Saul Alvarez’s first major title shot will be for Manny Pacquiao’s vacated, WBC 154 pound belt when he faces Matthew Hatton on March 5.
Earlier this week, Golden Boy Promotion petitioned the WBC on behalf of Alvarez to make the match for Pacquiao’s recently relinquished belt. Pacquiao established a new record when he beat Antonio Margarito for the title in November, making him the only fighter to win titles in eight different weight classes.
Due to its longgevity, the WBC is still considered by many boxing observers to be the most prestigious title of the four major sanctioning bodies. Alvarez planned to win a major title this year, but did not expect the opportunity to come so quickly. As a result, the undefeated fighter says he’s now more motivated for what many viewed as a stay busy fight.
“This is a great opportunity and an honor to fight for the WBC super welterweight world title as I have a lot of respect for the WBC,” Alvarez explained. “I said that I wanted to fight for a world title in 2011 and now the opportunity has arrived.”
Matthew Hatton has lived in the shadow of his famous older brother Ricky, who is a former undisputed champion at junior welterweight. Although the younger Hatton won the European welterweight title last year, he knows winning a major belt, especially one just held by boxing’s consensus #1 pound for pound fighter, would greatly enhance his standing internationally.
“I have been waiting my entire career to fight for a world title and I can’t put into words how excited I am,” Hatton explained. “I was already really motivated for this fight and this just adds to it. I am ready to bring the belt back with me to Manchester.”
Alvarez-Hatton will air live on HBO as part of a double-header with Daniel Ponce de Leon vs. Adrien Broner. The bout will take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Tickets can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com.
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