Two months after clinching the titles, Canelo Álvarez has his first title defense against Turkish boxer Avni Yıldırım on 27th February when he will be defending his WBC, WBA (Super), and The Ring super middleweight titles.
On 19th December last year, Canelo Álvarez (54-1-2, 36 KOs) defeated British pugilist Callum Smith via unanimous decision to win the three titles at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Now, the Mexican superstar is ready to defend his belts against mandatory challenger Avni Yıldırım (21–2, 12 KOs) on Feb 27 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
After a 2 year hiatus, Avni Yıldırım earns a title shot against Canelo Álvarez
A former WBC International super middleweight champion, Yıldırım has earned his second straight title challenge since facing Anthony Dirrell in February 2019 for the then vacant WBC super middleweight title and lost the tie via TD. It was also the last time the “Turkish Wolf” was seen in action inside the squared circle.
Returning to the ring after a hiatus of two years and earning another shot at the WBC world title, along with two more belts, has been prestigious for the 29-year-old Turk.
“I am honored as a mandatory to fight again for the big green belt – thank you to everyone who is involved,” said Yıldırım following the official announcement of the fight.
“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 (country) of Turkey,” the boxer added.
Admiration for his contender was noticed in the words of Canelo himself: “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. February 27 will be a great night for the sport,” added Canelo. (H/T DAZN)
