said.

To watch Pacquiao v Bradley 3 live and exclusive on Premier Sports for only £9.99 visit premiersports.com or call 0871 663 9000.

DENVER – April 7, 2016 – On Cinco De Mayo weekend, Golden Boy Promotions, Fathom Events and O’Reilly Auto Parts will present a match-up between two of boxing’s biggest stars with Canelo Alvarez vs. Amir Khan, broadcast live from Las Vegas’ new T-Mobile Arena to select movie theaters across the U.S. This mega-fight promises high-intensity action between two of boxing’s most powerful athletes competing in the prime of their careers; WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez makes his first title defense of 2016 against former two-time world champion and resurgent contender Amir “King” Khan. The event will be presented live on Saturday, May 7 at 9:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. MT / 6:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. AK / 3:00 p.m. HI.

Additionally, three exciting fights have been confirmed leading up to the Canelo vs. Khan mega-fight. In the co-main event of the evening, Canada’s biggest boxing star and former IBF Middleweight World Champion David Lemieux (34-3, 31 KOs) will be looking to make an impression and use his power against the swift contender from Passaic, New Jersey, Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia (23-2, 15 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round middleweight fight. Top rated contender and former WBA Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (22-5) will move up to welterweight to square off against East L.A.’s undefeated Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez (20-0, 13 KOs) in a ten-round welterweight fight. Opening up the televised undercard, Patrick Teixeira (26-0, 22 KOs) will face Curtis Stevens (27-5, 20 KOs) in a ten-round career-defining middleweight bout.

Tickets for Canelo Alvarez vs. Amir Khan can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in nearly 200 movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

At the age of 25, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs), the current WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion, has conquered the boxing world, captivating fans both at home and around the globe with his action-packed fighting style, charisma and willingness to take on the toughest challenges. The 2015 Fighter of the Year candidate’s road to stardom began in 2011 with a win over Matthew “Magic” Hatton for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World title. On November 21, 2015, Canelo defeated future Hall-of-Famer Miguel Cotto for the WBC, RING Magazine and Lineal Middleweight Championship in front of a packed arena at the Mandalay Events Center in Las Vegas and more than 900,000 homes across the country. The unanimous decision victory cemented Canelo’s status as boxing’s biggest draw and among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

“This fight, against Amir Khan on May 7, is one of the biggest fights of my career, and I am glad that all my loyal fans will have the opportunity to support me not only at the new T-Mobile in Las Vegas, but also in theaters across the country. That makes me even more motivated to defeat Amir Khan and offer fans a fight full of high intensity,” said Canelo Alvarez

Bolton, Lancashire, England native, Amir “King” Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) catapulted into the media spotlight after winning the silver medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Khan turned professional on July 16, 2005 with a first round technical knockout victory over Phil Edwards. Since then, Khan’s highlights include giving Carlos Molina his first professional loss in December 2012 and defeating former IBF Lightweight World Champion Julio “The Kidd” Diaz in April 2013, securing the WBC Silver Welterweight title. In May 2014 Khan secured the WBA International Welterweight title against Luis Collazo, and went on to defend his titles in spectacular fashion against former three-time world champion Devon “The Great” Alexander in December 2014 and former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion Chris Algieri in May 2015. Now, “King” Khan will be looking to become a world champion again when he faces Canelo.

“Saturday May 7 is going to witness a special moment in my career,” said Amir Khan. “I’m facing a great champion in Canelo Alvarez and know I will need to be at my very best. I’m ready to give everything to win this fight and I’m delighted that boxing fans will be able to watch this fantastic event live on the big screen.”

Fathom Events Vice President of Programming Kymberli Frueh said, “This event is set to be a ‘must-see’ fight. Boxing fans nationwide will enjoy thrilling views of this classic speed vs. power bout, up on the big screen and bigger-than-life.”

BoxNation have secured the exclusive UK live TV rights for the biggest fight of the year between boxing superstars Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan on Saturday 7th May at the new state-of-the-art T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In a stunning acquisition, The Channel of Champions will screen the sensational showdown that pits Canelo Alvarez, the WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion, against British superstar and former two-time world champion Amir Khan in an explosive blockbuster battle.

BoxNation, who in the first four months of this year will have shown five of the ten best pound-for-pound fighters in the world in Sergey Kovalev, Andre Ward, Terence Crawford and Gennady Golovkin exclusively live, delivers to its subscribers and British fight fans the mega-fight of the year.

The scene is set for the fistic extravaganza at the brand new, state-of-the-art, 20,000 seat arena on the famous Cinco De Mayo, Mexican holiday, weekend with thousands of fans descending into the big fight city.

Mexican great Canelo, the former unified WBC and WBA World Super-Welterweight Champion, has captivated fans around the world with his all-action brand of fighting and desire to face the toughest challenges.

With an outstanding record of 46 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw and 32 KO’s, his sole loss came against then pound-for-pound great Floyd Mayweather Jr. on points, but has since gone on to lay claim to be boxing’s biggest draw and one of the best and most recognized fighters in the sport.

Canelo makes the first defense of his WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championship crown – that he won against Puerto Rican rival Miguel Cotto last November – at the catchweight of 155lbs, but now must match his power and ferocious combination punching against Khan’s lightning fast and power-packed fists.

For British ace Khan, 31 wins, 3 losses and 19 KO’s, he faces the biggest challenge of his life when he steps up in weight to take on Canelo in a truly career defining fight.

The Bolton fighter has faced insurmountable odds in the past when as a 17-year-old at the 2004 Athens Olympics he mesmerised the nation as he battled his way to a silver medal.

As a professional he’s marked himself out as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport with his electrifying performances. Khan’s won his last five fights in a row following a loss to unified super lightweight world champion Danny Garcia, including exciting wins over former world champion Luis Collazo, former three-time world champion Devon Alexander and heads into the May 7 mega-fight with a victory over former world champion Chris Algieri last time out in May 2015.

“I’m delighted and proud that the biggest fight of the year between Khan and Canelo will be broadcast exclusively live in the UK on BoxNation,” said Frank Warren, Chairman of BoxNation. “We’ve had a tremendous year so far with five out of the top ten world’s best fighters all showcasing their talents on the Channel Of Champions and now the fantastic addition of Canelo vs. Khan. The fight has caught the imagination of the public because Khan is taking a huge risk by moving up a couple of weight divisions to face one of the most fearsome fighters in the world in Canelo. It’s a fascinating clash that has got the public, trade and media all split. Can Amir overcome the odds and use his fast feet and hands to overcome the raw aggression and power of Canelo? UK fight fans will be able to find out only on BoxNation.”

“BoxNation is a great broadcast partner to carry the Canelo-Khan mega fight in the UK,” said Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Canelo-Khan is an international fight, with Mexico’s biggest star fighter facing Britain’s biggest star fighter, so I am pleased British audiences will have the opportunity to catch the action on BoxNation.”

“Amir Khan and I are two warriors and I am very pleased that such an important network like BOX Nation will be broadcasting our fight in the UK,” said Canelo Alvarez. “This demonstrates the tremendous interest that exists in this mega-fight on May 7, and will remind everyone that the fans are the ones who will be victorious because we will deliver an exciting fight.”

“The fight against Canelo is the biggest challenge of my career and having the support of my fans back home, watching live on BoxNation, is going to help inspire me to victory,” said Amir Khan. “This fight is going to have it all – speed, power, skill – and I’m going to give everything to make sure that it’s my hand that is raised come the end of the night. It’s not going to be easy but I’m going to do British boxing proud.”

– Ends –

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers.

About Canelo vs. Khan

Canelo vs. Khan, a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, Casa Mexico Tequila and DOOM® — Fight Like Hell on May 13. David Lemieux vs. Glen Tapia is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management and Patrick Teixeira vs. Curtis Stevens is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Main Events. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed in the U.S. live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600 and $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $250 and $150 price level) are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloKhan.

March 31, 2016 – Fight fans eager for a revealing inside look at the eagerly anticipated May 7th HBO Pay-Per-View® middleweight championship superfight between Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan, should mark their calendars to catch an all-new edition of “Face Off,” starring the two prizefighters. “Face Off With Max Kellerman: Canelo/Khan” debuts Saturday, April 16 at 11:15 p.m. (ET/PT).

Moderated by Max Kellerman, “Face Off” is an insightful and often gripping interview session in which the two fighters square off and answer Kellerman’s questions. This marks Alvarez’s second visit to “Face Off,” and the first-ever appearance for Khan on the series. In addition, the fighters will be joined on the set by their accomplished trainers. Both Eddy Reynoso and Virgil Hunter will participate in the roundtable.

The Canelo/Khan edition of “Face Off” is set to air multiple times on HBO and HBO2. “Face Off” will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO NOW, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing as well as various other new media platforms that distribute the program.

HBO air times include: April 17 (9:30 a.m.), 18 (12:25 p.m.), 28 (2:15 p.m.) and May 1 (8:15 a.m.), 2 (4:35 a.m.), 4 (11:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.), 5 (4:15 a.m.), 6 (6:45 p.m.) and 7 (3:15 p.m.).

HBO 2 air times include: April 18 (12:00 a.m.), 21 (7:30 p.m.), 30 (1:55 a.m.) and May 1 (4:45 p.m.), 3 (3:15 p.m.), 5 (10:50 p.m.), 6 (11:15 a.m. & 11:30 p.m.) and 7 (10:30 a.m.).

All times are ET/PT.

“Face Off With Max Kellerman: Canelo/Khan” is part of the wide-ranging mix of original programming content being produced for the inaugural boxing event to take place at the brand new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It all culminates when Canelo vs. Khan happens Saturday, May 7. The fight card will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

LOS ANGELES (March 21, 2016) – Before WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion, Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) and former two-time world champion Amir “King” Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) step into the ring at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 7 for the biggest fight of 2016 thusfar, three hard-hitting bouts have been confirmed to get fight fans ready for the main event.

Canada’s biggest boxing star and former IBF Middleweight World Champion David Lemieux (34-3, 31 KOs) will be looking to make an impression and use his power against the swift contender from Passaic, New Jersey, Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia (23-2, 15 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight co-main event.

As part of the televised undercard, top rated contender, Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (22-5, 7 KOs) of Riverside, Calif. will move up to welterweight to face East Los Angeles’ undefeated star Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez (20-0, 13 KOs)in a 10-round welterweight fight sure to excite boxing fans.

Opening up the pay-per-view telecast, heavy-handed Brazilian star Patrick Teixeira (26-0, 22 KOs) is set to face former world title challenger Curtis “Showtime” Stevens (27-5, 20 KOs) in a 10-round career-defining middleweight bout.

The live mega event, which matches some of boxing’s most popular and recognizable fighters against each other in exciting matchups will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

“I am back,” said David Lemieux. “I am coming back strong and ready to be on top of the middleweight division where I belong.”

“This is a make or break moment,” said Glen Tapia. “I can’t wait to show everyone what I am made of. People will see a new and improved Glen Tapia and this is the best place to show it; as part of a stellar undercard. I know David will be a tough opponent, but I am ready for this challenge to take on the best in the division and show the world a fully realized Glen Tapia.”

“We want to give back to the fans with this undercard and provide thrilling, action-packed bouts leading up to the main event with Canelo Alvarez vs. Amir Khan on May 7,” said Oscar De La Hoya. “We appreciate the fans support and wanted to give them the best bang for their buck with these televised undercard fights. To watch exciting, competitive undercard bouts leading up to the biggest boxing event so far of 2016 will help to create buzz by the time Canelo and Amir reach the ring and fans pay to feel a part of that electric atmosphere.”

“I am extremely happy for David to be on such a high profile card as the co-main event to Canelo Alvarez vs. Amir Khan,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management. “David is motivated, now more than ever, to reconquer his status as a world champion and winning this fight will get him closer to his goal. I am confident David will put on a fight to remember on May 7.”

“This is a great opportunity for Glen, he knows he has to be at his best against a warrior like Lemeuix,” said Pat Lynch, Manager to Glen Tapia. “I know he is up for the challenge and will give everyone Mat 7a great fight to remember.”

“May 7 is the day I have to slaughter another young lion to prove myself again,” said Mauricio Herrera. “Frankie Gomez is a strong fighter that will bring the absolute best out of me. I will be in tip top shape for the mega-event.”

“This is the kind of fight I have been training for my entire career,” said Frankie Gomez. “Herrera is a recognized and ranked fighter, he has a lot of experience and it’s my chance to prove myself and show everyone who has doubted me, what I can do in the ring. I feel very excited to be part of a great undercard, fans can expect an exciting night, don’t miss it.”

“I am excited to be part of one of the biggest boxing events of the year,” said Patrick Teixeira. “I promise to go out to the ring fully prepared for the best Curtis Stevens and show that I am a fighter to be feared in the middleweight division. I want to thank my team and Golden Boy Promotions for this opportunity, and on May 7 fans can expected to see an exciting fight opening the televised event.”

“This guy is a zero and has got to go,” said Curtis Stevens. “I’m ready to start climbing up in the rankings again and am happy to be on this great HBO card with my man Canelo Alvarez.”

“This is a great crossroads match up for Curtis on a big platform,” said Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events. “He needs to deliver on May 7th and I know he will!”

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600 and $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $250 and $150 price level) are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

Canelo vs. Khan, a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold”, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Casa Mexico Tequila and DOOM® — Fight Like Hell on May 13. David Lemieux vs. Glen Tapia is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management and Patrick Teixeira vs. Curtis Stevens is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Main Events. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Currently ranked as one of the top middleweight fighters by the WBC and IBF, former IBF World Middleweight Champion David Lemieux is making his return to the ring on May 7 after a sell-out crowd at The Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden in New York, when he faced Gennady Golovkin for the Unified Middleweight World Championship on October 17. Before his face off against Golovkin, Lemieux was coming off of his ninth consecutive victory over Hassan N’Dam in June 2015 and seventh consecutive knockout against Gabriel “King” Rosado last December 2014. The 27-year-old Lemieux was victorious in dominant fashion capturing the vacant IBF Middleweight Title against Hassan N’Dam on June 20 in his hometown of Montreal, Canada. Dropping N’Dam four times, the hard-hitting Canadian won a wide, 12-round unanimous decision. Lemieux made his HBO and United States debut in headline fashion with a fantastic performance stopping top contender Gabriel Rosado in the tenth round on December, 2014 in Brooklyn, New York. Now, Lemieux is ready to fight Glen Tapia in a memorable mega event in Las Vegas.

Known as one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the sport, Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia will be looking for an opportunity to start off 2016 with a victory when he faces power-puncher David Lemieux on May 7. A professional since 2008, the 26-year-old is a tough fighter who has taken on some of the fiercest opposition in the sport, including match-ups against James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland, Daniel “The Rock” Dawson, and Michel Soro. One of the most decorated amateur fighters of his time, Tapia has competed for the NABO and USBA super welterweight titles. Now, Tapia has set his sights on becoming a world champion as he prepares for his fight on May 7.

Fan favorite Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera has established his reputation over the years with an old school approach that has seen him show off the technical aspects of the sweet science like few others. Throw in a warrior’s heart and the 35-year-old from Riverside, California is a must-see for all followers of the sport. Owner of wins over former world champions Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov, Johan “El Terrible” Perez and, most recently, “Hammerin” Hank Lundy, Herrera’s only defeats over the last two years have been controversial decision losses to current world champions Danny “Swift” Garcia and Jose Benavidez. Now moving up to 147 pounds, he expects to be better than ever.

East LA’s Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez is known for his exciting style and powerful punches. He is the owner of 13 knockouts in three rounds or fewer and can also box, as shown in his near-shutout victories over longtime contenders Vernon “Ice Man” Paris in July of 2014 and Jorge “Pantera” Silva in October of 2015. A decorated amateur who won the 2009 United States Championship and earned a Silver medal in the 2009 World Championships, Gomez is ready to face the top opposition and chase his dreams of a world championship in 2016.

From Sombrio, Santa Catarina, Brazil and residing in Sao Paulo, southpaw Patrick Teixeira has paid his dues on the way up the middleweight ladder and after putting together a perfect record, the Brazilian star will take on his biggest test to date in former world title challenger Curtis “Showtime” Stevens. An active fighter who has competed around the world since turning professional in 2009, the 25-year-old will make his Las Vegas debut this May after scoring big knockout wins over Patrick Allotey and Don Mouton in 2015.

One of the most exciting knockout artists in boxing, Curtis “Showtime” Stevens hails from the same Brownsville, Brooklyn neighborhood that produced the legendary Mike Tyson, and Stevens, like “Iron Mike,” enjoys nothing more than a fast finish on fight night. Winner of two of his last three, with knockouts of Patrick “The Machine” Majewski and current number one IBF Middleweight contender Tureano Johnson, the 31-year-old former NABF middleweight champ can make his case for another world title shot with a win over Teixeira on May 7.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloKhan.

SAN DIEGO (March 17, 2016) –WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) and British top fighter and former two-time former world champion Amir “King” Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) opened training camp to the media in San Diego and Oakland respectively this week in preparation for their May 7 clash at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

“I train hard to fight hard, and I am focused this training camp to be prepared to win on May 7 and maintain my status as the champion,” said Canelo Alvarez. “Amir Khan is a talented fighter and though I know I will be triumphant as the victor on May 7, I will not underestimate the challenge he poses to me in the ring.”

“Training for this fight is off to a great start,” said Eddy Reynoso, trainer for Canelo Alvarez. “We have been in camp for a few weeks and actually started in Mexico before the press tour. We are taking the fight against Amir Khan very seriously and want to be prepared for anything on May 7. We expect Canelo to train very effectively as he always does. He is very dedicated and serious about the sport.”

“Camp is going great and I’m feeling really good,” said Amir Khan. “I’ve exceeded a lot of the targets that I set myself at this stage and am well on course. Virgil Hunter is happy with how things are going, and come May 7, I’m going to be in the best condition, physically and mentally, that I can be.

“I’m getting ready to give the fans a very exciting fight at the T-Mobile Arena,” Khan continued. “We’re working on the perfect game plan for this fight and that is what is going to win it for me. I don’t put too much emphasis on one individual thing, whether that’s speed or power, it’s about having all the boxes ticked going into the fight. I know what Canelo does well, and his key attributes, so we’ll be looking to nullify those. I’m going to keep pushing myself hard in training and will be ready to give everything come fight night.”

“I’m pleased with how our training camp is going,” said Virgil Hunter, trainer to Amir Khan. “Amir is very focused, and he is aware of the challenge that lies before him. We have seen a lot of Canelo and know what to expect so we’ll have the right game plan to overcome him.”

Canelo won the WBC Middleweight World Championship on November 21, 2015 by defeating Puerto Rico’s four division World Champion and future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) via unanimous decision at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Amir Khan was last seen in the ring defeating former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion, Chris Algieri (21-2, 8 KOs) via unanimous decision in May 2015 to maintain his WBC Silver Welterweight title.

Canelo vs. Khan, a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Casa Mexico Tequila. The mega-event will take place on Saturday, May 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.HBO.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @TMobileArena, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.Facebook.com/tmobilearena and www.Facebook.com.HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @tmobilearena, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloKhan.