With the spectacle that was Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor Mcgregor finally out of the way, it’s time for the boxing world to focus on what its promoter is calling a “real fight.” On September 16th, Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez will face off against Gennady Gennadyevich Golovkin at T-Mobile Arena in one of the most highly-regarded and anticipated bouts boxing has seen in some time.
This fight offers a much different intrigue than Mayweather and Mcgregor did: Canelo (49-1-1, 34 KOs) and GGG (37-0, 33 KOs) are considered among the best pound-for-pound boxers in the sport, which should result in a high energy and entertaining fight. On Monday, promoters Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions and Tom Loeffler of GGG Promotions brought their fighters out for open workouts at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles, hoping to shift the public eye back to this middleweight showdown.
Both Canelo and GGG are looking forward to bringing a memorable bout to the world. “I know what I have in front of me,” said Canelo. “I know he’s a strong fighter. He is the most dangerous opponent of my career, but I’m ready for him and what’s next to come. That’s why we prepared to give the fans a beautiful fight. This fight’s for you; this fight’s for all the fans who have been asking for it. We know that in fights, it takes two to tango. I’m ready, and you know what you’ll get from me. Let’s just hope he brings it as well.”
Canelo, who’s only loss came by decision to Mayweather in a 2013 junior middleweight world title fight, will have a tough test in front of him. GGG is an undefeated knockout artist–albeit onewho just had a 23-fight knockout streak snapped after winning a unanimous decision over Daniel Jacobs on March 18th to defend his title. A win for Golovkin would put him just one win away from tying legend Bernard Hopkins’ division record of 20 consecutive title defenses.
There’s mutual respect between the two fighters, so they’re sure to bring their A games. “Canelo has looked good and looked strong in his last few fights. That is why we have worked so hard in training camp. We have worked on new things. This is my biggest fight. I worked hard to become champion of the world. I worked hard with [my trainer] Abel [Sanchez] to stay champion of the world,” said the 35-year-old GGG, who is currently the unified 160-pound champion.
With the fight falling the same weekend as Mexican Independence Day, GGG declared that this is his and the Mexican-born Canelo’s present to the sports world. “This is our Mexican Independence Day holiday weekend gift to boxing and to boxing fans. The fans have been asking for this fight for years. We are going to give a great battle. I am very excited to be finally fighting in Las Vegas, but I am more excited that it is against Canelo. The energy will be off the charts. Let me repeat: this is a fight boxing can be proud of.”