Saul Alvarez to take on Daniel Jacobs in middleweight unification fight

Saul Alvarez has ended talk of a trilogy with Gennady Golovkin after setting up a middleweight unification fight with Daniel Jacobs.

Having drawn with Golovkin in their first bout in 2017, ‘Canelo’ beat the Kazakhstan fighter in their highly-anticipated rematch last September, leading to speculation that a third bout was on the cards this year.

But Matchroom Boxing announced on Thursday evening that Alvarez has now opted to defend his WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine middleweight world titles against IBF belt holder Jacobs on May 4.

Alvarez moved up a division to beat Englishman Rocky Fielding in three rounds last month, becoming a three-weight world champion, but will return to 160 pounds to face Jacobs.

The Mexican told Matchroom Boxing: “I’m happy to announce my next fight during the festive weekend of Cinco de Mayo.

“I will unify my middleweight titles against Daniel Jacobs on one of the two most important dates that belong to me.

“I have no doubt that I will be victorious and that I’ll be one step away from becoming the undisputed middleweight world champion.”

Jacobs added: “This is the opportunity I have been waiting for. The opportunity to achieve greatness inside the ring. I have always believed I can beat Canelo, and on May 4, I will get my chance to play it out.

“It’s been nearly four years since Canelo has faced an American challenger. It’s going to be a huge event where I believe I will cement myself as the best middleweight in the division.”