Alvarez backs out of fight with Golovkin
The Canelo-Triple G rematch, expected to be the fight of the year, is off.
Canelo Alvarez has withdrawn from next month’s middleweight title bout with Gennady Golovkin, two months after Alvarez twice tested positive for a banned substance.
“I have always been a clean fighter and I always will be a clean fighter,” Alvarez said Tuesday during a conference call. “I want to prove without a doubt that I have never intentionally ingested clenbuterol. I have nothing to hide and I want to be open and transparent through this process. . I have never taken illegal substances and this is no different.”
The May 5 fight in Las Vegas was to have been a rematch of the draw they fought last September. But on March 5, Alvarez’s promoters, Golden Boy Promotions, announced he twice tested positive for the steroid in February. They blamed contaminated meat, and Alvarez agreed to random drug testing.
It was unlikely the Nevada State Athletic Commission would approve the fight after it temporarily suspended Alvarez, who could face a longer suspension.
Alvarez is to appear before the commission April 18 concerning the positive tests. Golden Boy president Eric Gomez said Tuesday the promoters were advised Alvarez likely would not be cleared to fight May 5.
WILDER READY FOR JOSEPH >> Deontay Wilder says he’s ready to fight Anthony Joshua in a heavyweight unification bout, and is willing to travel overseas to make it happen. The Alabama native said co-managers Shelly Finkel and Al Haymon are available to begin talks to set up the fight immediately, and “the sooner the better.”
Joshua (21-0, 20 knockouts) is a huge draw in the UK. He won a unanimous decision over Joseph Parker on Saturday before 78,000 fans in Cardiff, Wales. He now holds four title belts, while Wilder (40-0, 39 KOs) is the WBC champion.
Wilder has defended his WBC belt six times, all with stoppages. He’s coming off a 10th-round knockout of previously unbeaten Luis Ortiz on March 3.
NFL
PATS TRADE COOKS TO RAMS >> The New England Patriots traded receiver Brandin Cooks to the Rams for Los Angeles’ first-round draft pick, 23rd overall. In the deal, New England also sends a fourth-round choice to the Rams, who give the Patriots a sixth-rounder. Cooks was acquired 13 months ago by New England from New Orleans and made 65 receptions for 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns in his lone season with the Patriots. With the draft picks New England picked up, it now holds four picks in the first two rounds. VEGAS BONDS APPROVED >> Officials in Nevada’s Clark County have approved the sale of $750 million in general obligation revenue bonds for the construction of the Raiders’ stadium in Las Vegas. The Raiders want to start 2020 season at the $1.8 billion stadium.
Soccer
RONALDO TURNS HEADS, EARNS OVATION IN ITALY >> Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning overhead kick for his second goal of the night to help Real Madrid beat 10-man Juventus 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal in Turin, Italy. Ronaldo’s second goal was pure mastery, and his overhead kick had the entire stadium on their feet in appreciation. In the process, Ronaldo became the first player in Champions League history to score in 10 successive matches.