Canelo Alvarez, Gennady Golovkin
(R-L) Canelo Alvarez throws a punch at Gennady Golovkin during their WBC, WBA and IBF middleweight championship bout at T-Mobile Arena on September 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Al Bello/Getty Images

Boxing stars Saul "Canelo" Álvarez and Gennady "GGG" Golovkin, went against each other on September 16 in Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena, in the most eagerly awaited boxing match-up to decide the world's best middleweight. This fight ended in null combat, a verdict that generated controversy. Over the ring both athletes agreed to start a new contract for the rematch.

After months of negotiations Tom Loeffler, Golovkin's agent, and Oscar de la Hoya, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions which represents "Canelo," confirmed the date for the next meeting. Although the venue is still unknown, on May 5, 2018 Álvarez and Golovkin will fight again.

"I always said I was ready for the fight because the first one I won with clarity and only a wrong decision of the judges made it possible for there to be a null fight," Golovkin said as soon as the agreement for the rematch was announced.

Meanwhile, the best Mexican boxer of the moment, said to be excited. "I am delighted to participate once again in one of the most important boxing events in history; this second fight is for the benefit and pleasure of all the fans who want to see the best fight in the best way," he said. "This time, Golovkin will not have excuses regarding the judges because I'm going to knock him out."

 Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez
(L-R) Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez both celebrate after the final round in their WBC, WBA and IBF middleweight championship bout at T-Mobile Arena on September 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The first match resulted in Judge Dave Moretti anounced "GGG" as a winner (115-113), Don Trella declared a tie (114-114) and Adalaide Byrd in favor of Álvarez (118-110), a verdict that was criticized around the world.

Álvarez, 27, is ranked as the world's best active boxer, pound for pound, by BoxRec; fourth by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board (TBRB) and ESPN; and fifth by The Ring. He is also ranked as the world's best light middleweight by the TBRB and BoxRec, as well as ranked the best active middleweight by The Ring and second by the TBRB.

Golovkin, 35, is ranked as the world's best active middleweight by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board (TBRB), and second by The Ring magazine and BoxRec. He is also currently ranked as the world's best active boxer, pound for pound, by The Ring; second by ESPN; and third by BoxRec and the TBRB.

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