Oscar De La Hoya’s company stated Canelo would challenge for the WBA and IBF belts, even though ‘GGG’ also has the WBC and IBO in his possession.
The official release said: Middleweight supremacy, elevation to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings, and a slew of championship belts will be on the line on September 16th when Canelo Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs) takes on Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs), with Canelo defending his Ring Magazine and Lineal titles and challenging for the WBA and IBF championships at the sold out T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“I am very proud to be fighting for these important titles in this fight,” Canelo said. “This will be the best boxing event of the year, and I know all of the fans from Mexico and beyond will come out and enjoy the fight as I defend my Lineal and Ring Magazine titles, and take home the WBA and IBF championships.”
World Boxing News subsequently contacted Golovkin’s promoter Tom Loeffler, who clarified that the Kazakh puncher WILL defend every title on September 16 at the T-Mobile Arena.
“GGG will be defending all of his titles and looking to add the Ring Magazine title (Canelo holds) to his collection,” Loeffler exclusively told World Boxing News.
Trainer Abel Sanchez also added his thoughts to WBN: “I can only speak for GGG, he is the WBC Middleweight Champion and proud of that.”
The confusing part can be cleared up by Canelo’s obvious desire not to keep the WBC or IBO straps if successful, although Golovkin has the opportunity to add the coveted Ring belt to his already recognized position as the number one in the division.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
