Canelo Alvarez, John Ryder near agreement to fight May 6 in Mexico

Undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez is said to be close to reaching an agreement to defend his title against John Ryder on May 6.

ESPN, citing “sources,” is reporting that the match is likely to take place in Jalisco, Mexico, although that has not been finalized. Akron Stadium, which has a capacity of more than 46,000 people, is the leading venue for the event, according to ESPN.

Alvarez hasn’t competed in his homeland since knocking out Kermit Cintron in 2011.

WBO President Francisco Valcarcel confirmed to Yahoo Sports that Alvarez will take on Ryder, a Londoner who has won four games since he lost a controversial decision to compatriot Callum Smith in 2019.

“I can tell you they’re going to fight, but they haven’t sent us the sanction letter yet so I don’t know where,” Valcarcel said.

Alvarez (58-2-2, 39 KOs) was on the verge of a unanimous decision victory in his third matchup against Gennadiy Golovkin in September, after which he successfully operated on his left wrist.

That bout followed his unanimous decision defeat to light heavyweight belt holder Dmitry Bivol last May, the Mexican’s first loss since he was overtaken by Floyd Mayweather in 2013. .

Alvarez is said to be intent on taking on Bivol for a second time next September if he beats Ryder (32-5, 18 KOs), who would be a significantly weaker underdog.