Floyd Mayweather has confirmed that he will face undefeated Mexican sensation Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in a light-middleweight unification world title fight in Las Vegas on 14 September.

The 36 year old has previously been criticised for avoiding opponents such as Paul Williams or Miguel Cotto during his prime years, but Alvarez presents a fighter at the very peak of his powers.

Floyd Mayweather
Floyd Mayweather will face Saul Alvarez on September 14. [Reuters]

El Canelo is undefeated in his 43 contests and is coming off the back of an impressive performance against Austin Trout where he added the WBA light-middleweight title to his collection.

Mayweather revealed on Twitter that he would be facing the dangerous 22 year old who many observers see as the one man that may trouble the American.

"I chose my opponent for September 14th and it's Canelo Alvarez. I'm giving the fans what they want. It will be at the MGM Grand," wrote Mayweather.

There is still some confusion as to whether the bout will take place at welterweight or at light middleweight, with some media outlets suggesting that a catchweight of 152lb will be put in place.

It also appears as though both fighters will still put their respective titles on the line with Alvarez holding the WBC and WBA belts, while Mayweather is still recognised as the WBA's 'super' champion after winning the title against Cotto last year.

With the bout taking place on Mexican Independence day there is sure to be plenty of vocal support for Alvarez who is no stranger to fighting in Las Vegas, having defeated Shane Mosley and Josesito Lopez at the MGM Grand.

This will also be Mayweather's second fight on Showtime after agreeing a six-bout deal with the network as he looks to prove to one and all that he is the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.