Alvarez wants to have four fights this year

Saul Alvarez (54-1-2, 36 KOs) said that if he avoids injury, he intends to have four fights this year. The reigning WBA and WBC World Champion hasn't been so active since 2011.

The 30-year-old Mexican's next fight is scheduled for February 27 in Miami, when he crosses gloves with Avni Yildirim (21-2, 12 KOs), who is the official contender for the World Boxing Council belt. This will be Canelo's first performance in a recently signed two-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing.

The second fight, complementing this contract, will take place on May 8. Saul Alvarez will face the WBO world champion Billy Joe Saunders (30-0, 14 KOs) in the unification bout. Canelo's next fight is scheduled for September 18, when the Mexican will try to win the last missing belt in the 168 division against IBF champion Caleb Plant.

Alvarez's fourth appearance between the ropes this year is scheduled for December. It is not yet known in what weight limit and whom the world champion in four weight categories will face at the end of the year.