Canelo’s Rematch Vs GGG is in Doubt After the Mexican is Suspended for Failing Drug Tests…
It was one of the most widely anticipated boxing matches of 2017. A genuine super fight between two fighters at the top of their game. Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs Gennady “GGG” Golovkin was meant to be boxing at its purest. A reminder of how beautiful this sport could be, after the spectacle that was Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor.
Of course, it didn’t quite turn out that way thanks to a bizarre judging decision by Adelaide Byrd that gave Alvarez a draw. This result caused widespread anger because up until this point Golovkin had a totally unblemished record. No matter though, it was a good fight and it just meant we’d get to see them do it all over again.
Now that rematch is in doubt. ‘Canelo’ has tested positive for clenbuterol, a banned substance. The Mexican has blamed it on tainted meat, but that hasn’t stopped the NSAC from suspending him. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens with this one.
Controversial Draw
The initial match between the two men took place in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Initially, back and forth, Golovkin gradually asserted his dominance and looked to have secured the win in the later rounds. However, only one judge scored him as the winner. Don Trella marked it down as a draw, while Adelaide Byrd infamously gave Alvarez a dominant win.
The rematch is due to take place on May 5th, the date of the famous Mexican celebration ‘Cinco de Mayo.’ If the fight is canceled Alvarez will be devastated. He is a folk hero in his home country. His nickname, ‘Canelo’, meaning ‘Cinnamon’, refers to his red hair which is atypical for Mexicans.
Testing Positive
‘Canelo’ has tested positive for clenbuterol. This drug is effectively a stimulant. It increases heart rate and blood pressure and is used for weight loss. It has been detected in Mexican and Chinese meat before, so Alvarez’s excuse is a credible one. The likes of Brandon Moreno and Ning Guangyou have been cleared of any wrongdoing before, after testing positive for the same substance.
“I am an athlete who respects the sport and this surprises me and bothers me because it had never happened to me,” Alvarez said. “I will submit to all the tests that require me to clarify this embarrassing situation and I trust that at the end the truth will prevail.”
This hasn’t stopped the Nevada State Athletic Commission from temporarily suspending Alvarez from boxing. Only time will tell if we’ll get to see them fight on Cinco de Mayo.
Not Impressed
Needless to say, Golovkin is not happy with the situation. He’s delighted to take the opportunity to discredit his opponent. Let’s be real, if the fight goes ahead and GGG loses, his excuse is ready made. He hasn’t been impressed with Alvarez’s promoter Oscar de la Hoya in the run-up to this fight.
Meanwhile, Alvarez is moving his fight camp to the USA. He’s said to be very embarrassed about the situation and is ready to submit to further testing. It’s unfortunate that such a great match-up is tarnished for the second time before the two men have even touched gloves.
