Boxing: Canelo Alvarez confirms clash with Callum Smith on December 19

• Callum Smith said he ‘truly believes’ he can upset dominant Canelo Alvarez
• Alvarez tweeted confirmation of the fight on his social media platforms
• The Mexican wrote: ‘I’m very happy to return and continue to make history’
• Eddie Hearn added: ‘I’m delighted to be part of this huge fight to close out 2020’
• Mental Health and Psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has announced he will take on Liverpool fighter Callum Smith on December 19.

The pair will face off in the United States just before Christmas with the WBA and Ring magazine world super-middleweight titles on the line.

Smith, undefeated in 27 fights and the WBA super-middleweight ‘super champion’, said:

‘I’ve been wanting a big fight since becoming world champion, so I’m pleased that during these challenging times we can deliver to the fans a fight between the very best in the division.

Smith had set his sights on the Mexican back in June, saying:

‘If I clean out the super-middleweight division and if he’s in that division then I’m the only fight for him.’

He took the strap after knocking out George Groves in Jeddah in September 2018, and has mounted two successful defences, stopping Hassan N’Dam in New York in three rounds and winning a decision against fellow Briton John Ryder in November 2019.

Canelo, who boasts a 53-1-2 record and is the WBA’s super-middleweight ‘regular champion’ – and is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world – said: ‘I’m very happy to return to the ring and continue to make history.