08 May, 2017
After making easy work of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on Saturday, Canelo Alvarez announced he will be fighting unified middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin on September 16 at a site to be determined with the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the likely destination according to sources close to Sporting News.
Canelo Alvarez (48-1-1) takes on Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Minutes after winning every round on all three judges' cards in a 12-round romp over Chavez, Alvarez invited Gennady Golovkin into the ring and announced a long-awaited clash on September 16. (50-3-1) in a fight that didn't quite live up to the hype.
The red-bearded Alvarez is normally mild-mannered, but he had criticized Chavez for his work ethic. Chavez stopped the weight suspense at the scales and a million dollar fine was on the line.
Bet on Alvarez vs. Chavez Jr. "The fight is done", Alvarez said as the crowd cheered. But in the end, even Alvarez was frustrated by Chavez's inability to make an entertaining fight.
Boos have been the soundtrack for the past couple rounds and that continues here. It's not as if Chavez Jr. proved himself at 168 as a top contender.
"Because they know", he said when asked the reason. Chavez is noted for skipping training sessions in the past and not giving his best in previous training camps which contributed to his anemic performance in the ring.
Speaking to a group of reporters at MGM Grand, Alvarez admitted it's hard to think their 12-round, super middleweight match will go the distance at T-Mobile Arena.
Canelo Alvarez, Gennady Golovkin announce fight set for Sept. 16
"He beat me with his distance and speed", Chavez said. The shut-out is still alive for Canelo. Chavez again moves it to the ropes, but Canelo punches his way out. Canelo appears to be getting better. By the final round, he was bleeding from both nostrils and his left eye was nearly swollen shut. "I could have kept going more rounds". "So we'll see how it plays out, but I'm leaning toward Canelo, late round knockout".
Canelo vs Chavez Jr. HBO is selling the Canelo-Chavez pay-per-view for $69.99. It didn't matter in this one-sided fight. He's constantly moving forward and hitting Chavez Jr. with big shots.
"I'm very happy that this fight is finally here - the one that a lot of you said would never be made", Alvarez said. Those were the guys that were being mentioned as possibilities for Canelo's May fight. But Chavez's left eye began to swell midway through the fight. Chants of "Chavez" reign down but Canelo is unwavered and continues to pressure. But when Alvarez came back at him, he inflicted more damage. Taylor was probably the only one in the arena who thought that, though.
All of Mexico will be focused on Las Vegas as Alvarez tries to validate his standing as the best Mexican fighter of this era by beating the son of Mexico's all-time best fighter. Both agreed they would be facing the toughest challenge of their respective careers when they meet later this year. I'm very happy, and the rivalry is going to show my skills even more. "It's going to be all because of that pride, because of what's at stake". Additionally, this fight will be fought at almost 10 pounds heavier (164.5) than any previous fight for Alvarez who typically fights at 155. Just the adoration of the 20,000-plus fans packed inside T-Mobile Arena.
Since losing his first and only fight to Floyd Mayweather Jr. four years ago when he was just 22 and a tad too young for such a stellar opponent, Canelo has won six in a row, including four by knockout.
Junior's career has been marred by weight issues and ill-discipline.
The 31-year-old beat Dominik Britsch by unanimous decision on December 10, 2016. Can a dried-out Chavez take it there?
Canelo v Chavez Jr is live on BoxNation this Saturday night.
