Canelo-Yildirim done deal. What you need to know

Unified super middleweight world champion Canelo Alvarez’s mandatory title defense against Avni Yildirim on Feb. 27 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which I reported on Wednesday, was made official on Thursday.

Alvarez, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn and DAZN, which will air the fight, made the announcement that will bring boxing’s pound-for-pound king and top star back into the ring for the second time in just over two months — which is very uncommon for elite fighters — following his one-sided decision over Callum Smith to claim the super middleweight belts on Dec. 19 at San Antonio’s Alamodome.

Also made official in the announcement was that, as expected, Alvarez (54-1-2, 36 KOs), 30, of Mexico, and Matchroom Boxing have agreed to a two-fight deal. Alvarez and Eddy Reynoso, his trainer and manager, lauded Hearn for how he promoted the fight with Smith and they were interested in continuing to work with him even though they also talked to Premier Boxing Champions about a deal.

In the end, they went with with Hearn. The first fight of the deal will be against massive underdog Yildirim (21-2, 12 KOs), 29, of Turkey, and the second one is slated to be on May 8 (Cinco de Mayo weekend). Alvarez’s stated goal is to unify the super middleweight division and Hearn also promotes 168-pound world titlist Billy Joe Saunders (30-0, 14 KOs), making him the likely spring opponent as long as Alvarez defeats Yildirim.

Will spectators permitted at Hard Rock Stadium?

Yes, like with Alvarez-Smith in December, there will be a limited number of spectators allowed to attend. However, ticket details are still pending.

How can I watch the fight?

Like with Alvarez-Smith, the card will stream live on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories (excluding Mexico). It will also be available via traditional linear television pay-per-view in the United States and Canada for those who choose not to subscribe to DAZN.

What Canelo had to say

“Avni Yildirim is a good boxer and I know we will put on an exciting fight. I’m very glad that we are able to bring this event to Miami, a short distance from where my hero, Muhammad Ali, trained. Feb. 27 will be a great night for the sport.”

What Yildirim had to say

“I am honored as a (WBC) mandatory to fight again for the big green belt. Thank you to everyone who is involved. I always give my all, and everybody should be ready to see a war. I am coming to make my country proud. I am representing the whole of Turkey.”

What Reynoso had to say

“On Feb. 27, we take the next step in our journey to unify the super middleweight division. We will be facing our WBC mandatory opponent, Avni YildirIm. We are very happy with the alliance we have with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom to put on this bout together, especially in a new venue for us.”

What Hearn had to say

“It is an absolute honor to promote the pound-for-pound No. 1 and I’m so excited to head to Miami and the home of the Dolphins at the Hard Rock Stadium. Even in a pandemic, (Alvarez) is looking to be more active than ever and in his plan to be undisputed he must overcome his mandatory challengers to keep his belt. Yildirim is the first of those challenges who will be attempting to dethrone the king on Feb. 27. We look forward to a huge night of boxing on DAZN and the start of a huge year for Canelo.”