Canelo vs. GGG rematch back on, set for Sept. 15

The first fight ended in a controversial draw, and then a whole lot of dram led to what is now the second scheduling of the rematch.

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will face Gennady “GGG” Golovkin in a rematch of their September 2017 bout that was ruled a draw, Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions announced on Wednesday. The rematch is scheduled for Sept. 15.

The first bout was a close one, and prompted a rematch that was eventually cancelled when Alvarez pulled out after a failed drug test, which he blamed on tainted meat. He received a six-month suspension for the failed test after cooperating with the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and that suspension will be up by the time the rematch takes place.

The original rematch was scheduled for May 5, but when Alvarez pulled out, Golovkin’s camp claimed they would remain on the card and would fight that day. They did, facing Vanes Martirosyan in a match that wasn’t close.

There was some doubt as to whether or not this rematch would actually get made, as Golovkin’s camp initially wanted a 50-50 split with Alvarez, whose camp balked at such an agreement. Golden Boy Promotions actually issued a deadline and ultimatum for negotiations in the GGG-Canelo rematch, and that deadline was 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 13.

That ultimatum also specified the need for a 42.5/57.5 purse split in favor of Alavarez. It’s unclear at this time if that was what was ultimately agreed upon, but the rematch is on, so it either got done or something close to it did.