The boxing world is ready to kick off fight week for what is set to be one of the biggest PPV events of the year. It’s almost time for Canelo vs. Golovkin II on September 15, 2018.
This event will host a middleweight bout between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (49-1-2) taking on Gennady Golovkin (38-0-1) in a rematch. The two fought to a controversial split draw in September of 2017. Originally set to take place on May 5th, 2018, the rematch was later canceled after Alvarez tested positive for clenbuterol (a substance linked to steroids).
Canelo Test Failure
Although Alvarez went on to claim the positive drug test results were due to meat contamination, the Mexican superstar was nonetheless given a six-month suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. They were quite lenient in their decision, as the standard suspension is one year for first-time violators.
The suspension being retroactive to February meant Alvarez could return to the ring as soon as September. This made a rematch with the unified middleweight champion Golovkin open on the traditional Mexican Independence Day weekend, and here we are.
Golovkin Defends
Golovkin on the other hand, still went on to fight on Cinco De Mayo as originally planned. It was against American boxer Vanes Martirosyan, ending in a victory for ‘GGG’ via KO in the second round.
Following the bout in which Golovkin retained the WBA, WBC, and IBO middleweight titles in May, ‘GGG’ and his team didn’t take long to set up a rematch with Alvarez. It was announced on June 13 by Golden Boy Promotions.
All Eyes on Canelo vs. Golovkin II
The first bout between the two did extremely high numbers, recording the third biggest live gate in boxing history, falling just short of Mayweather-Pacquiao in 2015 as well as trailing Mayweather-McGregor.
Although the two fought to a controversial split draw, the title bout still managed to hit 1.3 million buys and many are expecting the rematch to draw just as much, if not more. Many fans were left waiting to see who the better boxer really is.
Golovkin has since been vocal on not leaving the decision to the judges this time, while Alvarez has also stated he will come out looking for the KO. Which of the two will be correct with their predictions remains to be seen. The highly anticipated bout is just a few days away now, and we will all find out the answer to that question.
Canelo vs. Golovkin II takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, and you too can find out who is the greatest middleweight of all time for the low price of $99.99.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
