The Nevada Athletic Commision officially slapped Saul "Canelo" Alvarez with a six-month-long suspension for his recent violation of its substance abuse policy, on Wednesday, April 18.
While the typical penalty faced by fighters who get caught up in doping is a 1-year ban, Canelo was cut a break as a first-time offender. Therefore, it is likely that those who anticipated watching him match-up against Gennady Golovkin on May 5 will get their wish down the line in September, as the start of the suspension on paper has been backdated to February 17.
"Canelo looks forward to returning to the ring in September for Mexican Independence Day weekend to represent Mexico and boxing in what will be the sport's biggest event of the year," Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions said in a statement that has been issued in regards to the commission's decision. "He is ready to continue his remarkable record of fighting at the highest level."
The outcome of Canelo twice testing positive for Clenbuterol didn't come as unexpected to many within the boxing world who figured N.A.C. would grant for the possibility of a September showdown. Along with Cinco de Mayo, it is the biggest time of the year for Mexican boxing and will mark the one year anniversary of his first bout with GGG.
Source: usatoday.com
