[2] Canelo Álvarez, who was coming off a unanimous decision victory over Erislandy Lara in July 2014, had been looking for a new opponent to fight.

His team had been negotiating with several potential opponents, including Miguel Cotto, but the talks had fallen through.

Ultimately, the decision was made to face James Kirkland, who had been considered a dangerous opponent due to his punching power.

[4] Kirkland came out aggressively, but Álvarez wobbled him and scored a knockdown via straight right hand in round one.

Álvarez ended the fight with a jab to the body quickly followed by the right hand, creating the KO.