ZAPOPAN, MEXICO: Undisputed super-middleweight king Saul Canelo Alvarez will defend his title against Britain鈥檚 John Ryder in Guadalajara in May, the first time the Mexican superstar has fought in his homeland since 2011.

Promoters Matchroom Boxing said that Alvarez (58-2-2, 29 knockouts) will face Ryder on May 6 at the Estadio Akron, the home stadium of Liga-MX club C.D. Guadalajara.

It is the first time Alvarez has fought in Mexico since defeating Kermit Cintron in Mexico City in 2011.

The bout also ties in with Mexico鈥檚 Cinco de Mayo holiday.

鈥淚 feel really happy to be coming back in May because following my surgery, I was unsure of when I鈥檇 be coming back,鈥� Alvarez, 32, said.

鈥淩eturning to the ring and coming back to fight in Jalisco, where I鈥檓 from, makes me especially happy.

鈥淎nd in John Ryder, I鈥檓 facing a very competitive fighter.鈥�

Alvarez will be defending his undisputed crown for the second time after beating rival Gennady Golovkin in their trilogy fight last September.

WBO mandatory challenger Ryder last fought in November, defeating Zach Parker by technical knockout to land the WBO鈥檚 interim title.

The 34-year-old also had an impressive win early in 2022 over Daniel Jacobs.

鈥淐anelo is one of the greats and I鈥檝e got a lot of respect for what he鈥檚 achieved in the sport but I fully believe this is my time to fulfil my dream of becoming a world champion,鈥� Ryder said.