By Steve Kim
As Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 KOs) challenges unified middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (38-0-1, 34 KOs), on September 15th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for the second time.
And it's much more personal this time around, according to Golden Boy Promotions President Eric Gomez.
"A lot's happened and this fights a little more personal for Canelo, I don't know about the Triple G side but for Canelo, he's a little bit more motivated, a little more focused for this fight. They talked so much, they made all these accusations and he wants to prove them wrong."
Alvarez tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol back in February, which eventually led to the Mexican star withdrawing from the original planned rematch with Golovkin - which was scheduled for May 5th.
Golovkin still went forward with the date, and knocked out late replacement Vanes Martirosyan in two rounds at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
In the aftermath of Alvarez's positive drug test, Golovkin and his team haven't been shy in stating their opinions on that issue. Some of the comments, like making allegations that Alvarez has been a long time user of performance enhancing drugs, have irked the proud Mexican star and it's clear that he has taken it to hear.
Gomez believes this fight will be sweet redemption for Alvarez.
"Yes, it is, it's the motivating factor. It's what has him hyped for this fight," said Gomez during the public workout for this promotion which took place this past weekend at the Banc Stadium of Los Angeles, that was attended by several thousand fans.
"Once he wins, once they raise his hands - that's all he needs. That's what he's working towards."
Last September, at the same Las Vegas venue, Golovkin and Alvarez fought to a highly disputed split draw.
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.