Canelo Alvarez is relinquishing the light heavyweight title he took from Sergey Kovalev, opening the way for him to fight at middleweight or super-middle in his next bout, expected in May.
Canelo, still the reigning middleweight champion, announced the move Tuesday in a statement released by Golden Boy Promotions.
“I know that my accomplishments in the ring have brought pride to my fans and my country,” said Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs), who scored an 11th-round stoppage of Kovalev on Nov. 2 in Las Vegas. “I have long enjoyed my relationship with the WBO (World Boxing Organization) and appreciate all they do to preserve and enhance the sport of boxing.
“This agreement allows the WBO to have its light heavyweight title contested regularly and allows me to pursue bouts against the best opponents, regardless of weight class.”
The move appears to eliminate any immediate chance of Alvarez fighting Artur Beterbiev, who holds two 175-pound belts. Before and after Canelo’s victory over Kovalev, Beterbiev was mentioned as a possibility. And for now, a fight between Canelo and fellow Mexican Gilberto Ramirez, the WBO’s No. 1 ranked contender at 175 pounds, is also off the board. That matchup would’ve been a big event for Canelo’s expected date celebrating Cinco de Mayo.
However, a third fight with middleweight Gennadiy Golovkin still appears to be an option.
Canelo, who has a win and draw against Golovkin, has said he no longer sees Triple-G as a challenge. However, he has also said he would do a third fight if it made financial sense. It is believed that a third fight would be a big money maker. It’s also doable. Both Canelo and GGG are tied to DAZN.
Canelo, 29, has shown no interest in Demetrius Andrade, a 160-pound belt holder, whom he called “boring.’’ Another possibility is Jermall Charlo, another titleholder.