Canelo vs Angulo does 350,000 pay-per-view buys

Canelo Alvarez made his pay-per-view debut as the A-side fighter on March 8, and the numbers are encouraging. Matched with Alfredo Angulo, with both fighters coming off of losses, Canelo-Angulo did 350,000 pay-per-view buys, according to Showtime and Golden Boy.

The numbers are very good for a fight of this level, which was not marketed or budgeted as a "mega-fight" type of show, and the results are encouraging in Canelo's first carry job on a PPV sale.

"We are thrilled with the numbers from Saturday's event," said Showtime Sports' Stephen Espinoza. "March 8 was the first time Canelo Alvarez headlined his own pay per view, and he decisively proved that he was ready to carry a pay per view card. These results are especially impressive in comparison to the pay per view performances of other boxing events over the past few months. Add in the near sellout crowd and there is no doubt this event was a huge success for Canelo, Golden Boy Promotions, MGM Grand, Showtime and boxing as a whole."

"The fans have spoken," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "Canelo is without a doubt the brightest young star in the sport today. He's been a huge star in Mexico for quite some time. Now there is no denying that he is a star in the United States as well. We're already in discussions with Canelo to find the next opportunity to bring another exciting event to boxing fans worldwide."

Alvarez (43-1-1, 31 KO) is due to return in July, with the 26th the current rumored date, almost certainly back on Showtime pay-per-view.