LAS VEGAS (Sept. 12, 2017) – Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight Champion Canelo Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs) and WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO Middleweight Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs) made their grand arrivals today at the MGM Grand Resort and Casino in Las Vegas ahead of their highly anticipated clash on Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena, produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at the special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

They were joined by Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (24-0, 13 KOs) and Jorge “Pilon” Lara (29-0-2, 21 KOs) who will face off in the co-main event in a 12-round WBC Featherweight title eliminator; and by HBO Pay-Per-View® undercard fighters Randy “El Matador” Caballero (24-0, 14 KOs) and Diego De La Hoya (19-0, 9 KOs) who will face off in a 10-round super bantamweight battle for the Caballero’s NABF Super Bantamweight title and the vacant NABO Super Bantamweight title; and by Ryan “Blue Chip” Martin (19-0, 11 KOs) and Francisco Rojo (20-2, 13 KOs), who will battle it out for Ryan’s WBC Continental Americas and the vacant WBA Intercontinental lightweight titles in the opening bout of the HBO Pay-Per-View®telecast.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s grand arrivals:

CANELO ALVAREZ, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion:
“I’m very happy. I’m very excited to be here and to be back with my people, and this is another fight. This is another fight that will go down in history. And I’m very happy to be joined here by all my people. With the promotions and all the back and forth, it’s become personal. It’s a fight that all the fans and all the media have been waiting for for years.”

“I can assure you that I will do my part and I will do my best to give you all a beautiful fight. The most important thing for me is victory. I always prepare myself to give the best. I want this for my people, my team, for my country. And that’s what I’m going to do this Saturday. I’m going to go in there and win the fight. I prepared myself for the knockout. Look, anything can happen in this fight. But that’s what I’ve prepared for–to knock him out.”

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN, WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO Middleweight Champion:
“It’s amazing to be in Las Vegas. But the bigger thing is the fight is finally here. I am Gennady Golovkin until I walk into the ring. And that’s when I turn into Triple G. It’s not that I’m mean, or angry. I’m just more focused. This is the perfect fight for fans. And the perfect fight for me. I will enjoy it.”

“I’ve wanted him [Alvarez] because of the Cotto fight when he became the mandatory challenger. I’m old school. I think there should just be one champion. All my career I’ve been denied the fights I’ve wanted [Felix Sturm, Sergio Martinez, Miguel Cotto]. That ends Saturday night.”

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, JR., Featherweight Contender:
“It’s amazing. It’s motivation for me. I trained very hard to give all the fight fans a great fight in this exciting co-main event. I know that everyone is expecting the main event to be fireworks. And it is going to be fireworks. The co-main event is going to be fireworks. We’ve got two undefeated fighters fighting in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator, so there’s a lot at stake.”

“When I first got the call. my manager called me and told me that I would be fighting in the co-main event on the Canelo-Golovkin card. I just looked up to God and praised him. And I thought ‘This is my time. This is my coming out party. This is my time to showcase.'”

JORGE “PILON” LARA, Featherweight Contender:
“I’m excited to be here and excited to be on such a big card. I’m also excited to be fighting against such a great rival like Joseph Diaz Jr., and on Saturday I expect to end with my hand up in the air. I don’t know much about him [Diaz]. I know that he is undefeated, so he’s got to be a pretty hard opponent. I did prepare myself well for this. You can see that I’m going to steal the show because everyone knows that when I come to fight, I come to fight.”

RANDY “EL MATADOR” CABALLERO, NABF Super Bantamweight Champion:
“Of course it’s intense. That’s the whole part of this sport. You get these fans. Look at all of the fans who are out here. We get them excited for these fights. You have two undefeated fighters who will give it their all inside of the ring. We’re going to perform at our best. We’re both ready to put on a great show, to be on this great card, and to perform in front of all these great fans. It’s an amazing opportunity to give it our all.”

“Training camp was amazing. I feel good. I feel ready. I’m motivated by the fans and the support that I get from my team. They get me ready for this. This is a great opportunity Golden Boy gave me, to be live on pay-per-view. I’m just going to take full advantage of it.”

DIEGO DE LA HOYA, WBC Youth World Super Bantamweight Champion:
“It’s nothing personal. Look, in the ring, we’re enemies. Outside of the ring we can be friends. I just want to give the fans a great fight. Because we’re all going to win this Saturday. The Mexican fans will win.”

“It’s a card that everybody wishes they were on. It’s a very big event, and I’m just very happy and very fortunate, and I’m going to show the world because there’s going to be millions watching who Diego De La Hoya is. I’m going to give my soul because I’m coming to win.”

RYAN “BLUE CHIP” MARTIN, WBC Continental Americas Champion:
“It’s my first fight in Las Vegas. This is a tremendous turnout. I’m super excited to be here. Great fans. Great atmosphere. I’m ready to put on a show Saturday night, a boxing clinic. And I hope you guys will be there to see it.”

“[Rojo] is a tough fighter. He’s a top fighter in the WBC. But’s all about me. I’m going to put on a great show Saturday night–a straight boxing clinic. So it’s just fun for me Saturday night. I’m just going to go in there and do my thing. All of the hard work has been done between me and my team, and Saturday night is just going to be a showcase.”

Canelo vs. Golovkin is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD; Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle; O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday!; Fred Loya Insurance; Interjet; Thor: Ragnarok; Fathom Events; Tsesnabank; and Capital Holdings. Diaz, Jr. vs. Lara is 12-round WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Caballero vs. De La Hoya is a 10-round fight for the NABF and vacant NABO Super Bantamweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Martin vs. Rojo is a 10-round lightweight fight for the WBC Continental Americas and vacant WBA Intercontinental Championships presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Golovkin at Bellagio Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and are currently on sale. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing, @TomLoeffler1,@JosephDiazJr, @RandyELMatador and @DiegoDeLaHoya; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, https://www.Facebook.com/gggboxing/ and www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @josephdiazjr, @randyelmatador, and @diegodelahoya94; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CaneloGolovkin into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

LONDON (13th September) – Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez has told Gennady Golovkin to “bring it” as the pair kicked-off fight week ahead of their toe-to-toe clash on Saturday night.

Taking place live on BoxNation Box Office in the UK for just £16.95, or available to BoxNation subscribers, the flame-haired Canelo wants to give fans the fight they have long yearned for and warned knockout king Golovkin to be ready during their Grand Arrivals at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“I know what I have in front of me. I know he’s a strong fighter. He is the most dangerous opponent of my career, but I’m ready for him and what’s next to come. That’s why we prepared, and also to give the fans a beautiful fight,” Canelo said.

“This fight’s for you; this fight’s for all the fans who have been asking for it. We know that in fights, it takes two to tango. I’m ready, and you know what you’ll get from me. Let’s just hope he brings it as well.

“I’m excited and happy that the fight is almost here. I’ve been focused like always with my training in this camp. I’m going to do and use whatever I need to be one step ahead of Gennady in the ring.

“Without a doubt, our fight on Saturday will be one of the great fights in the history of boxing. Golovkin will bring out the best in me,” said Canelo.

This is a showdown which has many believing it will go down in the list of classic fights, to sit alongside the legendary bouts of the 1980s, something which Golovkin himself agrees with.

“I want to win this fight because for me this win will be like a history fight, like Leonard vs. Hagler. I believe the middleweight division will come back. And Canelo, he’s a very special guy. Right now for us it’s huge. Especially for me, it’s huge,” said Golovkin.

“The story of the middleweight division, it’s a long story. I remember a lot of great champions, like Carlos Monzon, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Bernard Hopkins.

“Right now I think new stories, new times for us. So many stories are huge in the middleweight division. To be a champion is huge,” Golovkin said.

Canelo v Golovkin is live on Saturday night on BoxNation Box Office. Press the Box Office button on your Sky remote or buy online at boxnation.com.

*Media can also download and use the BoxNation promotional video at the link here: https://atom42.app.box.com/s/0wii9iu2sy2say9lce0tpvgomtbpe3v5

-Ends-
About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Khan vs Canelo.

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LAS VEGAS, NEV. (September 12, 2017) — A lot has been made over the sparring sessions between Boxing’s No. 1 superhero and undefeated WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO middleweight world champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN (37-0, 33 KOs) and The Ring magazine and lineal middleweight champion CANELO ALVAREZ (49-1-1, 34 KOs) which took place many years ago. Golovkin, boxing’s longest-reigning world champion, has discounted the significance of those sessions.

“Those sparring sessions mean nothing,” Golovkin said. “We helped each other. Don’t read anything into it.”

But what about the recent sparring sessions? Oh yes!

On June 20, during the New York leg of the fighters’ UK/US media tour, they stopped at The Wall Street Journal for an editorial roundtable. At the conclusion of the interview, the world champions adjourned to The Journal’s upstairs studio to film them duking it out for five rounds — of Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots. Supervised by Jason “Enola” Gay, The Journal’s Mr. Peabody Award-winning columnist, Golovkin and Alvarez proceeded to try and knock each other’s block off. Well, Alvarez tried. Golovkin succeeded — four out of five times.

“If ever there was a harbinger of what will come on September 16, it was that morning at The Wall Street Journal,” said Tom Loeffler, Golovkin’s promoter and well-known Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots whistleblower. “After Gennady knocked Canelo’s block off for the third consecutive time everyone was getting uncomfortable in the studio. With all the excuses that were coming from their side you’d have thought the WBC had sanctioned this. Gennady finally let Canelo win the fourth bout before closing it out with a stone-cold knockout in the fifth and final fight. The version The Journal put out was edited to make it look even, but there are plenty of witnesses who know the truth.”

“We have the raw footage. It was taken by a member of Team Golovkin,” said Abel Sanchez, Golovkin’s longtime head trainer. “I’ve studied that footage and it confirms what I have been saying for years. Canelo’s a slapper. He couldn’t handle Gennady’s pressure and power then and he won’t be able to on Saturday night. On Fight Night, you will hear his corner say the same thing they said at The Wall Street Journal on June 20. No Mas.”

Video Credit: The Wall Street Journal

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Golovkin, who has been middleweight champion since 2010, is four days away from his 19th consecutive title defense – one short of the all-time record – against lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion and Mexican icon Alvarez. Canelo vs. Golovkin is the long-awaited showdown to determine supremacy of the storied middleweight division and arguably the pound-for-pound rankings.

Canelo vs. Golovkin is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD”; Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle; O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday!; Fred Loya Insurance; Interjet; Thor: Ragnarok; Fathom Events; Tsesnabank; and Capital Holdings. Diaz, Jr. vs. Lara is 12-round WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Caballero vs. De La Hoya is a 10-round fight for the NABF Super Bantamweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Martin vs. Rojo is a 10-round lightweight fight for the WBC Continental Americas and vacant WBA Intercontinental Championships presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT.

Remaining Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Golovkin at Bellagio Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and are currently on sale. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CaneloGolovkin into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG.

Dominic Ingle believes Billy Joe Saunders will show this weekend why he’s the man to topple middleweight superstars Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.

The Hatfield traveller has been whipped into shape by new trainer Ingle for Saturday’s WBO world title defence against Willie Monroe Jr at London’s Copper Box Arena.

A few hours later GGG defends his IBF, WBA and WBC belts against Canelo with the winner eyeing Saunders providing he defeats his tough American challenger.

Ingle answered an SOS call from promoter Frank Warren three months ago to train Billy Joe whose lifestyle has contributed to lacklustre performances, but still remained unbeaten in 24 fights.

“He came in the camp fat and unfit,” admitted Ingle.

Saunders, 28, has been living in house opposite Ingle’s home since moving his training base to Sheffield and been in bed by 9.30pm every night.

Ingle added: “When you’ve only got 12 weeks to get rid of that you have a time scale, he has worked hard and been committed to the training camp.

“He hasn’t put a foot wrong, is motivated, enjoying training and gets on with all the lads in the camp.

“He has three parts of the jigsaw, but his training has been wrong. I’m not blaming that on the trainers. I’m blaming Bill. His nutrition has been wrong, also. Now, all the pieces are fitting together.

“Hopefully it will all come together against Monroe, we will see what Bill can do and show what he should have been for the last four or five years.”

Billy Joe Saunders defends his WBO Middleweight World title against Willie Monroe Jr in the evening’s main event; Ilford Light-Heavyweight Anthony Yarde takes on Norbert Nemesapati for the WBO Intercontinental and European belts and teenage Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois takes on AJ Carter for the Vacant Southern Area strap in only his fifth contest

Some of the very best up-and-coming prospects in the country including Welling Super-Featherweight Archie Sharp; Ilford Super-Bantamweight Lucien Reid; Fulham Super-Middleweight Zak Chelli and Erith Flyweight Jake Pettit feature. Ilford Welterweight Hamza Sheeraz, Tamworth Light-Heavyweight Ryan Hatton and Ilford Super-Middleweight Umar Sadiq all make their highly-anticipated pro debuts.

Tickets for Saunders vs. Monroe Jr priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150, £200 and £250 (VIP/Hospitality) are available from:

www.eventim.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Saunders v Monroe Jr Fight Week Schedule:

Wednesday September 13, 1.00pm start, Media Work Out, Peacock Gymnasium, 8-9 Caxton St N, London, E16 1JL.

Thursday September 14, 11.00 for 11.30am start, Final Press Conference, BT Sport Production Hub, off Waterden Road, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, E20 3BS.

Friday September 15, 1.30pm start, Official Weigh-in, BT Sport Production Hub, off Waterden Road, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, E20 3BS.

What’s your definition of a “Mexican warrior”? GGG says he likes to fight “Mexican style”, but is that something you learned or something you are born with?

“When Golovkin or a lot of his fans refer to fighting “Mexican style” it is describing a style in which a fighter is gutsy, comes forward aggressively, is throwing power punches just to throw them and engages in unnecessary exchanges. I would argue that GGG’s definition of “Mexican Style” isn’t completely correct.

“If you look at all the great Mexican fighters who have become world renowned world champions like Salvador “Chava” Sanchez, Erik “El Terrible” Morales, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Márquez, and Ricardo “Finito” Lopez just to name a few, they weren’t the biggest brawlers – they were intelligent with their boxing, were able to outclass their opponents and knew how to use their bodies to achieve their victories.

“I would argue that a Mexican Warrior is one that has heart, passion, and fights with all he has until the very end with intuition and intelligence. A Mexican warrior will not die in the line of fire, but will cunningly be three steps ahead of his opponent. No one can teach you to be a warrior. It’s something innate that unites all Mexicans – that fire is what propels us to survive and thrive.”

Canelo vs. Golovkin takes place Saturday, September 16 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT.

24/7 #CaneloGGG – Episode 1 (Click to watch Full Episode)
Link: https://youtu.be/QrdGoqt_Wv4
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24/7 #CaneloGGG – Episode 2 (Click to watch Full Episode)
Link: https://youtu.be/oNHDAf0pdAk
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Watch Canelo Alvarez’s Greatest Hits (Click to Watch)
Link: https://youtu.be/leZZm7AEwLM
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Do you see similarities between you and Canelo? He has a good body attack, you have a good body attack. How do you fight someone who’s similar to you?

“This is more than a fight. It’s a real Mexican fight. Abel brings a Mexican style to me. I love fighting Mexican style. I love Mexican food and eat it every day. I love the Mexican tradition. I am surrounded by it. I have many Mexican friends. I have Mexican blood.

“Seriously, just one punch changes a fight…a life. Just one punch. Canelo has power, he has speed. He knows me, I know him. My team has Plan A, B, C, D. And his team has the same. He’s ready for short distance, long distance, decision. I do not know. Who lands the big punch first? It is not a fight. It is a war.”

You respect each other, don’t you?

“I respect Canelo because he is a warrior. We both respect the sport. I think now is the perfect time for us, for the promotion, for the sport, for business and for fans. I think right now it is the biggest fight in boxing.

“I am very excited to finally be fighting in Las Vegas but I am more excited that it is against Canelo. This is a fight where the people win. Boxing wins. Everyone loves our fighting style. We are both dangerous fighters. The last few fights Canelo has looked good. He has looked strong. Canelo is a superstar. This is an amazing fight for us.”

Canelo vs. Golovkin takes place Saturday, September 16 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT.

Abel Sanchez Blog Part 3

Canelo has a pretty good body attack, as Gennady does. How do you fight a guy that can hurt you the same way Gennady hurt opponents? Do you see any similarities between Gennady and Canelo? What’s the biggest difference between Gennady and Canelo and what is it that Gennady does better than Canelo?

“Canelo is a very good fighter, but his successful (certain fights) body attack was against lesser competition. In order to land body shots he will have to put himself in range to be countered, so I would hope he throws body shots, it will make for great encounters.

“The difference is in experience, physicality and ring generalship. Canelo has been able to dictate in fights. If he tries that style against Gennady on September 16 then we will be treated to an explosive fight.”

Canelo vs. Golovkin takes place Saturday, September 16 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT.

24/7 #CaneloGGG – Episode 1 (Click to watch Full Episode)
Link: https://youtu.be/QrdGoqt_Wv4
Embed:

24/7 #CaneloGGG – Episode 2 (Click to watch Full Episode)
Link: https://youtu.be/oNHDAf0pdAk
Embed:

Watch Gennady Golovkin’s Greatest Hits (Click to Watch)
Link: https://youtu.be/HbF3Ct0aQ4U
Embed:

Billy Joe Saunders insists he would consider a move to super-middleweight if he fails to nail a showdown with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez or Gennady Golovkin.

Saunders, 28, makes the second defence of his WBO middleweight title against Willie Monroe Jr at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday night, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

An impressive win could land him a shot at the winner of Canelo v GGG who meet in Las Vegas a few hours after his showdown with American Monroe Jr.

Hatfield’s Saunders has seen potential showdowns against the middleweight divisions two biggest stars fall through over the last 12 months.

Saunders who hasn’t boxed since last December said: “I signed to fight Golovkin and Canelo, but none of them have come off. If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen.

“The inactivity has been stressful, but you crack on and deal with it. My last opponent, Avtandil Khurtsidze got arrested and the fight was cancelled. You just have to deal with it.”

If Saunders did make the move to 168lb he would be relying on his outstanding skills against naturally bigger men.

He added: “I am a big middleweight and don’t want to give my advantage away, but there is not a super-middleweight that I fear.

“Most of the top super-middleweights I have sparred and they will tell you I did well. Callum Smith is the only top British one I haven’t worked with.

“I will go to that weight, but when I have done my work at middleweight.”

Billy Joe Saunders defends his WBO Middleweight World title against Willie Monroe Jr in the evening’s main event; Ilford Light-Heavyweight Anthony Yarde takes on Norbert Nemesapati for the WBO Intercontinental and European belts; teenage Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois takes on AJ Carter for the Vacant Southern Area strap in only his fifth contest; knockout artist Joe Pigford fights for the Vacant WBO European Super-Welterweight title.

Some of the very best up-and-coming prospects in the country including Welling Super-Featherweight Archie Sharp; Ilford Super-Bantamweight Lucien Reid; Fulham Super-Middleweight Zak Chelli and Erith Flyweight Jake Pettit feature. Ilford Welterweight Hamza Sheeraz, Tamworth Light-Heavyweight Ryan Hatton and Ilford Super-Middleweight Umar Sadiq all make their highly-anticipated pro debuts.

Tickets for Saunders vs. Monroe Jr priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150, £200 and £250 (VIP/Hospitality) are available from:

www.eventim.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

LOS ANGELES (September 11, 2017) – Fight Week for the epic battle everyone has wished for is finally here. Boxing’s No. 1 superhero and undefeated WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO Middleweight World Champion, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN and lineal and Ring magazine Middleweight World Champion and Mexican icon CANELO ALVAREZ, finally, are about to collide. Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs), who has been middleweight champion since 2010, is five days away from his 19th consecutive title defense – one short of the all-time record – against lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion and Mexican icon Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs). Canelo vs. Golovkin is the long-awaited showdown to determine supremacy of the storied middleweight division and arguably the pound-for-pound rankings.

“This wasn’t like Canelo not being ready. It was Golden Boy not being ready. We have been talking about this fight for three years,” said Golovkin, boxing’s longest-reigning world champion. “Finally Canelo AND Golden Boy are ready for this fight. First step to history. Everyone will remember this fight. It is the biggest fight of all.”

“I have trained a lot of fighters. A lot. But I have never worked with one who was avoided more than Gennady,” said trainer Abel Sanchez. “The special fighters accept challenges or dare to step up and make the challenge. It’s the measure of the man. It is the difference between good and great. Ali stepped up against Liston. Leonard stepped up against Hagler. Holyfield stepped up against Tyson. These are fights and fighters that will always be remembered because they dared to be tested at the highest level regardless of risk. Now, at last, we have Gennady against Canelo, a real Mexican fight. I give Canelo credit because he has always wanted this fight. I am relieved that his promoter finally had the confidence to make it.”

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Canelo vs. Golovkin is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD”; Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle; O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday!; Fred Loya Insurance; Interjet; Thor: Ragnarok; Fathom Events; Tsesnabank; and Capital Holdings. Diaz, Jr. vs. Lara is 12-round WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Caballero vs. De La Hoya is a 10-round fight for the NABF Super Bantamweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Martin vs. Rojo is a 10-round lightweight fight for the WBC Continental Americas and vacant WBA Intercontinental Championships presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT.

Remaining Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Golovkin at Bellagio Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and are currently on sale. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CaneloGolovkin into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG.

LONDON (9 September) – Boxing ace Amir Khan will be a BoxNation studio guest for the epic encounter between middleweight kingpins Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.

The pair meet at the T-Mobile Arena next Saturday night in a genuine ‘Fight of the Decade’ showdown between the two hottest 160-pounders in the world.

Kazakh knockout king Golovkin puts his WBC, WBA and IBF belts all on the line against two-division world champion Alvarez, who is regarded as boxing’s next pay-per-view superstar.

30-year-old Khan, who bravely moved up two-weight divisions to take on feared Mexican Canelo in his last fight, will be on the BoxNation couch to give a detailed insight into how the mouth-watering clash is likely to play out.

The former unified light-welterweight world champion believes those tuning in on BoxNation Box Office for a one-off fee of £16.95/€21.95, or watching live as subscribers to BoxNation, are going to be in for something unforgettable.

“This is going to be a very special fight,” said Khan. “It’s one which I’m really looking forward to watching because fans have been asking to see this for a long time. These are the two best middleweights in the world taking on each other. It’s the way that boxing should be – the best fighting the best.”

Khan believes that the flame-haired Canelo will come out victorious on the night following a string of impressive performances.

“Going on their past few performances I think that Canelo is only getting better and will get the win. Golovkin is an excellent fighter but his last performance against Danny Jacobs would have given Canelo a lot of encouragement,” said Khan.

“Golovkin had trouble dealing with Jacobs and Canelo has even more skills. I’ve been in the ring with him and he’s quick, has good movement and is a big puncher. I know a lot of people think Golovkin is the puncher going into this fight but Canelo’s power should not be underestimated.

“As hard as they both hit I think Canelo will take the fight on points. He is an excellent counter-puncher and likes fighters coming to him, something which Golovkin does.

“Golovkin tends to walk down fighters he is physically stronger than but he won’t have it all his own way against Canelo because he is just as imposing and won’t be bullied,” said Khan.

The Olympic silver medalist thinks the fight has the makings of an all-time classic, following in the footsteps of some of boxing’s memorable middleweight clashes.

“This fight does remind me of the great fights of the past when the middleweight division was thriving. Everyone remembers the era of Tommy Hearns, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran when they all fought each other. Even today we still talk about it. This fight has the potential to be a modern classic and I do think it will live up to the hype.”

BoxNation Box Office will bring UK and Irish fans the fight live on Sky and Virgin for just £16.95/€21.95 via their remote control, or subscribers to BoxNation will be able to get the fight as part of their monthly subscription.

For more information on Canelo v GGG and how to watch visit boxnation.com.

– ENDS –

About BoxNation

Canelo v Golovkin on 16th September will be shown exclusively live on BoxNation Box Office (Sky Ch.490) in the UK and Ireland.

To order BoxNation Box Office for Canelo v Golovkin, press the Box Office Button on your Sky remote control, and select Sports/Events.

Canelo v Golovkin will also be available to all BoxNation active monthly subscribers on all platforms, including Sky, as part of your normal BoxNation subscription.

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Khan vs Canelo. The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV).

BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled. Available on selected internet-connected Freeview products only, subject to coverage. Visit freeview.co.uk/availability.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

BIG BEAR, CALIF. (September 8, 2017) — Boxing’s No. 1 superhero and undefeated WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO Middleweight World Champion, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN and lineal and Ring magazine Middleweight World Champion and Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez are entering their epic showdown with each coming off very different performances. On March 18, in front of a packed Madison Square Garden, Golovkin beat fellow world champion Daniel Jacobs by unanimous decision in a hard-fought battle. It was Golovkin’s 18th consecutive title defense — two short of the record — since becoming world champion in 2010 and the first to go the distance. That had media speculating that age was starting to become a factor for Golovkin, currently boxing’s longest-reigning world champion. Two months later, on May 6 — at a catchweight of 164.5 pounds (the less-than-super super middleweight division?) — Alvarez won a lopsided unanimous decision over former middleweight champion Julio César Ch?vez, Jr., who barely threw a punch and did everything he could do to survive. Not win.

Throughout training camp, Golovkin has been asked about the comparison between the two fights — the difficulty he had against Jacobs and the ease Alvarez had against Ch?vez.

“I am not Julio César Ch?vez, Jr. and Canelo is no Danny Jacobs. There are no survivors in my fights,” said Golovkin. “Boxing is a business. If I look great against Jacobs…if I knocked him out, I would not be getting this fight with Canelo now. Jacobs was a very good fighter and gave me good learning experience going 12 rounds. I have never done that before. I felt amazing going 12 rounds for the first time. Jacobs gives everyone problems.”

Golovkin’s trainer, Abel Sanchez, concurs.

“Danny Jacobs is the second-best middleweight in boxing. It was a tough fight because the two best in the middleweight division were fighting each other. The matchup was as good in the ring as it was on paper,” said Sanchez. “Jacobs also gamed the system by skipping the IBF’s mandatory fight day weigh-in where the fighters are only allowed to gain ten pounds from the previous day’s Official Weigh-In. Gennady, as defending champion, honored the IBF’s rule and weighed-in the next morning. Who knows how heavy Jacobs was the night of the fight? But even with that advantage Gennady was able to win. Jacobs was easily one weight division heavier than Gennady. Not getting the knockout may have been a double blessing for us. It showed that Gennady was capable of going twelve rounds with an elite fighter and it gave us the fight with Canelo. If Gennady had knocked Jacobs out there is no way Golden Boy would have the confidence to put Canelo in with us this year. Now let’s look at Canelo’s last fight. Ch?vez hasn’t fought under 167 pounds in five years. He was drained and barely threw a punch. If that same Chavez fights Gennady, there is no question Gennady knocks him out. Ch?vez was a sitting duck. There is no debate on who had the better win against the better opponent. Watching Canelo’s performance against Ch?vez gave us a lot of confidence too.” .

Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs) who has been middleweight champion since 2010, is eight days away from his 19th consecutive title defense – one short of the all-time record – against lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion and Mexican icon Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs). Canelo vs. Golovkin is the long-awaited showdown to determine supremacy of the storied middleweight division and arguably the pound-for-pound rankings.

********************************

Canelo vs. Golovkin is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD”; Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle; O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday!; Fred Loya Insurance; Interjet; Thor: Ragnarok; Fathom Events; Tsesnabank; and Capital Holdings. Diaz, Jr. vs. Lara is 12-round WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Caballero vs. De La Hoya is a 10-round fight for the NABF Super Bantamweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Martin vs. Rojo is a 10-round lightweight fight for the WBC Continental Americas and vacant WBA Intercontinental Championships presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT.

Episode #2 of 24/7 Canelo/Golovkin premieres Tomorrow! Saturday, Sept. 9 on HBO immediately following the live Boxing After Dark triple header from the StubHub Center at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Remaining Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Golovkin at Bellagio Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and are currently on sale. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CaneloGolovkin into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG.

LONDON (8 September) – 32 Red, part of the Kindred Group, are delighted to announce an exclusive deal to sponsor BoxNation’s coverage of the most eagerly-anticipated fight in generations between two-division World Champion Canelo Alvarez and WBC, WBA and IBF Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin.

The pair are set for a colossal clash next Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, in a fight that has fans across the world captivated.

Earlier this week, the ‘Channel of Champions’ announced details of how UK fans can watch the biggest fight in boxing.

BoxNation’s current paying subscribers, and any new customers that wish to subscribe instead of buying it via BOX OFFICE, will get the fight as part of their monthly subscription.

Fight fans will be able to purchase the colossal collision exclusively on BoxNation Box Office from just £16.95.

The only way to buy Canelo v Golovkin on Sky is via the Sky remote control and will be available to purchase from Saturday 9th September.

Virgin Media customers can order the event too via their remote control from Monday 11th September.

If you are not a Sky or Virgin Media customer you can buy this fight as part of a monthly subscription to the channel through boxnation.com.

Gerry Murray, Director of Brand & Acquisition, 32Red PLC, commented: “Canelo v Golovkin is the fight real fans have all been waiting for and we’re delighted that 32Red are involved in bringing U.K. viewers such an exciting matchup alongside BoxNation. We’ve developed an excellent relationship with Frank Warren and his team in recent months and combined with the outstanding card from the Copper Box, headlined by Saunders v Monroe Jr, September 16th promises to be one of the great nights of boxing.”

Frank Warren, BoxNation Chairman, commented: “This is the ‘Fight of the Decade’, and we are delighted to be working alongside our fantastic sponsor 32Red. This is a fight that will undoubtedly go down alongside the legendary middleweight bouts of the past. It has been a brilliant start to our partnership with 32Red and I am looking forward to putting on more world class events with them.”

For more information and details on the Canelo v Golovkin superfight on Saturday 16th September please visit boxnation.com.

– ENDS –

About BoxNation

Canelo v Golovkin on 16th September will be shown exclusively live on BoxNation Box Office (Sky Ch.490) in the UK and Ireland.

To order BoxNation Box Office for Canelo v Golovkin, press the Box Office Button on your Sky remote control, and select Sports/Events.

Canelo v Golovkin will also be available to all BoxNation active monthly subscribers on all platforms, including Sky, as part of your normal BoxNation subscription.

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel.

From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Khan vs Canelo.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV).

BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

Available on selected internet-connected Freeview products only, subject to coverage. Visit freeview.co.uk/availability.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

You are the middleweight champion. Many people think you are #1 P4P. What would a victory over Canelo add to that?

“It is not serious for me, that pound for pound. There are so many great fighters. For me, what is more serious is, maybe last five years I destroy my opponents, and Canelo did the same. I do not know who is close with us in the middleweight division. I do not know who is number two, number three, number four. I know this guy [Canelo]. He is a special guy. He is a superstar. He is national idol, a hero.

“This is much bigger for me, not pound-for-pound. Pound-for-pound is just one guy who says, ‘You are number one pound-for-pound,’ and another one says, ‘No, I like that guy more.’ Everybody feels different. For me, pound-for-pound is not serious. This is my biggest fight. This fight is real because it is about winning a war. It is about boxing history. It is about being the champion of the world.”

Episode #2 of 24/7 Canelo/Golovkin premieres This Saturday, Sept. 9 on HBO Immediately following the live Boxing After Dark triple header from the StubHub Center at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Canelo vs. Golovkin takes place Saturday, September 16 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT.

Abel Sanchez Blog Part 2

Gennady is the middleweight champion and the No. 1 P4P on most lists. What would a victory over Canelo Alvarez add to that? Why is it that you and Gennady wanted this fight more than any other?

“I think the winner of this fight on September 16 clearly establishes the best middleweight in the world as well as a strong argument for the best fighter in the sport. The winner will also be one of the most marketable fighters as well as the top of the pound for pound list, which doesn’t always go hand in hand.

“A victory over Canelo will bring Gennady within one fight of tying the record for consecutive middleweight title defenses. History will show that Gennady has always stepped to accept a challenge and in the middleweight division that’s saying something.”

Episode #2 of 24/7 Canelo/Golovkin premieres This Saturday, Sept. 9 on HBO Immediately following the live Boxing After Dark triple header from the StubHub Center at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Canelo vs. Golovkin takes place Saturday, September 16 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT.

24/7 #CaneloGGG – Episode 1 (Click to watch Full Episode)
Link: https://youtu.be/QrdGoqt_Wv4
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“Under The Lights: #CaneloGGG” (Click to watch Full Show)
Link: https://youtu.be/gykpVko-omE
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Watch Gennady Golovkin’s Greatest Hits (Click to Watch)
Link: https://youtu.be/HbF3Ct0aQ4U
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Double Olympic Champion Nicola Adams OBE faces Hungary’s Alexandra Vlajk in her third professional contest on the blockbuster Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennady “GGG” Golovkin card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday 16th September.

Yorkshire hero Adams made an impressive start to her professional career at the Manchester Arena in April, cruising to a comfortable points win over tough Argentinian Virginia Noemi Carcamo. She controlled the range and pace of the fight with her impressive footwork, punch variety and timing.

In her next contest Adams forced an explosive stoppage against game Mexican Maryan Salazar at the First Direct Arena in her home city of Leeds. The 34-year-old pinned her opponent in the corner and the referee stepped in to confirm her second professional victory in the Flyweight contest.

Adams has already set her sights on winning a World title since joining the professional ranks with promoter Frank Warren at the start of the year. A win against Vlajk on September 16th will take her a step closer to becoming Britain’s first ever globally recognised female professional World Champion.

Vlajk, 37, has won 11 of her 17 contests, stopping two opponents, since turning professional in 2013. The Debrecen resident has banked over 114 rounds, compared to Adams’ 7.

“Every boxer dreams of fighting in Las Vegas one day and to be doing this as part of the biggest boxing match of the year is going to be incredible,” said Adams. “It’s great to be fighting 3 minute rounds again as this made a big difference in Leeds and I’m hoping for a similar outcome this time. My training has been going really well with Virgil Hunter and the team at SNAC. I can’t wait to get in the ring on 16th.

Frank Warren said: “This is without doubt THE boxing event of 2017, and I am delighted that Nicola has the chance to showcase her skills on such a huge bill. Canelo v Golovkin is among the very best fights to be made in the last decade and for Nicola to be part of it is brilliant for her and women’s boxing. I have every confidence that Nicola will become a World Champion in the professional ranks.”

Order Canelo v Golovkin on BoxNation Box Office via your remote control for £16.95/€21.95

BoxNation’s current paying subscribers, and any new customers that wish to subscribe instead of buying it via BOX OFFICE, will get the fight as part of their monthly subscription.

Canelo vs. Golovkin is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD; Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle; O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday!; Fred Loya Insurance; Interjet; Thor: Ragnarok; Fathom Events; Tsesnabank; and Capital Holdings. Diaz, Jr. vs. Lara is 12-round WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Caballero vs. De La Hoya is a 10-round fight for the NABF Super Bantamweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Martin vs. Rojo is a 10-round lightweight fight for the WBC Continental Americas and vacant WBA Intercontinental Championships presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Golovkin at Bellagio Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and are currently on sale. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing, @TomLoeffler1, @JosephDiazJr, @RandyELMatador and @DiegoDeLaHoya; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, https://www.Facebook.com/gggboxing/ and www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @josephdiazjr, @randyelmatador, and @diegodelahoya94; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG.

A dominant victory over GGG will put you among the best Mexican fighters ever. Did you ever think that was possible? Who were the fighters you grew up watching and how does it feel to be compare to some of them?

“When I was a young boxer starting out, of course you never imagine all of this coming true. However, in my heart I’ve always wanted this, and I’ve always dreamed of the day in which my discipline would pave the way to where I am.

“Anything in this world is achievable if you have the passion for it, and I have given my life and blood to the sport of boxing. Gilberto Román, Óscar “Chololo” Larios, Javier “Chatito” Jáuregui, are all world champions with whom I grew up watching and learned from. Also, the legendary José Ángel Mantequilla Nápoles was someone extremely influential in my career. I can’t explain the feeling of possibly being compared to them, it’s an honor. However, I don’t think I could compare to their legendary status because I’m creating my own. This is my era.”

Episode #2 of 24/7 Canelo/Golovkin premieres Saturday, Sept. 9 on HBO Immediately following the live Boxing After Dark triple header from the StubHub Center at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Canelo vs. Golovkin takes place Saturday, September 16 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT.

Sept. 5, 2017 – Leading up to this year’s most celebrated world championship boxing event which features Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin on Mexican Independence Day weekend and presented live by HBO Pay-Per-View® on Saturday, September 16, HBO Sports will present the exclusive replay of two hard-hitting all-action encounters that highlight the remarkable skill and power of these battle-tested ring warriors.

On Friday, September 8 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT and Saturday, September 9 at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT, HBO2 will replay back-to-back Cotto vs. Canelo 2015 and Golovkin vs. Jacobs 2017. On November 21, 2015 in a vintage Puerto Rico vs. Mexico showdown, Canelo displayed incredible ring skill outpointing future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto, capturing a 12-round unanimous decision in boxing’s first ever event at T-Mobile Arena. This past March at “The Mecca of Boxing” in New York’s Madison Square Garden, Golovkin showed the boxing community his world class ring skills by outpointing Daniel Jacobs with a 12-round unanimous decision victory.

Both fights will also be available 24 hours a day on HBO NOW, HBO On Demand® and HBO GO® subscribers and affiliate portals beginning Monday, September 4.

Canelo vs. Golovkin takes place Saturday, September 16 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT.

LONDON (4 September) – Boxing’s most anticipated fight in a decade when middleweight superstars Canelo Alvarez and Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin collide later this month will be shown exclusively live in the UK and Ireland on BoxNation Box Office from just £16.95.

BoxNation’s current paying subscribers, and any new customers that wish to subscribe instead of buying it via BOX OFFICE, will get the fight as part of their monthly subscription.

Canelo and Golovkin are guaranteeing a real fight between two genuine pound-for-pound boxing stars.

The most anticipated boxing match in years pits together the world’s two best middleweights, with the Kazakh hitman putting his WBC, WBA, IBF and IBO world titles all on the line at the sold-out T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday September 16th.

So enticing is the matchup that the fight is drawing comparisons with middleweight classics of the past, with many experts predicting a historic event that will stand the test of time.

Canelo has steamrolled past boxing’s best names on his way to becoming a two-weight world champion, including the likes of Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Amir Khan and most recently Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

In Golovkin, however, he faces an undefeated opponent who has built a formidable reputation, knocking out 33 of his 37 opponents while dominating the 160-pound middleweight division.

Fireworks are guaranteed when these two step into the ring, with neither willing to take a back step when the punches begin to fly.

The only way to buy Canelo v Golovkin on Sky is via the Sky remote control and will be available to purchase from Saturday 9th September.

Virgin Media customers can order the event too via their remote control from Monday 11th September.

If you are not a Sky or Virgin Media customer you can buy this fight as part of a monthly subscription to the channel through boxnation.com.

Simply choose your platform: Sky, TalkTalk, Freeview, Online or App and follow the instructions online. There is no minimum term so you can cancel anytime.

Frank Warren, BoxNation Chairman, said: “This is without doubt THE boxing event of 2017, and among the very best fights to be made in the last decade. Canelo v Golovkin was the fight that boxing fans have long called for, The Best v The Best, and on Saturday 16th September BoxNation Box Office will be bringing the UK and Irish fans the not-to-be-missed event exclusively live for just £16.95. We are delighted to offer this historic battle at a very reasonable and competitive price. In addition to this, BoxNation’s loyal paying subscribers will be able to enjoy the toe-to-toe encounter as part of their monthly subscription. This is a fight that will undoubtedly go down alongside the legendary middleweight fights of the past. Marvin Hagler, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Tommy Hearns all made their mark on the sport. Next week will be the chance for Canelo Alvarez or Gennady Golovkin to stake their claim to join such revered company. This is going to be something very special.”

For more information and details on the Canelo v Golovkin superfight on Saturday 16th September please visit boxnation.com.

– ENDS –
About BoxNation

Canelo v Golovkin on 16th September will be shown exclusively live on BoxNation Box Office (Sky Ch.490) in the UK and Ireland.

To order BoxNation Box Office for Canelo v Golovkin, press the Box Office Button on your Sky remote control, and select Sports/Events.

Canelo v Golovkin will also be available to all BoxNation active monthly subscribers on all platforms, including Sky, as part of your normal BoxNation subscription.

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Khan vs Canelo.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

Available on selected internet-connected Freeview products only, subject to coverage. Visit freeview.co.uk/availability.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com
*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

FRED STERNBURG: On behalf of GGG Promotions and Golden Boy, HBO Pay-Per-View, and all our great sponsors, we are less than three weeks away from the fight we’ve been waiting years for. It’s finally here, and, boy, everyone can’t wait, the main event. It’s going to be the World Middleweight Championship.

Defending champ Gennady “GGG” Golovkin is on the phone with us today. He’ll be answering questions about training camp and his expectations going into September 16 for the big pay-per-view. That will be at T-Mobile Arena. We also have his Hall of Fame trainer Abel Sanchez and his promoter Tom Loeffler on the phone to answer questions.

Without any delay, it’s my pleasure to introduce to you Tom Loeffler, who will introduce both Abel and Gennady. Tom?

TOM LOEFFLER: Thank you, Fred. We couldn’t be more excited about this fight coming up September 16. As Fred mentioned, it’s really the fight not only for the middleweight supremacy, but boxing supremacy. The winner of this fight, these two champions, world class fighters, the best middleweights in the world, I think the winner is really going to be considered the best fighter in the sport of boxing.

We had a tremendous kickoff media day on Monday at L.A. Live, where we had over 3,000 fans there, tons of media. The interest for this fight now is really reaching a fevered pitch. We’d like to thank HBO, who had a tremendous debut of 24/7 last Saturday after the Cotto fight. The Under the Lights show will be premiering this Saturday, and then the second episode, which everyone’s eagerly awaiting, will be after — September 9, when Chocolatito takes on Rungvisai in their rematch on the Super Fly show. So September 9 will be the second episode of 24/7.

It’s been a tremendous training camp. I know Abel is really pleased at how everything is going. I’ll just put on Abel to say a few words, and we can get straight into the questions for GGG, for Abel, or myself.

ABEL SANCHEZ: Thank you very much, Tom. Thank you very much to all the media that’s tuned in.

We’re having a great training camp as always. We’ve been at camp since July the 1st. Probably by fight time we’ll have two months and a couple weeks. We’re looking forward to a good fight, to a difficult fight, obviously, but that’s the way all these fights at this level should be. Thank you very much for tuning in. We’ll wait for some questions.

FRED STERNBURG: Gennady, before we open it up for questions, any comments? How’s camp going, and how do you feel with this fight finally coming up? We’re only 2 weeks away, 2 1/2 weeks.

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: Yeah, I feel great. Good morning, everybody. I’m very excited for this fight. I have, you’re right, like a couple weeks, like two weeks. My weight is good. I feel good. Everything is good. I’m okay. I’m okay. I’m ready.

Q. As the trainer for Gennady, I’d like to hear your perspective on just basically how Gennady has been as far as like his excitement level. Because I know how much he’s wanted this fight, and I think you’ve wanted this fight for a quite a while. Is there like an additional spring in his step as he gets ready for the fight that he’s really wanted compared to some of the other ones that were maybe not as anticipated as this? And could you describe what you see in him.

ABEL SANCHEZ: Absolutely, there’s been a sparkle in his eye. It’s not so much because of this fight. It could have been any big name fight that was out there. It just so happens that this is the one that was made, that was able to be made.

He’s just been a little frustrated the last couple years that he hasn’t had that marquee name to step up and want to fight him. The names go on. But happy that it is finally here. It’s 2 1/2 weeks away. Couldn’t be more excited, myself or him. I have to say he has a sparkle in his eye. He’s a little bit different than he has been, and that’s exciting for me because I know we’re going to get a great fight.

Q. When this fight is over and if Gennady is victorious, what do you think that will mean for the way he’s remembered in boxing? Because a lot of people see he has this great record, great knockout streak, but it lacks for star power in terms of the names on the record.

ABEL SANCHEZ: I think that Canelo fighting Mayweather a couple years ago, whenever that was, I think stamps him as a bona fide elite fighter, let me just say. If Golovkin — or when Golovkin does to him on the 16th what I think he’s going to do to him, it will stamp Golovkin as a superstar because I think he’s going to dominate him and do what Floyd couldn’t do.

The 16th is a pivotal period, a pivotal day in Gennady’s career, and I think how people are going to remember it, but we still have the 16th to go. Hopefully after the fight, I’m telling you the same things.

Q. Can you describe to me what you think a victory would mean for your legacy in boxing. Because you’ve got a lot of wins, a lot of knockouts. As I said, you have that great knockout streak, but for a variety of reasons, you have yet to get the opportunity to face one of the true superstars in boxing until this point. So what would that mean for the way you’re remembered?

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: Right now maybe I’m not (indiscernible). Seriously, right now, I want to start and I want to win this fight because maybe for me this win will be like a history fight, like Leonard vs. Hagler. Like middleweight division, I believe the boxing division will come back. And Canelo, he’s a very special guy.

Right now for us it’s huge. Especially for me, it’s huge.

Q. Can you just describe — as I asked Abel about you’ve had — you’ve prepared yourself and always been in great shape for your fights, but sometimes they were fights that everybody sort of expected you to win very easily. I think this fight is a fight that there’s a division, that people think you’re going to win and some people think that Canelo Alvarez is going to win. So just give me your perspective on finally being in a fight that there’s some doubt in, that people think, hey, maybe the other guy might win, and how excited you are for that kind of competition.

TOM LOEFFLER: Dan, I can jump in on that. This is definitely the closest odds of any fight that Gennady’s been involved in, and I think that’s what makes this so intriguing is that 50 percent of the people think that Canelo is going to win and 50 percent think that Gennady’s going to win. That’s where, I think, the outcome is definitely in doubt, and it makes that much bigger of an event. Gennady can add to that, if he wants.

Q. Tom, do you have an opinion for what it would mean for people as they look back — his career is not over, obviously — but his legacy? Everyone needs that one big, big victory to kind of stamp themselves as a true great.

TOM LOEFFLER: Well, 100 percent. As Gennady said, it’s a legacy fight for him. He’s had so many knockouts in his career. He holds the highest knockout percentage in the middleweight division. If there’s any criticism that people have of Gennady, it’s the level of competition, but they have to look at the opponents, not at Gennady. We’ve had a terrible time getting people in the ring with him. And that’s why we had respect for all the people that had gotten in the ring with him previously.

This is clearly — you know, Canelo is a proven pay-per-view star. The event is sold out in Vegas. Gennady brings his fan base. This just brings — you know, the sum of both fighters is much bigger than themselves individually, both from an international level and just a competition level. And I think a win September 16 definitely puts that stamp on Gennady’s career.

Look, if he beats Daniel Jacobs in March and beats Canelo Alvarez in September, I don’t know too many fighters that have a better year than that.

Q. Hi, Gennady. I just saw you on 24/7, in the first episode of that. I know you talked there about the first part of your career that you spent over in Europe and kind of being frustrated that your career wasn’t going the way you wanted, that you weren’t getting the fights that you wanted. When you came over to the United States and you kind of got like a second go at it, so to speak, how confident were you that it was going to lead to something like this?

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: Right now is a very important time for me. I feel right now very comfortable. My family, everybody support me.

TOM LOEFFLER: This is the fight that we’ve been working for. Every fight in Gennady’s career, really since he made his HBO debut September 12 — this is almost five years to the day — and every fight since then, this is really the fight that we’ve been working for. It would have been great if he’d had this type of fight earlier in his career, but as I mentioned, the other named opponents, or the champions even, weren’t willing to get in the ring with him.

Now that Canelo has agreed, this is really — all the knockouts, all the training, all the hard work, all the sacrifice that Gennady’s made has been built toward this exact fight in his career.

Q. Tom, one question for you. When Gennady comes to you, obviously, he’s not a 22-year-old, 23-year-old boxer. You’re dealing with kind of a limited amount of time. What was kind of in your blueprint, I guess, to get him to this point? Obviously, I know you’ve taken him back East to maybe try to expand his foothold out there. What was kind of the plan to get him to this point?

TOM LOEFFLER: The blueprint was, when we met with HBO, we said Gennady will fight anyone. They had a list of 20 fighters, 20 names of different fighters, anywhere from 154 to 168, and Abel and Gennady didn’t turn down any one of those. That was just — that blew HBO away. They’ve never been used to someone willing to fight everyone. They realized, if there wasn’t a fight that was able to be made, it wasn’t on the GGG side. I was very transparent with all the negotiations, everyone that we reached out to.

The first step was Madison Square Garden took a very strong interest in GGG, and he had two fights at the Theater. He sold out those fights. And then we moved to the big room in Madison Square Garden. So that was really the plan is to build him in New York City at Madison Square Garden, then when he came over here to the StubHub Center in L.A., he broke the attendance record. So that was the blueprint, not to build him in small casinos that were obscure that really didn’t bring the type of media attention because I knew with someone of Gennady’s talent and his pedigree and just his willingness to fight, that we needed to build him in the biggest markets.

A lot of people are surprised, after he’s fought in seven countries and 22 different cities, that this will be the first time he’s fighting in Las Vegas, but this is really that type of an event, that type of crown jewel event to make his debut in Las Vegas, and we see the fan reaction. All the fans coming in internationally to come see him fight, both supporting him and supporting Canelo.

We followed the blueprint. And actually, I had all these plans outside the ring and Abel had his plans, as far as the training, but if Gennady didn’t perform inside the ring, the best laid plans wouldn’t have happened. So Gennady had to perform in the ring. He always was an exciting fight. That led to his performances in the ring, and all the hard work outside the ring led to building this fight right now.

Q. I wanted to get Gennady’s reaction to Conor McGregor’s comments that he wasn’t very impressed with either Canelo or GGG. He called them a bit boring and flat-footed. So I wanted to get Gennady’s reaction to that.

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: McGregor, he’s not a boxer. So his reaction is not surprising.

Q. Abel, do you have any reaction to that?

ABEL SANCHEZ: I think you have to consider the source. You’re talking about a guy who never fought an amateur fight, never been in the ring with an elite fighter, commenting on something he knows nothing about.

Q. Tom, I wanted to ask you, with that other fight over, do you think it actually is bringing more attention to this fight because this is what everybody is saying is the, quote, unquote, real fight?

TOM LOEFFLER: I think so, George. Look, that was — that had a tremendous amount of attention to the fight. Just to be clear, I think from the GGG side and the team, we were certainly not negative about Conor McGregor. I think just the fact of what he’s accomplished in the UFC, he’s clearly the most marketable fighter they’ve had, and he’s shown a lot of tremendous heart in the fights that he’s had. It’s just that Gennady is a purist, and he didn’t look at that as a true boxing match. It would be the same thing as if Floyd went into the octagon, I’d be willing to bet that Conor lasted a lot longer in the boxing ring than Floyd would have in the octagon.

So we don’t want to be negative on either Conor or on the event, but I think it definitely brought a lot of mainstream attention to that event. And then we’re just working on capitalizing on that momentum, and the boxing fans realize this is the true fight, the true boxing match with the two best fighters in the middleweight division. I think that’s what the real boxing fans are looking forward to.

Q. And what does it say that your event is sold out and theirs was, I think, 14,000 and change? Do you think that was all pricing, or is there some other message in there?

TOM LOEFFLER: I think it was pricing. Clearly, there was a huge demand for tickets for their event. I don’t know. I wasn’t involved in that event. I don’t know the internal workings on it, but from the outside, I heard the tickets were extremely highly priced. I think maybe some of the UFC fans that were used to much lower prices for some of their biggest events weren’t willing to pay those higher prices. That’s the only thing I can attribute it to.

It wasn’t for lack of attention because they certainly got — you saw the Irish fans in Las Vegas and everything like that. It probably would have just been a component of overpricing the tickets as opposed to the people that were willing to afford to pay those prices.

Q. And is this the kind of matchup that can make, well, both of these fighters pay-per-view stars in the realm of getting 800,000 to a million buys consistently?

TOM LOEFFLER: I think so. I really think building on the numbers that Canelo did, Canelo did 1 million buys against Chavez, and you see the fan base that Gennady brings, I think they complement each other perfectly. Canelo has his fans, his diehard fans that are going to buy his pay-per-view fights, buy the tickets. And when you add the component this is the first time that Gennady has fought someone that actually has a more established name, especially on the pay-per-view side, than he has.

Before, it seemed like he was always carrying the promotions when we couldn’t get one of the bigger names or one of — you know, some of the biggest champions in the ring with him. And now this fight with Canelo, now we’ll see how much bigger of an event this will be where Gennady brings his fan base. He sold out, I think, the last seven arenas that he’s fought at, and that’s from New York to London to L.A. You know, every time he fought, he had a sellout, sold out arena.

Then you bring in Canelo, who had over 50,000 people at Cowboy Stadium against Liam Smith, you bring these two marketing sources, the point is not only are these the two best boxers in the division, but two of the most marketable fighters in the sport of boxing. I think that’s what really makes this a unique event. You don’t have that type of matchup very often in the sport.

Q. This question is for Gennady. If successful, this will be his 19th middleweight title defense. The record is held by Bernard Hopkins with 20. Obviously, that’s within range. People thought that may last for a very long time. Bernard Hopkins is an executive with Golden Boy, which has Canelo. How much would setting that record mean to Gennady, to you, Gennady? And also, the second part of that question is have you ever like imagined how you would fare prime on prime against some of the great middleweights in history? Specifically, Hopkins, but also guys like Carlos Monzon and Marvin Hagler.

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: Right off the top, the interest for me is it’s a huge fight. The story — in the middleweight division, it’s a long story. I don’t know, I remember a lot of great champions, like Carlos Monzon, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Bernard Hopkins. Right now I think new stories, new times for us. So many stories are huge in the middleweight division. To be a champion is huge.

Q. Abel, could I ask you the same question. Gennady has approached some historical milestones. Where do you think he would rate on the all time list of great middleweight champions?

ABEL SANCHEZ: I don’t think he’s ever really contemplated how he would feel if he broke Bernard’s record. He respects Bernard a heck of a lot. Obviously, we’ve been in the business for a long time, you and I, and we know that all these records were meant to be broken. It just seemed like Bernard’s was unreachable.

Gennady, on the pace that he’s going, could end up with five, six more wins in the middleweight division. So it would be historical. As far as how he would fare, it’s a different era. I think that Carlos Monzon was a great fighter, so was Joey Robinson, so was all those guys in their era. I think that everybody has an era. I don’t know how he would have fared against those guys.

I would have liked to have seen him fight Bernard in his prime because I think Bernard — or even Roy Jones in his prime because those guys were, as I remember I saw myself, those were great fighters. Hopefully, this era will be Golovkin’s era as Roy and Bernard had theirs.

Q. One more question, and this is for Gennady or whoever wants to jump in on it. We just had a situation where, for the first time since Bernard Hopkins and Jermain Taylor were the only two people since the late 1980s to hold all four of the titles, including the WBO. Terence Crawford just accomplished that. After this, would going after that one missing title that Gennady — now held by Billy Joe Saunders — would that be a priority? How important is having all the titles to him?

TOM LOEFFLER: Bernard, maybe I can jump in on my side. Ever since Gennady won the WBA middleweight championship and he was the undefeated WBA middleweight champion, Olympic silver medalist, he’s wanted to fight the best in the division. That’s the only way that he could prove that he was the best not only in the middleweight division but one of the best in the sport of boxing.

It was just so hard at the time when Felix Sturm was considered one of the top middleweights in the world and he was a mandatory for two years. Sturm did everything he could to avoid that fight. Then when Sergio Martinez was considered the best middleweight, and Gennady would have loved a matchup between — to unify his WBA title with Sergio’s WBC title. Unfortunately, Sergio chose to fight Cotto at the time, which then Cotto lost to Canelo.

It’s been very difficult getting other champions to agree. We have respect for David Lemieux. As soon as he won the IBF title, he agreed to fight GGG. But I think the other champions saw that and saw the eight-round domination of one of the biggest punchers in the middleweight division, another champion, it makes it hard to make those fights.

Terence Crawford, you’ve got to give him a lot of credit. He unified the title, but I think fighting a guy that had two titles and was willing to fight him for a reasonable amount of money, I mean, when we talk to Saunders, you’re talking about telephone numbers he wants just to get in the ring with him.

If you’re confident — you know, Gennady — there was an old story where his managers were negotiating with Eddie Hearn to come to England. All they wanted was some tickets and a logo on the mat. When you’re a confident champion, you don’t ask for those astronomical numbers if you really think you can win the fight. If you think you’re going to lose the fight or you think you’re getting knocked out, that’s when people start pricing themselves out, and that’s what made it so, so difficult to unify the division.

That’s why I think this fight with Canelo — look, if Gennady looks good against Canelo and performs the way we all believe he’ll perform, then it opens up a lot of doors. Then he’s in a whole different financial realm in terms of the moneys that we’re able to offer people. But if you can’t get the other champions to fight, you can’t unify the titles, and that’s the situation that we’ve been faced with the last six years.

Q. Well, the thing you said about HBO, that you agreed to all 20 names, a lot of those guys have ducked Gennady. I presume that a victory in this fight, not just because of the money, but all roads would have to go through him. I mean, maybe the people that ducked him before would have no choice but to — you know, if they wanted to do anything, but to go to him, right?

TOM LOEFFLER: No, that’s true. And like I said, I think, if he’s victorious September 16, he’ll be — look, Canelo is still considered the Ring Magazine and lineal middleweight champion. So there’s still some people out there who think Canelo should be rated above GGG. I think after this fight there will be no question. The winner of this fight will absolutely be — if Canelo wins, he’ll be considered the best middleweight. If Gennady wins, he’ll be considered the best middleweight and, again, one of the best in the entire sport.

If GGG is successful, then I think it will open up a lot of doors, and I think people, they’ll really have no excuse at that point to — not to fight him. I think that’s where Gennady’s career is going to be defined is, not the first part of his career, I think with the Jacobs fight and the Canelo fight and then what happens afterwards, I think that’s how his career is going to be defined as a middleweight champion.

Q. Hi, gentlemen. Thanks for taking the time. Gennady, I’m writing about your coach right now, and I want to know, when the bell rings and the fight starts, what words of Abel’s do you have in your mind? Or what advice from him is there?

TOM LOEFFLER: What does he usually say to you before a round begins, Gennady?

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: You’re right. Patience. It’s patience.

Q. Patience?

TOM LOEFFLER: Abel, is that basically the gist?

ABEL SANCHEZ: Usually, yes, that and I may say whatever it is we discussed right prior in the dressing room about what we wanted to do. But most of it is patience because, actually, the first fight that I ever worked with him was a fight in Panama where he got a little wild on me — he knocked the guy out in the first round, but he got a little wilder than what I wanted him to do. When he got back in the corner, that was my chastising him. That was my scolding him for that.

So every time we’re in the beginning of a fight, I always say patience, just be patient. That’s why you see him go out and analyzing the first round. He really doesn’t that much, just analyzing until he gets his distance and gets the idea of what the other guy is going to do. And that comes because he’s patient and just looking for his opportunities.

Q. That’s great. And, Gennady, I’m wondering what’s different about Abel than other trainers you had in Kazakhstan? You know, when you think of what Abel taught you the most, something that he did.

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: You know, different times, different guys in everything. My personal style is very different, like more mature, different age, weather, food. You know, it’s different — publicity.

TOM LOEFFLER: Gennady’s really — just to jump in there, Gennady’s had the best of both worlds, where the Kazakh amateur program is one of the best programs in the world, where he had that real solid foundation. I think that’s where he had that discipline and the sacrifice he goes through. I think that came from the Kazakh amateur program. He had a lot of punching power, and he had a lot of knockouts in the amateurs.

Then when he got to Abel’s gym and Abel’s philosophy and training, really training in the Mexican style, Abel was able to add a more professional style to Gennady, where he’s one of the best at cutting off the ring and putting constant pressure on his opponents, and that’s where either they’re knocked out by one shot or they’re just worn down, as we’ve seen in some of the fights. They just can’t take the constant pressure.

I think what Abel was able to build on to an already established fighter in the amateurs and the pros, I think it’s just taken Gennady’s career to a completely different level.

Q. Abel, how long did it take for you to transfer him into a Mexican style fighter, and what did that take?

ABEL SANCHEZ: I think it’s an ongoing process, but I think, going on what Tom said too, I don’t think there’s enough — sometimes there’s not enough credit given to what they bring us. Yeah, we’re lucky that we’re in the position to be able to develop them after, but if we don’t get that good foundation — and the Kazakh system is known in the last 15 years for creating great amateur fighters. But if they give us that foundation, it’s a lot easier for us to continue to develop the more TV friendly kind of style.

To answer your question, Fred, it’s an ongoing thing, but I think when you first — after the first four or five fights, he started to understand what his role was inside the ring, to be able to give Tom and Herman Brothers the ability to be able to market him, we have to do that inside the ring, and they do it outside. If we don’t give them something to market, then it’s impossible for them to do their job.

Q. Abel, is it hard to teach a fighter patience who has that killer instinct?

ABEL SANCHEZ: It’s hard to teach a fighter patience that wants to just fight — a natural fighter that just wants to fight. But being prepared and having those times in the gym where you know going into a fight that you’re in the best shape you could ever be mentally and physically, it’s a lot easier because you’re not in a hurry to do anything. You know, that opportunity will present itself, and you’re ready.

Also, I go back to the Kazakh system. With 350 amateur fights, there’s nothing he hasn’t seen. There’s no style he hasn’t seen. There’s no size he hasn’t seen. There’s no shape. So it’s easier to be patient when there’s nothing that can surprise you.

Q. Tom, can you comment on the importance of Abel and his training and legacy to the brand of GGG from a business perspective.

TOM LOEFFLER: I think what Abel brings to the table, Abel has had many world champions in the past. It’s just now with the success of GGG where he’s getting the recognition and the accolades of trainer of the year. I think the last two years he’s received that award.

But Abel’s training system — Abel just brings that calmness in the corner, but the value he adds to Gennady’s career is the fact that he’s instilled in Gennady, you need to put on a show for the fans. You need to put on an entertaining fight so the fans that buy the tickets, the fans that tune in to HBO or buy the pay-per-view, they feel like they’ve gotten their money’s worth. Gennady isn’t one of those fighters who dances around the ring for 12 rounds and wants to collect a paycheck. He wants to bring the entertainment.

The fans that come to the arena or tune in on TV to his fights, they know there’s going to be an exciting fight. He’s never been in a dull fight. Regardless of which style he’s fought, Gennady Golovkin has never been in a dull fight. That’s the box office draw that Abel has created out of Gennady.

Obviously, Abel having his Mexican heritage and being able to teach Gennady some Spanish words and things like that, that just brings a whole different level to Gennady’s career. But I think it’s just the fact that he’s created such an entertaining style and entertaining fighter, and that’s allowed us, on the marketing and promotional side, to highlight what Gennady’s accomplished in the ring.

Q. This question is just for GGG. Champ, I have a question for you. You’ve become very popular when you fought in Southern California. I’m wondering, though, how’s it going to be now, knowing that you are not going to be the most popular fighter entering the ring? Is this going to have an effect on you at all, or is this something you’ve prepared for?

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: Yeah, probably in Las Vegas. In L.A., they’re for me. In New York, they’re for me. I don’t know if in Dallas, Texas, or in Vegas, they’re probably for Canelo.

TOM LOEFFLER: I think it’s not so much the more popular fighter going in the ring. I think it’s the more popular fighter going out of the ring. If Gennady gets the victory September 16, I think he’ll become the most popular fighter in the sport. If you can beat a proven champion like Canelo, such a marketing draw, that just takes Gennady’s career to a different level.

I think what he was saying before is he’s fought in New York, I think six times now. So in New York he would be more popular than Canelo. In Las Vegas, since Canelo has fought there many times, Canelo is probably more popular in Las Vegas. So it just depends.

You know, in the UK, if you take GGG to the UK, the boxing fans love him over there, and he’s more popular in the UK, for example. So it just depends on the market. But that’s what brings this international flavor to this event.

ABEL SANCHEZ: I was going to add a little bit to that. Being a Latin, being a Mexican, I think that we just enjoy a good fight, and the base, the Latin base, or the Mexican base that Canelo has and that Golovkin have, as long as they put up the kind of fight that we expect as Mexicans or Latins, I think we’re going to be happy with whomever wins, and we’re going to support both.

Q. Good morning. GGG sounds like he’s on a spaceship out near Jupiter, but we’ll take a shot at it, and maybe Abel can help out with the question because it relates to him as well. Gennady looked fantastic at the event in Los Angeles, but as we all know, 35 isn’t 30, it’s not 25. Can the fighter and the trainer talk about how his body is different at 35, how it feels different in training, and how the training is different from how it was five, six, seven years ago.

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: Thank you very much for your compliment. I feel great at this age. Seriously, I don’t know, just my training every day, I’m just the same. Just my sparring is the same, like my speed, my power, I don’t lose. I feel like ten years ago. Like right now, you’re right, I’m 35, but I feel like 25. Maybe inside, maybe right now I’m younger than Canelo. I feel like 25.

Q. Abel, you want to comment on his sparring and how you see him in the gym now.

ABEL SANCHEZ: Yeah, obviously as a coach, you take into consideration the years, the age, but he’s doing the same things now, harder now because he’s at a different level than he was four, five years ago. He’s still working as hard as he was before and not slacking off, not — I’m not having to make any concessions for being 35 years old. We’re doing the same things we did in the past.

But about five or six fights ago, seven fights ago maybe, I cut down the rounds of sparring, but that’s really the only thing that I’ve done different. But then I didn’t do it because of age. I did it because he just comes to camp in such a state that I don’t have to abuse him in camp. I can leave a lot in him by working him less because he’s in shape when he comes to camp. We’re not losing 25 pounds. So it’s easier for me as a coach to get out of him what he needs and get him ready to peak right before fight time.

Q. Second question for both. Something that Abel touched on earlier in the conversation. Subsequent to this, upwards of five or six more, are you comfortable with the thought of fighting for another couple, three years, maybe longer? You want to be fighting like Mayweather at the age of 40? What are your thoughts on that?

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: Yeah, probably. Maybe like 40, five years more. This is boxing. Every day is difficult and dangerous. Right now I feel great. Everything’s good. My family and my team support me. I feel very comfortable. So probably, yeah, five years more.

ABEL SANCHEZ: I think, if we get, if we’re able to secure the kind of fights that motivate him mentally — physically they’re always in shape. Obviously, all great fighters like that are always in shape, but the mental part of it is so important because you have to be motivated for a fight. If Tom and the Herman Brothers and the powers that be can get him the kind of fights that motivate him and want him to come back in the gym and work as hard as he does for all fights, then, yes, I can see him fighting that long. I think, if there’s an if, that’s a big if.

Q. No concerns about the possible long-term effects about boxing and getting punched in the head?

ABEL SANCHEZ: No, remember, he’s probably been a pro less than Canelo’s been a pro, and his fights are a heck of a lot shorter than Canelo’s fights. Canelo is the one that has the wear and tear on him, not Golovkin. Canelo has got 49 fights. And Golovkin has 36, 37, whatever he has, and his fights have been shorter, and he turned pro in 2006. I believe Canelo’s been a pro a little bit longer than he has.

No, we don’t have the long periods of training camps like we used to for the other fighters. That helps. And his fights being shorter helps. If he’s motivated to fight on, to fight for the next three or four years, then he should. If he doesn’t have it in him, then he shouldn’t.

I think, if we do good on the 16th, I think the public will ask for him to fight on, and as long as he keeps fighting the way that I know he can, the public will keep asking for that. Hopefully, Tom can put those together.

FRED STERNBURG: Before we wrap up, just a reminder that HBO sports will be airing the special Under the Lights: Canelo-Golovkin Saturday evening at 10:00 p.m. East Coast and West Coast on HBO, and episode 2 of 24/7: Canelo-Golovkin will premiere the following week on HBO immediately following Tom’s terrific card with all the super flyweights at StubHub Center. Tom, any last comments before we head to trainer and fighter?

TOM LOEFFLER: I’ll tell you, we can’t be more excited about this fight. It’s really the crescendo of we’ve had a banner year for boxing in 2017, even with the Mayweather-McGregor fight. It’s just the spotlight that’s been shown on the sport of boxing has never been brighter, or not for a long time, than we’ve seen this year. This really seems to be the main event of the year.

So we’re excited about this fight. Fred, as you mentioned, the Super Fly show September 9th. Don’t miss that. That will be on HBO with the second airing of 24/7.

This is really — this is the fight that everyone on the GGG side has been working hard for. We give Canelo a lot of credit. We give the Golden Boy side a lot of credit for being extremely cooperative with the co-promotion, the MGM properties up in Las Vegas, and just looking forward to Gennady’s premiere not only in Las Vegas but at the T-Mobile Arena, one of the most premier arenas around the world.

Naturally, we can’t leave out HBO. It’s just been a tremendous partner for Gennady’s career, and very thankful for their support.

FRED STERNBURG: Abel, any last words? You still feel like you’re 25, like Gennady does?

ABEL SANCHEZ: Not after hits the mitts with me, not after he pounds on my shoulders. No, I feel that we’re training very hard to be well prepared to give the fans, not to disappoint the fans and to give the fans the kind of fight that they expect from us. I know Canelo is training just as hard. So hopefully, that night will be a magic night for boxing and for all of us.

FRED STERNBURG: Thanks, Abel. Gennady, we’ll let you have the final word. Any last words to the media?

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: Yes, of course. Thank you very much, everybody. I respect boxing. If you respect boxing like me, watch my fight on HBO. Welcome to my fight.

FRED STERNBURG: Thank you, everyone, for joining us. Thank you, Gennady, Abel. Thank you, Tom.

And just a reminder, live on pay-per-view at a special time, 8:00 p.m. East Coast, 5:00 West Coast on Saturday, September 16, live on HBO Pay-Per-View. We look forward to seeing everybody out there fight week. Thank you again for joining us today.

# # #

Canelo vs. Golovkin is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD”; Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle; O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday!; Fred Loya Insurance; Interjet; Thor: Ragnarok; Fathom Events; Tsesnabank; and Capital Holdings. Diaz, Jr. vs. Lara is 12-round WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Caballero vs. De La Hoya is a 10-round fight for the NABF Super Bantamweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Martin vs. Rojo is a 10-round lightweight bout for the WBC Continental Americas and vacant WBA Intercontinental Championships presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

HBO Sports will air the special “Under The Lights: Canelo/Golovkin” Saturday, Sept. 2 at 10:00 p.m. (E/PT) on HBO. It’s the final time the two will see each other until fight week unfolds in Las Vegas.

Episode #2 of 24/7 Canelo/Golovkin premieres Saturday, Sept. 9 on HBO immediately following the live Boxing After Dark triple header from the StubHub Center at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Golovkin at Bellagio Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and are currently on sale. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CaneloGolovkin into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG.

How frustrating was it to have to wait for this fight with Canelo?

“We have been talking about this fight for years. The last two years, I lose interest, because after every fight, Golden Boy said, ‘No. OK, maybe next fight.’ I remember the situation after the Amir Khan fight, when I go into the ring. Oscar De La Hoya said, ‘This is a good day for us and I will call GGG’s manager tomorrow.’ I think it was hard on the fans too.

“The fans are hungry for this fight. After the Julio Cesar Chavez fight, I believed it is possible for us, and in June I see Canelo’s face, and it is more serious. He is ready. This was not like Canelo not being ready. It was Golden Boy not being ready.”

Abel Sanchez Blog – Part 1

How frustrating was it to wait for this fight with Canelo to happen? Is Gennady saving his anger for fight night? What do you expect Gennady to accomplish on Sept. 16?

“I’ve never seen Gennady frustrated except when Sturm refused to fight him and the WBA kept giving him opportunities to avoid his mandatory obligation. I could also see him getting frustrated last year when three of the top middleweights (Canelo, Saunders, Eubank) wouldn’t fight him and then Brook stepped up to the plate to save the day last September in London.”

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HBO Sports will air the special “Under The Lights: Canelo/Golovkin” Saturday, Sept. 2 at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on HBO. It’s the final time the two will see each other until fight week unfolds in Las Vegas.

Episode #2 of 24/7 Canelo/Golovkin premieres Saturday, Sept. 9 on HBO Immediately following the live Boxing After Dark triple header from the StubHub Center at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Canelo vs. Golovkin takes place Saturday, September 16 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT.

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24/7 #CaneloGGG – Episode 1 (Click to watch Full Episode)
Link: https://youtu.be/QrdGoqt_Wv4
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Take an in-depth look at Canelo Alvarez
and Gennady ”GGG” Golovkin leading up to
their fight for middleweight supremacy (Click to watch)
Link: https://youtu.be/uflG5Xxz9U8
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Watch Gennady Golovkin’s Greatest Hits (Click to Watch)
Link: https://youtu.be/HbF3Ct0aQ4U
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LOS ANGELES (Sept. 1, 2017) – On Friday, Sept. 15, one day before the highly anticipated battle for middleweight supremacy between Canelo Alvarez and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, WBA Interim Featherweight Champion Claudio Marrero (22-1, 16 KOs) will make the first defense of his title against Jesus Rojas (25-1-2, 18 KOs) in the 12-round main event of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at the MGM Grand Marquee Ballroom in Las Vegas. The ESPN3 livestream of the undercard bouts begins at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT, followed by the main event at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT on ESPN Deportes and streaming live on ESPN3 and on ESPN2 at 1:15 a.m. ET/10:15 p.m. PT.

Marrero, of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, captured the Interim WBA Featherweight Title with a devastating first-round knockout of Carlos Zambrano in April 2017. Though suffering his only defeat against Jesus Cuellar in 2013, Marrero has scored six victories since then, five of them by knockout.

Rojas will return after an impressive eighth-round technical knockout victory against the previously undefeated Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez. The native of Caguas, Puerto Rico, has taken on the likes of former world champion Jorge “El Travieso” Arce and Jorge “El Pilón” Lara of Mexico (who will take on Joseph “JoJo” Diaz in the co-main event of Canelo-Golovkin). Rojas will look to take yet another step towards the top of the 126-pound division with a victory over Marrero.

In the co-main event, Boston’s Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis (18-0, 12 KOs) will make the second defense of his IBF North American title against Juan Carlos “Merengue” Abreu (19-3-1, 18 KOs). Ellis earned his crown with an impressive first-round knockout victory over Eddie “E-Boy” Gomez in December 2016. In his first defense, Ellis fought in a toe-to-toe battle against John Karl Sosa en route to a majority decision victory in April 2017. Ellis faces a tough challenge in Abreu, a veteran of the Dominican Republic with tough fights against Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano and Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto on his resume.

Ryan “Kingry” Garcia (10-0, 9 KOs) will open up the ESPN Deportes transmission in an eight-round fight for the Junior NABF Super Featherweight title against Miguel Carrizoza (10-2, 2 KOs) of Nogales, Mexico. Garcia, a young prospect of Victorville, Calif., is coming off a spectacular first-round knockout of Mario Antonio Macia and will look to earn his seventh knockout victory in a row on Sept. 15.

Horacio “Violento” Garcia (32-3-1, 22 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico will take on fellow
countryman Diuhl Olguin (11-7-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight rematch. In their first encounter, Garcia lost via an upset unanimous decision in July of this year. In the night’s swing bout, Alexis “Laberinto” Salazar (11-3, 3 KOs) of Tlaquepagque, Mexico will take on Evan Torres (6-4, 5 KOs) of El Paso, Texas in a scheduled six-round middleweight fight. The bout will be a rematch of their May 2017 fight, which Salazar won via close split decision.

Opponents for former IBF champion Jose “El Tecuala” Argumendo (20-3-1, 11 KOs), who will participate in an eight-round minimumweight bout, and Philadelphia’s Damon “No Smilin'” Allen, Jr. (12-0-1, 5 KOs), who will return in an eight-round lightweight fight, will be announced shortly.

Marrero vs. Rojas is a 10-round featherweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with TGB Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD; Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle; and Interjet. The event will beheld at the MGM Grand Marquee Ballroom in Las Vegas on Friday, Sept. 15. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. PT, and the first fight begins at 3:30 p.m. PT. The ESPN3 livestream of the undercard bouts begins at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m., followed by the main event at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. on ESPN Deportes and streaming live on ESPN3 and on ESPN2 at 1:15 a.m. ET / 10:15 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $10, $25, $50 and $75 for Marrero vs. Rojas will go on sale Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 10:00 a.m. PST. *Receive VIP seating to the Canelo vs. Golovkin Weigh-in with the purchase of a $75, $50 or $25 ticket, subject to availability. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call the TicketMaster Contact Center at (800) 745-3000 or MGM Resorts Contact Center at (866) 740-7711. Tickets will also be available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.mgmgrand.com and various MGM Resorts Box Offices. All ticket prices do not include service fees or applicable service charges.

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/9-15MarreroRojas. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/espn.fnf, and www.facebook.com/ESPNBoxeo; and follow on Instag

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 28, 2017) Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight Champion Canelo Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs) and WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO Middleweight Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs) hosted an open media workout at L.A. LIVE ahead of their highly anticipated showdown. Canelo vs. Golovkin, the battle for the middleweight championship of the world, will take place on Sept. 16 and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

The workout also featured televised Pay-View-View undercard fighters Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr., Randy “El Matador” Caballero, and Diego De La Hoya. Here’s what the fighters had to say during today’s media workout about their upcoming bouts:

CANELO ALVAREZ, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion:

“I know what I have in front of me. I know he’s a strong fighter. He is the most dangerous opponent of my career, but I’m ready for him and what’s next to come. That’s why we prepared, and to give the fans a beautiful fight. This fight’s for you; this fight’s for all the fans who have been asking for it. We know that in fights, it takes two to tango. I’m ready, and you know what you’ll get from me. Let’s just hope he brings it as well.”

“I’m excited and happy that the fight is almost here. I’ve been focused like always with my training this camp. I’m gonna do and use whatever I need to be one step ahead of Gennady in the ring. Without a doubt, our fight on September 16 will be one of the great fights in the history of boxing. Golovkin will bring out the best in me.”

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN, WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO Middleweight World Champion:

“This is a fight boxing can be proud of. It is boxing’s biggest fight. It is a fight for history. It is a real Mexican fight. Everyone will remember this fight. Canelo is No. 1 in Mexico, a country known for great fighters. He is very special.”

“Canelo has looked good and looked strong in his last few fights. That is why we have worked so hard in training camp. We have worked on new things. This is my biggest fight. I worked hard to become of champion of the world. I worked hard with Abel to stay champion of the world.”

“This is our Mexican Independence Day holiday weekend gift to boxing and to boxing fans. The fans have been asking for this fight for years. We are going to give a great battle. I am very excited to be finally fighting in Las Vegas, but I am more excited that it is against Canelo. The energy will be off the charts. Let me repeat — this is a fight boxing can be proud of.”

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, JR., Featherweight Contender:

“Jorge Lara is ranked no. 6 by the WBC and if Josh Warrington doesn’t want to fight me, I’ll fight the guy that’s willing to step up. Jorge Lara is a tough competitor but at the end of the day I’m not going to let anyone keep me from achieving what I want to achieve.”

RANDY “EL MATADOR” CABALLERO, NABF Super Bantamweight Champion

“I’m feeling good. Look at this atmosphere. This crowd is going crazy. Trust me, this is the biggest card in boxing right now. I’m going to enjoy it. I’m going to soak it all in. Come September 16 I’m going to make sure I’m 100 percent ready, and I’m going to put on an amazing show for all of my fans.”

“At the end of the day, all these words don’t mean anything. Just be ready. I know he’s going to be ready. We’re going to put on a great fight for you guys.”

DIEGO DE LA HOYA, WBC Youth World Super Bantamweight Champion

“I’m ready. Like all Mexicans, I will put all of my heart into this. The words will be said in the ring. I’m going to show what Diego De La Hoya is about on September 16. Caballero is an impressive boxer so it he will be a tough competitor for me in the ring. He knows how to train really hard. It’s not going to be an easy fight. Come fight night, we will leave it all in the ring. It’s a good opportunity for both of us for a world title on September 16.”

Canelo vs. Golovkin is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD”; Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle; O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday!; Fred Loya Insurance; Interjet; Thor: Ragnarok; Fathom Events; Tsesnabank; and Capital Holdings. Diaz, Jr. vs. Lara is 12-round WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Caballero vs. De La Hoya is a 10-round fight for the NABF Super Bantamweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Martin vs. Rojo is a 10-round lightweight bout for the WBC Continental Americas and vacant WBA Intercontinental Championships presented by GGG Promotions. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

HBO Sports will air the special “Under The Lights: Canelo/Golovkin” Saturday, Sept. 2 at 10:00 p.m. (E/PT) on HBO. It’s the final time the two will see each other until fight week unfolds in Las Vegas.

Episode #2 of 24/7 Canelo/Golovkin premieres Saturday, Sept. 9 on HBO immediately following the live Boxing After Dark triple header from the StubHub Center at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Golovkin at Bellagio Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and are currently on sale. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CaneloGolovkin into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG.

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 28, 2017) More than 20,000 fans at T-Mobile Arena and millions watching on HBO Pay-Per-View and www.RingTV.com will be treated to a stacked undercard line-up in support of the Sept. 16 showdown between lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs) and WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs).

In the co-main event, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (24-0, 13 KOs) of South El Monte, Calif. will take an important step towards a world title opportunity when he takes on Jorge “Pilon” Lara (29-0-2, 21 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a 12-round WBC Featherweight title eliminator.

“The Canelo vs. Golovkin undercard will feature some of boxing’s best contenders and rising stars the fans will be in for a treat and won’t want to miss the action,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “From Jojo Diaz to Randy Caballero, Diego De La Hoya, Vergil Ortiz, and Marlen Esparza, Golden Boy Promotions has stacked the undercard with some of the toughest fighters in the sport today that are determined to put on great fights for the fans.”

“It’s a dream come true to be fighting in the co-main event of the Canelo vs. Golovkin card,” said Joseph Diaz, Jr. “I finally get the opportunity to fight for a title eliminator! I’ve been waiting my whole life to become a world champion. On September 16, I’m going to give it everything I got, for all my fans out there.”

“I haven’t seen too much of [Joseph] Diaz, but I know that he’s a tough opponent,” said Jorge Lara. “I also know that he participated in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. More than anything else, I know that we have to give a great fight, and I hope that he throws punches and brawls.”

Also on the Pay-Per-View telecast will be a battle between two undefeated contenders in the Golden Boy stable. Former IBF World Bantamweight Champion Randy “El Matador” Caballero (24-0, 14 KOs) will face WBC Youth World Super Bantamweight Champion Diego De La Hoya (19-0, 9 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight battle for Caballero’s NABF Super Bantamweight title.

“I am so happy and grateful for the opportunity that Golden Boy Promotions has given me,” said Randy Caballero. “I promise to all my friends, family and fans that I will put on a great performance come September 16.”

“I’m very motivated and excited for another great opportunity on the biggest boxing event in some time,” said Diego De La Hoya. “Fights like this one versus Caballero are what bring out the best in me, and I guarantee I will give it my all to put on a great show for the fans. I’d like to thank Golden Boy Promotions, my manager, and Team DDLH for the continued support! See you September 16!”

Opening the Pay-Per-View telecast, lightweight contenders Ryan “Blue Chip” Martin (19-0, 11 KOs), and Francisco Rojo (20-2, 13 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico will battle it out for Ryan’s WBC Continental Americas and the vacant WBA Intercontinental lightweight titles.

“I realize there are a lot of big fights that can be made right now in the lightweight division,” said Ryan Martin. “There are lot of projections and talks for me to be a part of some of those bigger fights. But, right now I have to get past Rojo. Preparations are going good, and I will be as sharp as ever on that night. My team is amazing, and my trainers are pushing me really hard.”

“It is an honor to be fighting on the same Mexican Independence Day weekend card as the great Canelo Alvarez,” said Francisco Rojo. “It’s going to be a great night for Mexico when we both leave the ring with all the belts wrapped around us.”

“Ryan Martin is one of the fastest-rising stars of the lightweight division,” said Tom Loeffler, promoter of Gennady “GGG” Golovkin. “This battle between two hungry top-10 contenders is a great addition to the card and an exciting way to open the pay-per-view telecast.”

The non-televised undercard is stacked with action-packed bouts featuring Golden Boy Promotions’ strongest contenders and prospects.

Jesus Rojas (25-1-2, 18 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico and Claudio Marrero (22-1, 16 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic will clash in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBA Featherweight Title. Vergil Ortiz (6-0, 6 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will take on Cesar Valenzuela (7-1, 2 KOs) of Phoenix, Ariz. in a scheduled six-round super lightweight fight. Marlen Esparza, the 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist will take on Tania Cosme (5-6-1, 1 KO) of Denver, Colorado. Serhii Bohachuk (4-0, 4 KOs) of Los Angeles will fight in a scheduled four-round welterweight fight against an opponent that will be named shortly in the evening’s first bout.

Canelo vs. Golovkin is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD”; Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle; O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday!; Fred Loya Insurance; Interjet; Thor: Ragnarok; Fathom Events; Tsesnabank; and Capital Holdings. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

HBO Sports will air the special “Under The Lights: Canelo/Golovkin” Saturday, Sept. 2 at 10:00 p.m. (E/PT) on HBO. It’s the final time the two will see each other until fight week unfolds in Las Vegas.

Episode #2 of 24/7 Canelo/Golovkin premieres Saturday, Sept. 9 on HBO immediately following the live Boxing After Dark triple header from the StubHub Center at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Golovkin at Bellagio Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and are currently on sale. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CaneloGolovkin into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG.

LONDON (25 August) – Legendary Miguel Cotto will be looking to overcome Yoshihiro Kamegai this Saturday night before he brings down the curtain on his illustrious boxing career.

The future Hall-of-Fame fighter has earmarked one last bout before the end of the year should he get past the big-punching Kamegai, exclusively live on BoxNation this weekend from the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Four-division world champion Cotto is putting his family first and is adamant that he will not be fighting beyond 2017.

“The decision is already made. I’m leaving on December 31st, no matter what happens with my career,” said Cotto.

“I think that 16 years is enough, and I have other things to do in my life. You know, I’m taking care of my family better, and that is the biggest and only reason that I have to stop boxing and quit and retire after December 31st this year,” he said.

“First of all, I have to just think about Kamegai, and then we are going to do what we always do. Then we’re going to pick and choose the best challenger out there, and we are going to face him,” Cotto said.

36-year-old Cotto will be looking to add another world title to his collection as he battles Kamegai for the vacant WBO light-middleweight belt.

Japan’s Kamegai is much respected after being involved in a number of wars throughout his career and having stopped 24 opponents in his 27 wins.

Cotto, trained by Freddie Roach, says he is ready for whatever Kamegai might bring to the ring.

“I’m going to do my fight. I’m going to do my fight that Freddie and I planned here to do on Saturday, and let’s see what Kamegai’s going to bring,” Cotto said.

“I’m always here to bring my best, to do my best, to do whatever it takes to get the victory and make my family and the people around me and myself better. I’m coming with the same kind of mindset, and I’m going to do my best on August 26th.

“All I want to do is finish my career in the best way possible. That’s the reason that I’ve been working hard at this stage of my career. And all I want for me is to finish this in the best way possible,” said Cotto.

The live action starts on BoxNation on Saturday night from 1.30am, with undefeated Mexican super-bantamweight Rey Vargas defending his WBC world title against Ronny Rios in the co-main event.

BoxNation’s upcoming schedule also includes the blockbuster ‘Fight of the Year’ contest between middleweight kingpins Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin on September 16th.

BoxNation will be bringing that not-to-be-missed superfight exclusively live to UK and Irish fans, with further details set to be released soon.

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By Norm Frauenheim-

Oscar De La Hoya isn’t losing any sleep worrying about whether the potential pay-per-view audience for Canelo Alvarez-Gennady Golovkin on Sept. 16 will suffer some erosion because of Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor on Aug. 26.

Fans know the difference between what is real and what isn’t, De La Hoya, Canelo’s promoter, said during a conference call this week.

“We’re concentrating on our fight,” De La Hoya said Tuesday on a call that included Canelo. “We’re concentrating on our event, our fight. Obviously we have the real fight. We have a serious fight. This is a serious fight, a serious event. Two of the best fighters, fighting each other. And I think that the fans have recognized that.

“…So have the sponsors and a lot of the media people. They’ve recognized that this is the real fight. This is the fight that they want to be at. This is the fight that they want to see. A clear indication is we sold out in ten days.’’

If the quick sellout is a reliable indicator of pay-per-view expectations, Golden Boy Promotions is way ahead of the game with Canelo-GGG, which De La Hoya believes can be the biggest fight in middleweight history, bigger than even Marvin Hagler’s legendary victory over Thomas Hearns in 1985.

According to a report in the Los Angeles Times last week, thousands of tickets remained unsold for Mayweather-McGregor at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, also the site for Canelo-GGG.

For now, the best explanation for the slow sale rests in exorbitant ticket prices. Ringside seats are $10,000. The cheapest seats were $500. They sold out. According to reports about three weeks before opening bell, as many as 7,000 tickets could still be available. Mayweather didn’t toss that many dollar bills into the air during his international press tour with McGregor.

Lower the prices and a sellout will quickly follow, according to rival promoters. But what if De La Hoya is right? What if fans have decided that the long-awaited Canelo-GGG clash is the only true contest. It’s quickly becoming a pick-em fight, one that could easily lead to a rematch. Or two

Despite betting odds – anywhere from 7-1 to 5-1 – that appear to give McGregor a real chance, the consensus is that Mayweather, the best boxer of his generation, wins easily. McGregor, a UFC star, has never boxed professionally.

If McGregor somehow lands a lucky punch for a stoppage, it might go down as an upset bigger than even Buster Douglas’ 1990 KO of Mike Tyson in Tokyo. Douglas, who had a lot more experience as a boxer than McGregor ever had, was a 42-to-1 underdog.

Nevertheless, Mayweather-McGregor continues to generate a lot of talk on the internet and at water coolers. Not even Canelo could escape it Tuesday. He was asked if would fight McGregor if the Irishman some how won.

“If that miracle was to happen, then it’s a different conversation,’’ Canelo said. “You know, if that miracle was to happen. But I doubt it very much.’’

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 8, 2017) Former two-division world champion and current Lineal and Ring Magazine titlist Canelo Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs) hosted an international conference call ahead of his highly anticipated showdown against WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO Middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs) during Mexican Independence Day weekend Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya, Manager and Trainer Jose “Chepo” Reynoso, and Head Trainer Eddy Reynoso were also a part of today’s international conference call, and shared their thoughts on the mega-fight. “Supremacy,” the showdown that will determine who is the king of the middleweight division, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Here is what Canelo Alvarez, Oscar De La Hoya, Jose “Chepo” Reynoso and Eddy Reynoso said during today’s call:

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions: Thank you very much. Thank you to all the media that have dialed in today for the Canelo Alvarez International Media Conference Call. The middleweight fight for supremacy between lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez and the WBC, IBO, IBF, WBA Middleweight World Champion, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, is Saturday, September 16, live at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and this will be televised on the best network for boxing, HBO Pay Per View. We are obviously extremely pleased with all the fans who have bought their tickets, who have made this event a sold-out event in only two weeks. Obviously it shows you the anticipation and it shows you the interest that the fans have for this event.

Today we will hear from Canelo Alvarez and his team. You will have the opportunity to ask questions ahead of his upcoming battle against GGG. This is by far the biggest boxing event of 2017, and we are expecting a nonstop action fight between two of the most skilled fighters in the sport today. The response to this fight has been incredible. Like I said, tickets have sold out quickly and the fans can’t wait to celebrate on this special day of Mexican independence weekend and this epic battle.

Like I said, you will hear from the fighter momentarily, Canelo Alvarez. I am extremely proud and happy to have Tecate as the primary sponsor, BORN BOLD, Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle and O’Reilly Auto Parts, Fred Loya Insurance, Fathom Events, Tsesnabank and Capital Holdings. We are extremely proud to have them on board as sponsors. Thank you for all your support. And before I turn it over to Team Canelo, I want to remind everyone to mark their calendars for the first episode of 24/7 Canelo/Golovkin which premiers Saturday August 26th on HBO, immediately following the Cotto vs. Kamegai Live World Championship Boxing Double Header from the StubHub Center that’ll take place at 9:45 PM eastern.

Now, up next we will hear from Team Canelo Alvarez. He is the manager and trainer of Canelo Alvarez, Jose “Chepo” Reynoso.

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Manager and Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:Hi, good morning to everybody. We’re excited about the fight. We’re close, coming close to the fight. Obviously preparation for the fight and the training camp is going as planned. We’re expecting an intense fight. And that’s what we’re working towards. So thank you, and we’re available for any questions.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA:Thank you. Thank you very much. Next up is the trainer of Canelo Alvarez, who has been doing an incredible job over the last few years. He is the head trainer, and that is Eddy Reynoso to say a few words. Eddy?

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:Good afternoon. Good morning, actually to everyone. Very excited, very happy with preparation. We’re marching slowly towards the fight. And everything is going as planned. And we’re very excited obviously. The fight is getting close and as we get closer there’s more excitement. But we’re working hard and everything is going as planned.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA:Thank you, Eddy. And now to introduce a young man at the age of 27 years old. He has already accomplished more than most fighters will achieve in their entire career. He is a two-time, two-division world champion at both junior middleweight and middleweight levels. He has raised his hands 49 times in victory with 34 knockouts. He has taken on some of the toughest challenges in his young career, including the likes of Miguel Cotto and Austin Trout and James Kirkland, Erislandy Lara, Floyd Mayweather, Amir Khan. And with that, he is now taking on the toughest challenge of his entire career in Gennady Golovkin on September 16th, which is sure to be a can’t-miss candidate for Fight of the Year. It is my pleasure to introduce to you Canelo Alvarez.

CANELO ALVAREZ, Former Two-division World Champion: Good morning to everybody. Very excited. Very happy to be on this call. Obviously ready for this next fight that’s in front of me, preparing well. And ready to give you guys a great fight. So thank you for being on the call.

Q. Canelo, you have a lot of knockouts in your career, some very sensational ones like against James Kirkland and Amir Khan. But going into the fight, it seems like Gennady is known as a really big puncher because he has such a huge knockout streak, and I’m wondering do you think that maybe Gennady and his team or perhaps the fans underestimate the punching power that you bring into this kind of fight?

CANELO ALVAREZ: No. I don’t think they’re underestimating my power. I think both the fans know and you guys know that the styles, we both have attractive styles. And we’re both going to fight a fight where anybody can win by knockout. We both have the power to win by knockout. But that’s what makes for a great fight, and I think that’s what makes it an attractive fight for the fans.

Q. I know that Gennady has never been knocked down in his career. I don’t believe that Canelo has been knocked down, maybe rocked a couple of times, but never on the deck to my knowledge. Does he think that because of the punching power that both of these guys have, that there may come a time in this fight where one or both of them may be on the floor?

CANELO ALVAREZ:Obviously anything can happen in boxing. Anything can happen at any point, at any time, more so when both fighters can punch, when they both have punching power. You know, you can have a fighter that might not be a big puncher, but if he connects that perfect punch at the right spot, he can knock down anybody. So yes, of course it can happen. It can happen because of the amount of punching power both fighters have.

Q. This is easiest the biggest middleweight championship fight in a long time. I think of past big fights the last 20 years, let’s say, Oscar’s fights; Oscar’s fight with Hopkins, Bernard’s fight with Trinidad, Canelo’s fight with Miguel Cotto, Hagler-Hearns, going back a little bit further. I want to know from Canelo how much does he know about the history of the middleweight division and where does he view this fight sort of in that great list of the big middleweight championship fights that we’ve seen in this sport over the years.

CANELO ALVAREZ: Yes, without a doubt this can be one of the best fights in history. On paper obviously it’s going to rival some of those big fights that you mentioned, but it really depends how the fight comes out, how it pans out. I’m going to do my part to make it memorable so I can go down in history as one of the best fights. I know that for sure. I’m going to do my part. But yeah, it can easily be considered one of the best fights in history.

Q. Does this fight have the ingredients to possibly be the biggest fight, the best fight ever in the history of Mexican boxing, before and after?

CANELO ALVAREZ:Yes. You know, obviously there’s been many great historic Mexican fights with Mexican fighters. In this fight, yeah, it’s on that caliber. Can it be the best? Well, it really depends how the fight comes out. But yes, the ingredients are there, so it could be a great fight.

Q. Obviously some of the great fights in Mexican history, Chavez over Meldrick Taylor ended up in a knockout. Salvador Sanchez over Wilfredo Gomez ended up in a knockout. Marquez-Pacquiao ended up in a knockout. Those are some of the most historic victories for Mexican fighters. Obviously you want to win the fight, but do you want to try to win by knockout?

CANELO ALVAREZ: Obviously any fighter dreams of winning by knockout. And that’s what the fans want to see and that’s what makes for an exciting fight and that’s what makes for a resounding fight, a resounding experience for the fans. And there’s no question with the victory, yes, of course. Of course I would want to win by knockout.

Q. You’re in training camp, and you guys are obviously concentrating. This is a big, big event, huge fight. How do you guys deal with not distracting yourself from the magnitude of the fight, doing different things to keep your mind occupied, not just concentrating on Golovkin 100 percent of the time? Is there other things you guys do for distractions?

CANELO ALVAREZ: Yeah, we do a little bit of everything. We sing. We joke around in camp. We like baseball. We go to baseball games. We’re doing what we like. We ask for these fights. These are the fights we want, so we’re enjoying the moment. But I can tell you one thing that there isn’t. There isn’t any fear. There isn’t any fear whatsoever because we’re ready for this fight. We asked for it; this is what we wanted.

Q. As Oscar mentioned, you’ve taken on some of the toughest challenges in boxing. It’s been nearly four years since your fight against Floyd Mayweather. How have you changed as a fighter since that bout?

CANELO ALVAREZ: Yeah, I’ve definitely learned a lot. I have more experience now. I feel more confident. I’m more of a mature fighter now. Obviously not just that fight, but the fights that followed have got me to this point. But yes, I’ve changed and I learned from it, and I just feel I’m more of a complete fighter now. I have more experience, and the confidence is probably the one thing that I can point out the most.

Q. So in that fight what did Floyd do to take you out of your initial game plan and how would you anticipate, you know, if Golovkin does the same thing, how would you adjust to that?

CANELO ALVAREZ: Obviously in that fight with Floyd, I think the only reason he beat me was because of experience. He had more experience. He had more championship fights under his belt. And this fight, it’s going to be different. I have a lot of experience now. And I’m not going to let that happen again in this fight because I have more confidence and I have more experience.

Q. Obviously you’re talking about experience, you have more experience now. You’ve had more fights — you’ve had many fights, in Las Vegas. Do you think that that’s going to help you? Is that one of your strengths going into this fight that you have more experience fighting in Las Vegas?

CANELO ALVAREZ: No. I don’t think that’s an advantage fighting in Vegas. When you’re fighting a veteran like Golovkin, a professional champion like Golovkin, you know, having more fights in Las Vegas is not an advantage. He’s going to be ready to fight and he’ll be ready to fight anywhere. So I don’t think it’s an advantage.

Q. Chepo, did you guys pick up any weaknesses, anything you can talk about from Golovkin’s last fight with Jacobs? Any weaknesses you guys can exploit?

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO: Yes. There’s some things. There’s some things that we noticed, the things that we’ve always noticed about him. He’s got some weaknesses and that’s what we’re looking towards. We’re looking to exploit them on September 16th. But that’s the reason why we’ve studied him and we’ve been working on that.

Q. Canelo, I had some conversations with Mauricio Sulaiman at the WBC, and I know he really wanted his belt to be on the line and for you to be fighting for that belt. I know at this point you’ve decided not to do that. Can you explain why? And I know, Eric, I mean you guys have tried to help mediate the situation. Is there any chance that at the end of the day the WBC belt will be on the line with Canelo embracing it?

CANELO ALVAREZ: I’ve already talked about that. I’ve already talked about that and I’ve already commented about that. So whatever I said in the past, it’s the same thing.

Q. Oscar, I asked Canelo about his perspective on the magnitude of this fight within the great history of the middleweight championship fights. You obviously had one of the biggest middleweight fights in boxing when you faced off against Bernard Hopkins, and I know you obviously promoted the Canelo fight with Miguel Cotto and that sort of thing. I wondered if you could just give me your perspective on the magnitude of this fight in the great pantheon of these middleweight championship fights that have taken place over the last 20 years or so?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: By far this is the biggest — probably in the history of the middleweight division.

Q. Bigger than Hagler-Hearns? Bigger than those types of fights?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: I mean obviously we have to wait for the actual fight to see what unfolds and takes place, but in terms of magnitude, in terms of PR, in terms of attention that it’s receiving, in terms of people that will be watching, yeah, this has to be the biggest. And obviously we will have to wait until September 16th to see if it’s going to be the best, which I think it will be, in the history of the middleweight division. But it has all the ingredients to unfold to be one of the best fights in the last 30 years. So you know, obviously the indications tell us that this will be a huge block buster.

Q. Oscar, can you also talk about the fact that since you participated yourself in so many huge fights in your career and this is, I guess other than when Canelo fought Floyd, this will be his biggest fight besides that one. That was obviously a really big fight. It was record breaking at the time. In just a nutshell, what is it like for the athlete to participate in such a gigantic event like this? I mean there’s all this stuff leading up to the fight; then there’s the fight itself with the limelight and everything. Can you just talk about just the emotional aspect of being involved in such a mega event?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: For the athlete it’s exciting because you can once again showcase your talents in front of a larger audience. So it obviously gives you the motivation to train harder, train smarter and do the very best up in the ring.

All the publicity, everything that’s going around the whole event, for an athlete you don’t really pay attention to it. You try not to pay attention to it. You just let it unfold on its own. You have people taking care of that side of the business. But from an athlete’s perspective, it’s just extra motivating to go out there and showcase your talent.

Q. Some years back you sparred with Golovkin. You guys were in training camp. You guys sparred together. Did you learn anything from that back then? Was there anything that you were able to pick up back then that’s going to help you?

CANELO ALVAREZ: Yes. I was able to pick up some things. But you can’t really compare a sparring session to a fight. There are some things that I was able to pick up. But we’re different now. We’re different fighters now, and you can’t really base everything on what you learned in a sparring session. Yes, there are some things that I picked up, but obviously, you know, I’m not basing everything on that.

Q. Obviously this is a big fight, a lot of pressure in this fight, a lot of stress, pressure. You’re very young. You’re very young, but you have a lot of experience. And you’re very mature boxing wise. How do you prepare yourself, your mind, with all of this? Is it pressure? Is it good? Is it bad? There’s a lot of pressure in this fight.

CANELO ALVAREZ: No. Obviously I’m doing something that I wanted. I’m doing something that I asked for, that I like. And I’ve always pictured myself or imagined myself being one of the best fighters and being in big fights. I have a lot of experience. I’ve been in big fights already. I could have never imagined the magnitude that it’s gotten to, but I’ve always wanted this. I’ve always wanted to be in big fights and the biggest challenges. So for me it’s something that I was asking for and that I wanted, and I’m ready for it. It’s no real pressure.

Q. Earlier you were saying that you want to do your part to make the fight one of the best ever. What does that entail exactly? Does that mean pressuring more and opening up? What do you expect?

CANELO ALVAREZ:Give the best of me, the best possible part of me that I can give in that fight, whether it means throwing more punches, attacking more. Whatever it’s going to take to win the fight, but to make it memorable and exciting, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to give all of me, whatever I have to do.

Q. Oscar, obviously there is a lot of stories out there and rumors about how the Mayweather fight with McGregor was going to affect the PayPerView, Canelo’s PayPerView with Golovkin. But obviously lately there’s been a lot of bad write- ups and criticisms towards that fight, and they’re struggling with a lot of the business part of the fight. Do you think that you know, do you think that it’s going to affect you guys in any way or does it make your event even better now?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: We’re concentrating on our fight. We’re concentrating on our event, our fight. Obviously we have the real fight. We have a serious fight. This is a serious fight, a serious event. Two of the best fighters fighting each other. And I think that the fans have recognized that. And they’ve recognized that, and so have the sponsors and a lot of the media people. They’ve recognized that this is the real fight. This is the fight that they want to be at. This is the fight that they want to see. A clear indication is we sold out in ten days. And I feel like that the fans are recognizing that this is the fight that is the real fight. And that’s what they want.

Q. This early out before the fight, how is your weight? What are you weighing more or less? And do you feel a difference from the Chavez fight? Do you feel maybe a speed difference or maybe more power, more punching power?

CANELO ALVAREZ: No. I feel really good. Everything is going great. Everything is going as planned. I feel really, really good. My speed is still there. I still have the same speed. If anything, I feel maybe a little stronger. Even the exercises and the preparation, I feel a little bit stronger, a little more power in my punches. But I’m maintaining my weight, right around 172, 175, around there. That’s what I train at. And I’m feeling really good.

Q. Canelo, not to kind of stay on the Mayweather-McGregor train, but last year he did call you out for specifically shying away from the GGG fight, which is now happening, and you told him anytime he wants to come to your world he can do it. Many don’t think it’s going to happen. Should Conor shock the world on the 26th and should he find he has a newfound passion for boxing after pulling off the upset of the century and beating Floyd, would you be open to fighting him if that’s something Conor wanted to do?

ERIC GOMEZ: Was it Conor that criticized him a year ago or was it Floyd?

Q. No. It was Conor. And then Canelo said if he wants to try out boxing, then anytime you want.

CANELO ALVAREZ: If that miracle was to happen, then it’s a different conversation. You know, if that miracle was to happen. But I doubt it very much.

Q. Oscar, earlier in the call it was asked of Canelo and he talked about the improvements that he made since the Mayweather fight, that that was a big learning experience and his only defeat. And I wanted to know from you if you could talk about the types of improvements that you have seen from Canelo when you watched him work or talked with him or talked with him about what he plans to do in this particular fight. He’s obviously a few years older now, obviously more experienced. He’s put on a little bit of weight. What improvements do you see from Canelo Alvarez?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Yes. Well, obviously Canelo is an ambitious person, ambitious fighter. Yes, he did take that fight too soon, but the progress that he has made has been incredible. I mean in terms of his punching power, his boxing abilities, you know, him doing his combinations. His jab has improved tremendously. And it’s only the beginning. I strongly feel that he’s only getting better at what he’s doing. And that’s a testament to his corner, to his trainers. They’re doing a phenomenal job with him, and it’s a testament to Canelo, Canelo wanting to become the very best at the end of the day.

Q. Are you there, Eddy or Chepo? I was wondering if you could ask, Eric, them what Oscar was just talking about. Just if they could pinpoint some of the things specifically that they have worked on and the improvements that they believe Canelo has made since his one loss to Floyd, which is probably like four or five years ago.

EDDY REYNOSO: There’s so many things, the experience that he gained from the fight. There’s so many things. There’s not one specific thing in general. But he’s more of a complete fighter. But the experience was a big part of it that he learned, and he got a lot of experience out of that fight, and there’s different things that we’ve worked on in the gym. But he’s more of a complete fighter now. And he’s 100 percent of a different fighter than the fighter that faced Mayweather that night.

Q. Obviously many consider this as the fight between the two best boxers in the world. Does the winner automatically become the best boxer in the planet?

CANELO ALVAREZ: You know, the fans and a lot of the media people have been saying that. They’re saying that it’s obviously the two best fighters in the world fighting each other. I would agree, and I think that the winner should be recognized as potentially the best fighter in the world.

Q. How do you picture this fight with Golovkin, and what will be the key to victory?

EDDY REYNOSO: It’s going to be a difficult fight. It’s going to be a very hard fight. And that’s what we’re working on, how to figure out how to win the fight. It’s going to be a very hard fight, but one thing is for sure because of the styles, it’s going to be a great fight. And that’s a guarantee.

Q. We learned last week that Juan Manuel Marquez has officially retired. So I’d like to hear, actually from everybody who would like to speak on his legacy in this sport and perhaps where you think Canelo might also fight in the legacy of Mexican boxers down the road, along with Marquez and all the other greats.

EDDY REYNOSO: Obviously we don’t like to make comparisons. We don’t do that. We have our own road that we’re traveling on. And you want to be considered as one of the best fighters in history for Mexico. Marquez was able to accomplish many things after the age of 30. And Saúl just at 27, his young age he’s already accomplished a lot of big things in the sport. We’re concentrating on what we’re doing with Saúl. We’re concentrating on his road to history, and that’s what we’re working on every day.

Q. The last person touched on Manuel Marquez. I don’t know if Canelo is following every little bit of boxing news. But a lot of fighters have been retiring lately. Golovkin is 35. Andre Ward is 33. They are likely not around for all that many more years. And this is over 50 fights now for Canelo in a dozen years. Has he given any thought for how much longer he might be inclined to do this?

CANELO ALVAREZ: Obviously it’s crossed my mind. I’ve thought about it. It’s crossed my mind. But when it crosses my mind, I’m thinking, you know, when I’m 34, 35 years old. I can’t help but think about that. But no, right now, obviously I’m concentrating on fighting. I’m still fighting, and I’m going to keep going. Anything can happen. Your body may not react the same after some time. So that’s yet to be of concern. But as of right now I’m continuing to fight.

Q. Canelo, obviously everyone knows you as Canelo, but in your personal and in your professional life, when you think of yourself, do you think of yourself more as in your personal life more as Saúl or as Canelo – who is the more public persona?

CANELO ALVAREZ: I get called both. A lot of family members and friends they call me Saúl. Sometimes they call me güero, or you know, sometimes they’ll slip and they’ll say Canelo. It doesn’t matter to me. I accept it. I mean I have to accept that. That’s become natural for me. So you know they can call me whatever. But yet, mainly a lot of close friends and family they will refer to me as Saúl.

Canelo vs. Golovkin is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Fred Loya Insurance, Tsesnabank and Capital Holdings. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Episode #1 of 24/7 Canelo/Golovkin premieres Saturday, Aug. 26 on HBO Immediately following the live World Championship Boxing double header from the StubHub Center at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Golovkin at Bellagio Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino and Circus Circus Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and are currently on sale. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG.

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