HBO’s Alvarez deal ends Golden Boy stand-off

Boxing promoter Golden Boy Promotions has struck a deal with US pay-television broadcaster HBO for live coverage of multiple fights featuring light-middleweight star Canelo Alvarez.

The length of the agreement was not disclosed, but the deal will begin in December with Alvarez’s (left of picture) bout against Joshua Clottey, according to Sports Illustrated.

The deal marks the first major agreement between Golden Boy, which is run by former boxer Oscar de la Hoya, and HBO since the pay-television broadcaster said in March 2013 that it had cut ties with the promotions company.

Since then, Golden Boy chief executive Richard Schaefer has left the company, and De la Hoya has repaired the strained relations with HBO sports president Ken Hershman.

“Everyone at HBO is excited to welcome back Canelo Álvarez to the HBO family, and we can't wait to re-introduce him to our subscribers,” Hershman said. “At only 24 years old, Canelo has already established himself as one of the boxing world's brightest stars, and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship as we embark on this new chapter together.”