Tom Loeffler, promoter for IBO, WBC, WBA middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (38-0-1, 34 KOs), sees legacy at stake for both boxers when GGG steps in the ring to defend his titles against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.

The rematch takes place on September 15th from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Canelo (49-1-2, 34 KOs) fought Golovkin back in September 2017 - and the bout ended in a controversial twelve round split draw.

They were set to fight on May 5th, with the fight being postponed after Canelo tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol.

Because of the unexpected delay, the IBF pressured Golovkin to make a mandatory defense. And when Golovkin was unable to meet the obligation, because he was facing Canelo in the fall, the sanctioning body stripped him of the title.

Losing the IBF title sent Golovkin a step backwards in his long quest to unify the entire division.

Should Golovkin wins, Loeffler says his legacy would be cemented by breaking the 20-fight defense record that was set by Bernard Hopkins when he ruled the middleweight division. 

And a victory for Canelo would make him the top man at the weight.

"This is a legacy fight for both guys," said Loeffler to Sky Sports. "If GGG wins this fight or retains his title, he breaks Bernard Hopkins' legendary record.

"Nobody thought anyone would break that record of 20 title defences in the middleweight division.

"If  Canelo wins the fight, all of sudden not only is he the best middleweight now, he's in discussion for the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport of boxing. He's going to unify the titles that we worked so hard to put together.

"That's another reason why GGG took this personal, because of Canelo's cancellation of the May 5 fight, the IBF ended up stripping him. He's always wanted to unify the titles, so he's not happy with Canelo at this point."