Canelo Alvarez withdraws from Golovkin rematch on May 5th
The biggest story in the world of boxing recently has been the news which broke last month that Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez had failed two random drugs tests ahead of his upcoming rematch with Gennady Golovkin.
Clenbuterol, which is listed by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency as a banned substance, was detected in the system of Canelo in tests administered on 17th and 20th February.
He was later handed a temporary suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission which cast doubt on plans for the rematch at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas scheduled for May 5th.
On Tuesday, whilst speaking at a press conference at the Golden Boy Promotion offices in Los Angeles, Eric Gomez, the president of the company which Canelo is under contract with, confirmed that Alvarez was withdrawing from the bout.
"We're going to have to cancel the May 5 rematch. As you all know there is a hearing on April 18 and it's extremely unlikely this will get properly resolved by then and we need enough time to promote this fight."
Alvarez has a disciplinary hearing set for April 18 where he will get the opportunity to explain the reasons behind the adverse findings.
The Mexican middleweight and his team have claimed that the fighter has never intentionally taken performance-enhancing drugs and have pointed to contaminated meat in Canelo's native country as the source of the banned substance.
Whether intentional or not the NSAC has been resolute in their assertation that an anti-doping offence has occurred meaning that a ban will be expected.
As it is the first offence the most likely punishment is a one-year suspension which would be backdated to the date of the first failed test. However, should they deem it that Canelo has cooperated fully then the length of the ban may be reduced to six months.
Speaking with Boxingscene.com, Golovkins promoter Tom Loeffler confirmed that his fighter will still be in action come May 5th however an opponent has not yet been confirmed.
"As I've been saying Gennady's been in full training. Right now he's ready to fight May 5th and he wants to defend all of his titles on May 5th. That's what we're looking at with the official announcement from 'Canelo'. We're looking at finding a suitable opponent."
An official announcement is expected in the coming days and names such as WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders and former opponent Daniel Jacobs have been mentioned as potential replacements. However, it appears that Irishman Gary 'Spike' O'Sullivan is the current favourite to step in.