Cotto was stripped of his 160lb belt early during fight week for failing to agree to pay the WBC sanctioning fees and Sulaiman was forced to act. The decision leaves only Alvarez able to win the green strap and go on to a potential money-spinning unification with Gennady Golovkin.
“We extended the deadline three times, I personally spoke to everybody involved, but very unfortunately Miguel Cotto and Roc Nation did not accept to abide by the WBC’s ruling. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez did accept, and he’s fighting for a WBC title,” said Sulaiman.
“All we have done is support Miguel Cotto’s career and their promotion and this fight. It’s extremely disappointing and sad. We’re not a conflictive organization, we always mediate and try to do our best and very unfortunately it’s come to this. It was their decision not to respect the WBC regulations.
“The fight is still there, it’s a sellout and they’re going to make millions and millions. Unfortunately the sport was disrespected. If Canelo wins, he’s the champion, if Canelo loses we will move forward. The WBC stands by its honor and justice. I truly regret this episode which is very sad for me personally.”
Should Cotto be successful at the Mandalay Bay on Saturday night, the Puerto Rican is under no obligation to face Golovkin and conceivably could make a move back down to 154lbs, rather than trade blows with the heavy-hitting Kazakh.