Canelo cruised to a twelve round win over Chavez at the T-Mobile Arena and immediately announced his intention to challenge ‘GGG’ for the middleweight crown on September 16.
The Mexican Independence Day battle is yet to find a home, although Golden Boy and K2 are working on potential venues in Texas, Los Angeles and Las Vegas respectively.
Giving his verdict on the Chavez performance, Canelo then followed it up by sending a warning to Golovkin as the world braces for the biggest fight of the year.
“Tonight I showed I could move, I could box, I showed as a fighter I can do all things,” said Canelo.
“I thought I was going to showcase myself as a fighter that could throw punches, but he just wouldn’t do it. I’ve shown I can do lots of things in the ring, anything a fighter brings—I’ve shown I can showcase myself.
“I wanted to try something new, I never sit down in sparring and I didn’t want to sit here.”
On Golovkin, he added: “GGG—you are next my friend. The fight is done. I’ve never feared anyone, since I was 16 fighting as a professional.
“When I was born, fear was gone. I never got my share of fear. I’m very happy, and the rivalry is going to show my skills even more. I’ve had difficult fights, and that will no doubt be a tough fight. But, I always say, Canelo Alvarez is the best because I fight the best.”
“I’ve had difficult fights, and that will no doubt be a tough fight. But, I always say, Canelo Alvarez is the best because I fight the best.”
Moving into the ring from his position at ringside, Golovkin had his own view on their meeting.
“I feel very excited, right now is a different story. In September, it will be a different style—a big drama show. I’m ready.
“Tonight, first congrats to Canelo and his team. Right now, I think everyone is excited for September. Canelo looked very good tonight, and 100 percent he is the biggest challenge of my career. Good luck to Canelo in September.”
Before leaving the ring to allow Canelo and Golovkin to share the spotlight, Chavez, Jr. had this to say on his own effort:
“Canelo beat me, he beat me at the distance. He is a very active fighter—he’s very good and he beat me,” he said.
“I wanted to box but he went to the ropes and I just needed to throw more punches. I would’ve attacked more I would’ve been countered by his punches.
“Nacho told me to do that but the strategy didn’t work. The speed and the distance was the key. I didn’t feel that much power because I felt dwindled, I couldn’t throw as many punches as I wanted. My father kept telling me to throw more punches from the ringside.”
