By Norm Frauenheim-

LAS VEGAS – Canelo Alvarez has something Gennady Golovkin doesn’t want: A loss.

In a time and place when unbeaten often means perfection, defeat is portrayed as more than a blemish. It’s characterized as that fatal flaw. Avoid it at all costs and that’s exactly what Floyd Mayweather Jr. did in a career that made unprecedented money, which defined his identity as much – if not more – than that 0.

But boxing’s elemental drama is rooted in adversity.

How to deal with it.

How to come back from it.

The game’s enduring legends are often built on what they did after defeat. Muhammad Ali might not be remembered and revered without that 1971 loss to Joe Frazier. Sugar Ray Leonard might not be the cornerstone to the legendary ‘80s without that loss to Roberto Duran in 1980.

For Canelo, dealing with defeat is a story that has been unfolding over the four years before his long-awaited middleweight bout (HBO pay-per-view/5pm PT, 8 pm ET) against Golovkin at T-Mobile Arena.

In his first and only loss, Mayweather toyed with him in a humiliation that angered Canelo’s nation of fans, who complained that he didn’t fight like a Mexican.

It was painful then. It was a lesson later. Throughout, it has been an inexhaustible source of motivation for a Mexican whose dark eyes say a lot more about him than his red hair. Like a spark off flint, they flash.

Call it determination, or anger, or more. But its intensity is unmistakable. It’s as if Canelo (49-1-1, 34 KOs) listens to questions, hears the words and looks through all of the rhetoric like a man still seeking to correct the kind of painful loss he never wants to experience again.

Exactly four years after the Mayweather loss on Sept. 14 2013, Canelo trainer Eddy Reynoso and manager Chepo Reynoso sat at a roundtable Thursday in a MGM Grand ballroom with reporters and talked about it.

“Defeat teaches you more,’’ said Eddy Reynoso, who confirmed what everybody has seen in the steady, patient evolution of Canelo.

A young, cocky kid became a serious student. He had to, otherwise he would have been just another forgettable number on the path to the 50-0 that Mayweather will be selling on those T-shirts and caps.

There’s movement in the upper body. There’s a more consistent jab. There are seven straight victories. There’s a sense, too, that nothing will be easy, especially against the accomplished and reigning middleweight champ, GGG (37-0, 33 KOs), who has never lost and never even been off his feet.

“You learn more from defeat, so there is an advantage because it allows you to become a better fighter,’’ Eddy Reynoso said.

Yeah, Chepo Reynoso said.

“As long as it doesn’t happen too many times,’’ he cracked.

Once, of course, is more than enough. But once also might be prove to an unlikely advantage in milestone bout that in the end might be determined by a fighter who has encountered adversity, embraced the lessons, conquered the demons and learned how to use it.

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 14, 2017) – Fighters on the undercard of Canelo vs. Golovkin hosted a press conference today at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino ahead of their bouts on
Saturday, Sept. 16. In the co-main event, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (24-0, 13 KOs) and Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera (25-0-2, 16 KOs) will face off in a 12-round WBC Featherweight title eliminator. Randy “El Matador” Caballero (24-0, 14 KOs) and Diego De La Hoya (19-0, 9 KOs) 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. Ryan “Blue Chip” Martin (19-0, 11 KOs) and Francisco Rojo (20-2, 13 KOs) 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, which will begin at the special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s final press conference:

JOSEPH ‘JOJO’ DIAZ, Featherweight Contender:
“I had a great ten-week training camp. We were supposed to fight Jorge Lara, who was a tough opponent. But unfortunately he ended up pulling out. We’ve got another tough opponent, Rafael Rivera ahead of me. He’s a young undefeated fighter, and I know that he’s going to come out guns blazing and wanting to pull an upset because he’s been given the opportunity of a lifetime. I know that with his fighting as the co-main event and getting the exposure, he’s going to come out guns blazing. We’re very prepared for him and I know that it’s still going to be an action-packed fight.”

RANDY “EL MATADOR” CABALLERO, NABF Super Bantamweight Champion:
“Camp went amazing. I felt good. I felt strong and I’m ready to go. Just to be a part of this card is a dream come true for a fighter. I’ve worked very hard. I’ve traveled the world to win a world title abroad. I’m tough toughest fighters he’s [De La Hoya] ever faced. And come Sept.16, I’ll put on a great show. You’re not going to want to miss it, and see you guys there.”

DIEGO DE LA HOYA, WBC Youth World Super Bantamweight Champion:
“This fight is a big step for me that will catapult me towards to a world title. I have prepared me 7 weeks in one of the best camps of my life. And I will give one of my best fights this Saturday. Because I know that Randy [Caballero] prepared himself really well, and he knows that we’re going to steal the show. I am ready, and we are ready, Randy. I’m going to win this Saturday yelling “Viva Mexico!”

RYAN “BLUE CHIP” MARTIN, WBC Continental Americas Champion:
“Going back to March, the the Golovkin-Lemieux card was a big event. But clearly Vegas blows it out of the water. The atmosphere has been amazing. All of the fighters here are going to be amazing. I want to thank my coach, my staff, my manager and my hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee which has given me support since an amateur of 7 or 8 years old. I’ve dreamed of moments like this. Saturday night I’m going to have fun and do my thing. All the hard work is done.”

FRANCISCO ROJO, Lightweight Contender
“I’m grateful to Golden Boy promotions for this opportunity. It’s not an opportunity. It’s a dream. Who doesn’t want to be on a card like Canelo-Golovkin? I’m grateful to be making my US debut on a card like this. We know Ryan Martin is a tremendous talent who is undefeated, and he wants to continue being undefeated. Believe me when is say this, Martin is undefeated but he’s never fought a known opponent, a Mexican opponent like me. I respect him a lot, but it’s my dream to fulfill, and regardless of who he’s fought, they don’t compare to me.”

MARLEN ESPARZA, 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist and Flyweight Prospect:
“I just want to say that I’m extremely honored to be here on such an amazing card. I want to thank Golden Boy and everybody who’s believed in me and supported me. I want to thank my who’s put in a lot of work. This is my third fight now, and I’m only getting better and better. I’m hoping to put on an amazing show. This time I’ll be fighting in six three-minute rounds. II’ve trained really hard for it. I’m hoping it put on a great show. It’s going to be amazing.”

NICOLA ADAMS, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist:
“I want to thank Frank Warren and Golden Boy Promotions Golden Boy Promotions for giving me this great opportunity to make my professional debut in the United States on such an amazing card . The Golovkin-Canelo fight will be one of the best fights in this year. To think I can have my American debut on this card is a really good opportunity. I’m hoping put on a really good performance.”

ERIC GOMEZ, President of Golden Boy Promotions:
“These kids work hard and they dream about being in this position and being in these big show. They are going to have to perform well to be able to win but that’s what they’re ready for. It’s going to be an incredible event. Rising contenders and future contenders will be a part of it. We are going to have a free-view for the show as usual. The free-view will begin at 6:00 p.m. PT/ 3:00 ET on RingTV.com and on the HBO pay-per-view channel. There will be an early start time of 8:00 p.m ET/5:00 p.m. PT. The main event will go on approximately at 11:00 p.m. ET/ 8:00 pm PT. The T-Mobile event is sold out, but there are still Closed Circuit tickets available for 1-800-745-3000 or TicketMaster.com. They are going really quickly.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Golden Boy Promotions Business Partner:
“When the smoke clears and we have to recognize what we said-to make the best fights-would actually accord. That’s why we are here. The young guys. This is the opportunity to steal some of the spotlight before the main event on Saturday. This is an invitation We don’t just pay attention to the elite fights, but also to the fighters below who are thirsty to be there.”

TOM LOEFFLER, Promoter of Gennady “GGG” Golovkin:
“We couldn’t be more excited to be here today. We had the grand arrivals on Tuesday. You could already feel the buzz from the beginning of the week from both the media and the fans. Now it’s reaching its fever pitch and we don’t even have the weigh-ins yet. The undercard is very exciting. Both Triple G and Canelo were both in this same position. This type of platform can really launch or give exposure to the fighters on the undercard. We know they’re going to do their best. The pressure is all on them because they know that when they’re on a show like this they have to perform.”

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. Rivera 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.

By Norm Frauenheim-

LAS VEGAS – There’s not much left to say, not that Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez have ever had a whole lot to say anyway.

Their news conference Wednesday at the MGM Grand was something of a formality in the build-up to their middleweight fight Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. Everybody was polite. There were thanks instead of trash.

On one level, the relative silence was a relief.

Up and down The Strip, there are still echoes of insults Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor exchanged before they met in an August 26 event that included a boxer, a mixed-martial artist and a mixed message.

Mayweather, McGregor and everybody around them might still be talking, if not for all those awkward and yet unanswered questions about what the pay-per-view numbers really were. We don’t know. We may never know.

In Golovkin-Canelo, however, there doesn’t have to be talk – and only talk. Spectacles draw crowds like accidents. But who remembers them? They’re gone faster than a bag of chips and a mild heartburn.

Canelo-GGG is being sold as much more. Substance instead of empty spectacle is the sales pitch for the HBO pay-per-view bout (5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET).

“I know it’s going to be a tough fight,’’ said Canelo, the red-headed Mexican who again wore signs of his Irish roots with a full beard that McGregor would have envied. “I know that. I’m prepared for that.’’

Canelo is a man of more punches than words. He doesn’t indulge in overstatement. When he says he is prepared, be forewarned. To wit: Be prepared for a middleweight perhaps as good as any in weight class full of bouts, name and dates that could fill a history book.

There’s no myth in middleweight. No mixed, either. But that’s another story. But there’s always another story about to unfold. At least, Canelo-GGG has that potential. Canelo promoter Oscar De La Hoya says it might be the best since Marvin Hagler-Thomas Hearns.

“Your kids will be talking about Gennady Golovkin-Canelo Alvarez twenty years from now,’’ De La Hoya said.

Unlike his fighter, De La Hoya does indulge in overstatement. As a promoter, that’s part of the job. If Canelo-GGG comes even close to the drama attached to Hearns-Hagler, then the lack of words before opening bell won’t matter.

There will be plenty to say about for many years after.

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 13, 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 the final press conference ahead of their showdown on Saturday, Sept. 16 presented live on HBO Pay-Per-View® at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT. The live stream of the press conference can be viewed here.

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s final press conference:

CANELO ALVAREZ, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight Champion:
“I don’t like to talk too much. I just want to say that I’m prepared. I know it will be a tough fight. I just want you all to enjoy it like I’m going to enjoy it. I’m really, really excited to get in and fight. The excitement is there. The adrenaline is there. I have nothing to say to him. They know what kind of fighter I am. I’m prepared. I’m ready. All I want to tell him is look, let’s give the fans a great fight.”

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN, WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO Middleweight Champion:
“I am really happy to see everybody in Vegas. I want to thank Golden Boy and GGG Promotions for the great work, our sponsors and HBO. I don’t want to talk too much. I am ready. I respect Canelo’s team. This is a big day not only for us, but for boxing and this era. This will be a huge historic fight at T-Mobile Arena. I feel comfortable. I see that Canelo is ready. He is ready for serious business, a serious fight. This fight will be the biggest gift to the people.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:
“Everything that was said or had to be said has been said. We’ve had a great preparation, more than 14 years to prepare for this type of fight. We’ve had a great camp, no injuries, everything went well, and more importantly we are ready to win come Saturday night.”

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Manager and Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:
“This is the end of 10 hard weeks of training. Work that was done with a lot of discipline and a lot of responsibility. In Canelo’s camp, we declare ourselves ready and confident that this Saturday we will win. Canelo is going to come out with his hand raised. I want to close with a dedication to my friend Abel Sanchez. He says Triple G has a Mexican style. But I tell Abel that not only does Canelo have a Mexican style and a Mexican heart, but he IS Mexican!”

ABEL SANCHEZ, Trainer to Gennady Golovkin:
“All the talking and the boasting on both sides is done. We’ve had a great training camp and sparring. Golovkin is at 100 percent. We are looking forward to a great fight, a dramatic, explosive fight. These guys have the styles that will make for a fight that we will all remember.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CEO & Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions:
“This is a fight to see who the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet is. I am grateful to everyone in the boxing world who contributed to making this event. This event needs no hype whatsoever. This is a fight that’s a can’t-miss event. That’s the bottom line. It’s going to be a great fight because of what is at stake: pride and fighting for your country and boxing fans. This is a fight for the sport of boxing, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The stakes couldn’t be higher.”

“We have to thank the fighters for agreeing for competing at the very peak of their careers. Saturday night at the T-Mobile arena it will be electrifying, a packed house. This event will take place life at HBO Pay-Per-View for the first time ever at 8:00pm ET in consideration of our east coast fans and our worldwide fanbase. You can also watch the fight at RingTV.com on your phone or table or from wherever you are.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Golden Boy Promotions Business Partner:
“The middleweight division goes all the way back. I thought about this fight when I got here yesterday. The fight that really stands out to me in comparison to Canelo-Golovkin, with the danger in the first couple of rounds, is Marvin Hagler and John Mugabi. One thing, however, is that history doesn’t always repeat itself. Thank you to Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin for respecting the division that made me.”

TOM LOEFFLER, Promoter of Gennady “GGG” Golovkin:
“We arrived on Monday evening, and as soon as we arrived at the hotel you could feel the excitement in the air. An event like this can only be a superfight between somebody like Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin. They are two true world champions. The two best middleweights in the world. Two of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and two of the most marketable fighters of the world.”

TONY WALKER, Vice President at HBO Sports:
“Congratulations to Tom and Oscar for putting this together. This is truly a momentous event this Saturday. This is the best fight that can be made in boxing. This is potentially fight we think about in years to come. The first fight will be at 5:00 p.m. PT/ 8:00 p.m. ET.
The main event is scheduled for 8:00pm PT/11:00 ET. The price is $69.95.”

BOB BENNETT, Executive Director of Nevada Athletic State Commission:
“As always, the Nevada State Athletic Commission is humbled, honored and privileged to be able to regulate this sensational fight. We take a great deal of effort in the selection of our officials for our fight. We have Kenny Bayless who will referee the fight. The judges will be Dave Moretti, Adalaide Byrd and Don Trella.”

RICHARD STURM, President of Entertainment and Sports for MGM Resorts International:
“As we welcome back Canelo Alvarez following his May victory over Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., we would also like to welcome Triple G to Las Vegas for his Nevada debut. We are thrilled that these two great champs decided to fight. The event is sold out, but our closed-circuit broadcast will be presented in all MGM Resort properties.”

Also, fighters from the Canelo vs. Golovkin undercard hosted a media workout at MGM Resort Hotel and Casino before their upcoming fights this Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena.

(Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr.and other undercard fighters hosted a media workout on Sept. 13 at MGM Hotel and Casino ahead of their respective fights on Sept. 16 presented live on HBO Pay-Per-View)

Click HERE for Photos
Photo Credit: Tom Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions

Click HERE for Videos
Video Credit: Golden Boy Promotions

In the co-main event of the Canelo vs. Golovkin undercard, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (24-0, 13 KOs) and Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera (25-0-2, 16 KOs) will face off in a 12-round WBC Featherweight title eliminator. Randy “El Matador” Caballero (24-0, 14 KOs) and Diego De La Hoya (19-0, 9 KOs) 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. Ryan “Blue Chip” Martin (19-0, 11 KOs) and Francisco Rojo (20-2, 13 KOs) 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.

Heres what the undercard fighters had to say at today’s workout:

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, JR., Featherweight Contender:
“It’s my time, it’s my opportunity, being on such a big card like Canelo-GGG. Tune in, everyone. It’s a lot of pressure. This is what I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid. This fight is going to be a WBC Featherweight title eliminator, but it’s where I want to be to take care of business this Saturday night.”

RANDY “EL MATADOR” CABALLERO, NABF Super Bantamweight Champion:
“The last time I was in Vegas, it was the worst experience of my life. To lose the title the way I did was disappointing. But I told everyone that this time I’m that in Vegas it will be a different ball game. He’s [De La Hoya] undefeated for a reason, but I don’t think he’s ever stepped in the ring with someone like me. We’re both undefeated, so don’t miss it. This fight right here might steal the show.”

DIEGO DE LA HOYA, WBC Youth World Super Bantamweight Champion:
“It’s an evenly matched fight, but my advantage is that I’ve been more active and he hasn’t been fighting very much. I have worked with sparring partners who replicate his style. They are not him, but they are close to him. It will be an explosive fight. We’ll see what randy [Caballero] has to offer and we prepared for the best of him.”

RYAN “BLUE CHIP” MARTIN, WBC Continental Americas Champion:
“We’re going to give him a boxing lesson come Saturday night. I’ve trained hard, I’m so happy to have my manager, Tom Loeffler, in my corner. Big things are coming, and this is just the first step in the plan. It’s so great to be here in Vegas. It’s such an exciting fight.”

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. Rivera 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.

LAS VEGAS (September 13, 2017) – Undefeated Featherweight Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera (25-0-2, 16 KOs) will step in to fight 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (24-0, 13 KOs) in a 12-round WBC Title Eliminator as the co-main event to the Canelo-Golovkin superfight Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.

Rivera, a 23-year-old from Tijuana, Mexico, has steadily climbed the featherweight division. He defeated former Super Bantamweight World Champion Wilfredo “Papito” Vazquez, Jr., stopped Ruben “Canelito” Tamayo and took away the undefeated status of Ruben “El Tibio” Garcia Hernandez. Rivera is replacing Jorge Lara, who had to bow out due to reasons that have not been verified.

Rivera was originally supposed to fight Diaz on Saturday’s card, but was forced to step aside for Lara, due to Lara being higher-ranked by the WBC. Rivera has already been training for a fight next week, and is in tip-top shape for his showdown with Diaz.

“Originally, I was hoping to get a shot at JoJo Diaz,” Rivera said. “When that didn’t pan out, I took another fight for next week. I have therefore been training and am in the best shape of my life. I am grateful that I have this last-minute chance, and there is no way I am letting this opportunity pass me by.”

Diaz, a 2012 U.S. Olympian who has shot his way to the top of the featherweight division with victories over a who’s who of contenders, was unfazed by the last-minute change of opponent.

Diaz Jr. said, “I don’t care who is in front of me, I’m leaving with a win on September 16th. After I have my hand raised in victory, I will be one fight away from realizing my dream of winning a world championship.”

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. Rivera 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.

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.

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.

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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
Embed:

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.

LOS ANGELES (September 10, 2017) — Boxing’s No. 1 superhero and undefeated WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO Middleweight World Champion, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN, kicked off Fight Week by serving up the hard cheese when he took the mound at Dodger Stadium. Currently boxing’s longest-reigning world champion, Golovkin will be threw the ceremonial first pitch before the Dodgers vs. Rockies game this afternoon. Golovkin, who completed his most rigorous training camp ever on Saturday, at The Summit Gym, the high-altitude training complex in Big Bear, Calif., pitched on just one day’s rest, but hey, that’s what superheroes do!

“Gennady threw the heater today, just like he will on September 16 against Canelo,” said trainer Abel Sanchez.

Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs) who has been middleweight champion since 2010, is in deep training for his 19th consecutive title defense – one short of the all-time record – against lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion and Mexican icon Canelo 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 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 (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.

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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 –
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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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