By Steve Kim
It was announced earlier this afternoon at a press gathering in Los Angeles, that Saul "Canelo" Alvarez would be pulling out of his May 5th rematch against Gennady Golovkin. Alvarez is scheduled to appear before the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) regarding his positive tests for clenbuterol.
Currently, he is 'temporarily suspended' by commission, and the NSAC has filed an official complaint against the boxer.
Eric Gomez, the president of Golden Boy Promotions, explained to the gathered media in the GBP offices - "given the current regulations in Nevada we have been advised that it was unlikely that 'Canelo' would be cleared to fight in May."
Pursuant to their filed complaint against the fighter, the NSAC is looking to suspend Alvarez for one year.
"Having said that we are hopeful that this matter will be resolved no later than the current April 18th date and we're hoping that 'Canelo' will be cleared to fight some time in the summer, allowing us to reschedule the fight (with Golovkin) for possibly August or September," said Gomez.
Canelo may receive a reduced six month suspension if he presents a strong case to explain the positive tests - and that would allow the ring return in time for Mexican Independence Day weekend in Spetember.
The boxer and his handlers have blamed food contamination as the root cause. Canelo believes that he consumed contaminated meat while training in Mexico. The country as an ongoing problem clenbuterol infected meat, because many farmers continue to use the banned substance to beef up their cattle.
Meanwhile, Golovkin and his side have made it clear that they will move forward with a fight on Cinco De Mayo weekend in Las Vegas. The main possibility being mentioned at the moment is Gary "Spike" O'Sullivan.
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.