Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez says he is to relinquish his WBC middleweight world championship belt but still hopes to arrange a mega-fight with Gennady Golovkin.
The unbeaten Golovkin is the WBA and IBF champion, and a bout between the Kazakh fighter and Alvarez would stir up colossal interest among fight fans.
Golvokin is the mandatory challenger for the WBC title and it was hoped a fight between the pair would be arranged.
Alvarez has, however, issued a statement insisting he will continue negotiating a fight with Golovkin and to finalize a deal as quickly as possible but he will not be forced into the ring by artificial deadlines.
“After much consideration, today, I instructed my team at Golden Boy Promotions to continue negotiating a fight with Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin and to finalize a deal as quickly as possible.
“I also informed the WBC that I will vacate its title.
“For the entirety of my career, I have taken the fights that no one wanted because I fear no man. Never has that been more true than today.
“I will fight ‘GGG,’ and I will beat ‘GGG’ but I will not be forced into the ring by artificial deadlines.
“I am hopeful that by putting aside this ticking clock, the two teams can now negotiate this fight, and ‘GGG’ and I can get in the ring as soon as possible and give the fans the fight they want to see,” he said.
