The highly-anticipated super-middleweight unification clash between Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders on May 8 is set to be contested in front of a huge audience as it was confirmed Friday that over 40,000 tickets have been sold in the pre-sale period. Boxing has been largely reduced to closed shows and restricted audiences during the Covid-19 pandemic, but it appears that the event, which is to be streamed live in multiple regions by DAZN, will go on in front of huge numbers.
Taking to social media, Eddie Hearn, the show’s promoter, couldn’t hide his delight at the anticipation for the fight. “Record Breaker!!! Canelo/Saunders smashes pre-sale record with over 40,000 sold. General sale has just begun. Don’t miss it!!!”
The fight, set for Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, is the latest instalment in Canelo’s quest for supreme dominance at super-middleweight. His December win over Saunders' countryman, Callum Smith, cemented the number one spot for Alvarez and he strengthened that position in February by halting Turkey’s Avni Yildrim. Will Saunders be next?
The stylish Brit tasted success at 160lbs with eye-catching wins over Andy Lee and Chris Eubank Jr. His move up in weight saw him capture his second world title but his recent list of opponents is several levels below Alvarez. It’s an intriguing fight, and judging by early ticket sales, it’s one that has captured the public’s imagination.
Canelo Alvarez v Billy Joe Saunders is not to be missed. Subscribe to DAZN here.