Canelo vs. Kovalev announced for Light Heavyweight title

Canelo Alvarez is set to face Sergey Kovalev for the WBO Light Heavyweight title on Nov. 2, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.

The biggest draw in boxing finally has a return date and opponent. The pride of Mexico, Canelo Alvarez, will take on WBO light heavyweight titleholder Sergey Kovalev.

It’s an interesting fight for Alvarez, as he will be jumping up two weight classes and seeking to become a four-division world champion.

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Canelo most recently outpointed Daniel Jacobs to a unanimous decision. Many believed he was heading to a GGG trilogy. Instead, he decided to forego his usual September fight schedule to pursue a match with one of the sport’s most dangerous punchers in Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs).

“The second phase of my career is continuing just as we had planned, and that’s why we are continuing to make great fights to enter into the history books of boxing,” Alvarez said in a press release. “That’s also why I’ve decided to jump two weight classes against one of the most feared champions of recent years. Kovalev is a dangerous puncher, and he’s naturally the bigger man, but that’s the kind of challenges and risks that I like to face.”

Canelo is recognized as boxing’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Though Kovalev, 36, may not be a calculated risk after winning four of his last five fights, most recently defending his title against Anthony Yarde and stopping him via knockout in the 11th round.

“In order to be the best you have to beat the best,” Kovalev said. “I have always tried to fight the toughest opponents in my division, but many have ducked me throughout my career. Canelo wanted to fight me; to step up to higher weight and challenge for my belt. I will be ready on Nov. 2.”

There’s no doubt Kovalev is past his prime, though the advantage in this fight still belongs to him. Despite his age, he is the naturally bigger opponent with the reach advantage. Also, Kovalev has fought his entire career at light heavyweight. Canelo has only competed over 160 pounds twice in his career.

This will be only the third fight of Canelo’s deal with DAZN — a good sign that the sport’s most popular athlete is willing to chase history so early into his 11-fight mega deal.

The WBO light heavyweight championship will be defended on Saturday, Nov. 2 in Las Vegas, live and exclusively on DAZN.