The long-awaited rematch between unified champion Gennady Golovkin (38-0-2, 34 KOs) and Canelo Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 KOs) is approximately two weeks away. CANELO vs. GGG 2 will take place on Saturday, September 15, at the T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas. HBO Pay-Per-View will distribute the event live at a special time of 8 PM/ET and 5 PM/PT at a suggested retail price of $84.99.
Tickets, priced at $5,000, $2,500, $2,000, $1,500, $800, $700, and $500 not including applicable service charges and taxes, are still available for purchase at http://www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.
The first fight, which was a terrific boxing match between two elite boxers competing for the world middleweight championship last September, was somewhat ruined by ringside Judge Adalaide Byrd’s 118-110 scorecard in favor of Canelo.
Many watching in attendance felt as though Golovkin should have won the decision. However, there are those that can strongly argue that after a few close rounds and Canelo clearly rallying to win the eleventh and twelfth rounds, Canelo MIGHT have squeezed it out. However, Judge Byrd’s 118-110 scorecard was WAY-OFF. That 118-110 scorecard did not reflect the closeness of the highly-competitive bout. Even if Judge Byrd scored the bout 115-113, or 114-113 and awarded the bout to Canelo on a split-decision, that pill is certainly much easier to swallow than an outrageous 118-110 scorecard.
Judge Byrd only gave Golovkin rounds four and seven, or 2/12 rounds to the defending champion. The other two judges scored the bout 115-113 (Golovkin) and 114-114 (even).
Canelo and GGG are both involved in what could be remembered as a spectacular rivalry. The first fight was really good, there was a lot of controversy following their decision, and Canelo’s failed drug tests added fuel to the fire. Therefore, they have their rematch. Both fighters will have another chance to make any adjustments and corrections they need to master in order to have a more decisive finish, while releasing their anger.
“This fight is something different,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Canelo’s promoter. “This fight is personal. I’ve never seen Canelo so angry. He really wants to knock Golovkin out. As a promoter, I want to see him knock Golovkin out.”
Canelo will also have a golden opportunity to redeem himself after he failed two pre-fight drug tests for PEDs in the days prior to their canceled Cinco de Mayo date earlier this year. Canelo’s irresponsibility led to Golovkin knocking out junior middleweight challenger Vanes Martirosyan and getting stripped of the IBF middleweight title. (Danny Jacobs will fight for the vacant IBF 160-pound belt on October 27, at the Theater of Madison Square Garden, New York City).
Golovkin is upset at Canelo and he should be.
“Canelo, he is not a champion,” Golovkin said. “He is a liar who has no respect for the sport of boxing or its fans. I want to stay world champion and bring all my belts home. I am ready to star in another Big Drama Show. I do not think about Canelo in training. I am not worried about him. I only worry about doing my job in training camp and doing my job in the ring against Canelo on September 15.”
Canelo too is taking this fight personal. He’s not as friendly with Golovkin as they were before their first fight. Canelo appears to have taken his mind off his failed tests and is fully focused on beating Golovkin.
“We’re getting close to the fight, and I feel good,” Canelo said. “This fight is personal because of all that’s been said, and it will be difficult to regain the respect that we once had. The statements that have been made about me have given me more motivation to train harder.”
Both Golovkin and Canelo have watched their initial fight and have made very interesting assessments heading into their September 15, rematch.
“In the last fight I did not feel any real power from Canelo,” Golovkin stated. “Just slaps. He is not the hardest puncher I have fought, but he is fast and quick. He is the most skilled fighter I have fought. He is a very good fighter. “
Canelo said: “I have watched the first fight several times. The error that I made was that I had opportunities to counter that I needed to have taken advantage of. I need to do that in the rematch.”
Although Bernard Hopkins has the record for the longest-reigning world middleweight champion at 10 years, Golovkin is tied with Hopkins for most consecutive middleweight title defenses with 20. Golovkin can break Hopkins’ all-time record by beating Canelo.
In addition to the main event, undefeated WBO junior middleweight champion Jamie Munguia (30-0, 25 KOs) will make the second defense of his 154-pound title since winning it in March. Munguia will face Brandon Cook (20-1, 13 KOs) in the televised co-feature.
“Fighting on this card is a great opportunity, especially on a date that is so important for Mexicans,” Munguia said. “I have the obligation to give a great fight to all the fans. I know Brandon Cook is a tough opponent. He is older than me and has a lot of experience. But I think I’m stronger than him and have a reach advantage. I’m confident I’ll walk away with my hand raised.”
“24/7 Canelo/GGG 2” premieres Tuesday, Aug. 28 at 11:30 pm (ET/PT) on HBO. Canelo’s fifth “24/7” appearance and Golovkin’s third, “24/7 CANELO/GGG 2” is the latest installment of the acclaimed franchise that began in 2007.
Tickets are on sale for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. GGG 2 at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage and Luxor are priced at $100, not including applicable fees. Seating is general admission at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage while Luxor will have assigned seats. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at (800) 745-3000 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/canelovsggg2.
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