Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin will meet again (Photo: HoganPhotos)
By Chris Robinson
By now, it’s been well documented to everyone the kind of ride Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin have put us through these past few months. From Canelo Alvarez initially failing a pre-fight drug test that ended up leading to the cancellation of their May rematch, to the back-and-forth war of words between the two camps, and eventually the promising news that we will be seeing the two men face off again in Sep., there has been a lot to take in.
But Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin part two is officially on its way, as the rematch is set for Sep. 15 inside of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., with HBO pay per view once again airing the contest. The two men fought to a controversial split-draw verdict after 12 rounds of action and people were speculating as to whether a rematch was going to actually take place.
For Canelo (49-1-2, 34 KO’s), he understands fully how much this particular matchup means to him in order to restore his luster as 0ne of the faces of boxing.
“The truth is that this fight means a lot to me because of all that has happened and all that has been said,” Canelo stated. “I will prove with my fists that I am the best, and Golovkin will eat all of his words and speculations. I will demonstrate who is the best when I defeat Golovkin soundly on September 15 during Independence Day Weekend, and I’ll make it clear that Mexican boxing is the best.”
Golovkin, (38-0-1, 34 KO’s), hurled some accusations towards Canelo in the wake of his failed drug test, implying that the Jalisco, Mex. superstar hasn’t been a clean athlete during his career. Canelo has taken the comments personally and there is some genuine bad blood going on here. Golovkin performed in May, knocking out junior middleweight contender Vanes Martirosyan in just two rounds, and he is ready for another go with Canelo.
“I am happy that the deal is done and the rematch is back on,” Golovkin stated. “I am ready to get back to work in Big Bear with Abel [Sanchez]. This is the biggest fight for boxing, the fight everyone wants. It is a fight to see who is best. It is for boxing history. I am happy to be defending my titles on Mexican Independence Day, a great stage for true Mexican-Style boxing. Canelo can walk to the ring last. Canelo can be introduced last. The important thing is who leaves the ring last, and that will be me, as world champion, the people’s champion. See you at the Big Drama Show.”
Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions, who promote Canelo, is adamant that his fighter is coming away with the win.
“There is serious bad blood between these fighters,” said De La Hoya. “The fight is personal, and the stakes are high. Canelo will without a doubt want to shut Golovkin up, and the only way to do it is by knocking him out on September 15. I have no doubts that our champion will walk away with the victory.”
Chris Robinson can be reahed at CRobinson@hustleboss.com