Canelo vacates title, Golovkin named undisputed champ by WBC

Canelo Alvarez has vacated the WBC middleweight title he successfully defended just 11 days ago but is still pursuing a fight with Gennady “GGG” Golovkin.

Alvarez KO’d Amir Khan inside six rounds (at a catch-weight of 155 lbs.) on May 7th and was given a 12 day deadline to seal a deal with Golovkin.

“After much consideration, today, I instructed my team at Golden Boy Promotions to continue negotiating a fight with Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin and to finalize a deal as quickly as possible. I also informed the WBC that I will vacate its title.

 

For the entirety of my career, I have taken the fights that no one wanted because I fear no man. Never has that been more true than today. I will fight ‘GGG,’ and I will beat ‘GGG’ but I will not be forced into the ring by artificial deadlines.

 

I am hopeful that by putting aside this ticking clock, the two teams can now negotiate this fight, and ‘GGG’ and I can get in the ring as soon as possible and give the fans the fight they want to see.” Said Canelo in a statement released to the media on Wednesday.

Golden Boy Promotions’ Oscar De La Hoya said he will continue negotiations with K2 promotions in hopes of making the fight happen.

“There is no denying that Canelo is the biggest star in the sport of boxing. He is eager to get in the ring with ‘GGG’ to show the world that he is also the best pound for pound fighter in the sport, but we won’t negotiate under a forced deadline.

 

Now that the WBC title is off the table, I am hopeful that ‘GGG’ and his promoter K2 Promotions will come to the table in good faith and get this deal done.”

In response to the news, the WBC named Gennady Golovkin the new WBC Middleweight champion.

“The WBC has received official confirmation from Golden Boy Promotions with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’ decision to vacate the WBC middleweight world championship. Gennady Golovkin is hereby recognized as the undisputed WBC middleweight champion of the world. The WBC wishes Canelo Alvarez great success in his career, and will certainly look forward to see Golovkin vs. Alvarez materialize in the future.”