Canelo-Kovalev light heavyweight title fight set for Nov. 2

Canelo Alvarez will take on Sergey Kovalev for the WBO light heavyweight championship on Nov. 2 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand, DAZN announced Friday.

Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 KOs) will move up two weight classes to challenge Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs).

The bout will take place at the weight-class limit of 175 pounds, and there's no catchweight for the contract, sources told Mike Coppinger of The Athletic.

If Alvarez wins, it would mark the fourth world title he's claimed in four different divisions. The 29-year-old would also become the second Mexican-born boxer to hold a championship belt in the light heavyweight division, according to Boxing News 24.

"The second phase of my career is continuing just as we had planned, and that’s why we are continuing to make great fights to enter into the history books of boxing," Alvarez said. "That’s also why I’ve decided to jump two weight classes against one of the most feared champions of recent years.

"Kovalev is a dangerous puncher, and he’s naturally the bigger man, but that’s the kind of challenges and risks that I like to face."

The 36-year-old Kovalev added that he's embracing the challenge of facing a fighter like Alvarez.

"In order to be the best you have to beat the best," Kovalev said. "I have always tried to fight the toughest opponents in my division, but many have ducked me throughout my career. Canelo wanted to fight me; to step up to higher weight and challenge for my belt.

"I will be ready on Nov. 2. Thank you, Main Events, Kathy Duva, Egis Klimas, DAZN and Canelo for making this fight happen."

Kovalev's financial package for the fight is $12 million before promotional cuts, sources told Coppinger.