By Steve Kim
This weekend, veteran trainer Abel Sanchez was in France with Michel Soro (who defeated John Vera over 12 rounds for the interim WBA 154-pound title) but as he gets back to the Summit in Big Bear this upcoming week, for him it will be business as usual for him and Gennady Golovkin - even with Saul Alvarez being temporarily suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for testing positive for clenbuterol.
Golovkin is scheduled to defend his IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC middleweight belts against Canelo on May 5th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Before the fight gets the official green light, Canelo will have to state his case before the Nevada Commission at a hearing set down for April 10.
"I hope to fight May the 5th, we've been in camp, there's no reason for us to not fight somebody," said Sanchez, who said at the time admitted that he was not told of any contingency plans in case this rematch was shelved.
Sanchez reiterated to BoxingScene.com - "I'm thinking we're fighting May the 5th, whether it's 'Canelo' or somebody else. But I'm hoping we fight May the 5th."
The first fight took place last September, also at T-Mobile, with the contest ending in a controversial twelve round split draw.
During this camp it's been a much more out-spoken and bold Golovkin, who hasn't hesitated to be critical of Alvarez and his team in the wake of recent events that have put their return bout in some jeopardy.
Sanchez, who is outspoken himself, is enjoying the new Golovkin persona.
"Absolutely, absolutely I like the edge because if it gives me that edge in the ring it will give me a better Golovkin than in the past - and we've had a great Golovkin," Sanchez said.
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.
