By Edward Chaykovsky
WBA/IBO/IBF middleweight champion Gennady 'GGG' Golovkin (34-0, 31KOs) took a brief moment on New Year's Eve to remind WBC middleweight champion, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez (46-1-1, 32KOs), that their fall showdown will take place at the division limit of 160-pounds.
The World Boxing Council ordered the two fighters to collide in 2016. They were both granted the opportunity to take interim bouts in the first six months of the year, but then they must get together in the fall.
Because Golovkin owns the WBC's interim title, he is the mandatory challenger to Canelo's belt.
Golovkin is likely going to fight again in April, while Canelo will return in May. Golovkin would like to face newly crowned WBO champion Billy Joe Saunders in a unification. Canelo's opponent is unknown.
"How about GGG vs. Saunders in April and GGG vs. Canelo in September? Gives Canelo some time to gain those 5 pounds," Golovkin jabbed on the social networks.
Golovkin's 5-pound reference is related to Canelo's demand for a catch-weight of 155-pounds. The weight limit has been the biggest hurdle, at the moment.
Canelo, who fought his last four bouts at 155, is refusing to agree to the full middleweight limit of 160. Because of his mandatory position, Golovkin can enforce the full division limit of 160. If Canelo refuses to follow through with his defense against Golovkin, the WBC will strip him of his title and elevate Golovkin to full champion status.