Amir Khan to fight Saul Alvarez for world title

The 25-year-old Alvarez, beaten only once in 48 fights, holds the WBC world middleweight after beating Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas. Alvarez’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya announced the bout on Twitter on Tuesday.

Khan also took to social media to simply tweet.

"I know Canelo fights the best and wouldn't pass up the opportunity to face me like others have," Khan said.

"My goal is to always fight the biggest names and the best fighters that is why I'm excited for this fight."

The bout will take place on May 7, Cinco de Mayo weekend.

“As the middleweight champion of the world, I will take on the best fighters in the sport and on Cinco De Mayo weekend, I look forward to making the first defense of my titles,” said Alvarez.

“Amir was a decorated amateur, a two-time world champion and is in the prime of his career. Fans are in for a great fight on May 7.”

The fight means a British superfight between Khan and Kell Brook at welterweight level has been put on the backburner.

Khan, who boasts a 31-3 record with 19 knockouts, has not fought since outpointing Chris Algieri in New York last May.