May 5th, StubHub, WBA, WBC & IBO middleweight titles
It’s only been a little over two weeks since Canelo Alvarez pulled out of the rematch against Gennady Golovkin but damn it seems a lot longer. After numerous names have been mentioned Golovkin finally has an opponent for the May 5th date at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California and yes it’s OFFICIAL!!
Vanes Martirosyan will take Alvarez’s spot against Golovkin. A former Olympian, Martirosyan (36-3-1, 21 KOs) is currently the World Boxing Council’s No. 1-ranked junior-middleweight contender, but he hasn’t fought since May 2016. Twice since scheduled opponents have backed away from Martirosyan in favor of bigger purses in other bouts.
There have been many rumors and speculation on who Golovkin would face with the network, sanctioning bodies and the Nevada State Athletic Commission turning down several opponents, we finally have a fight scheduled with the WBA, WBC & IBO middleweight titles at stake. The IBF title will not be on the line as the organization has chosen not to sanction the bout.
There has been speculation from some that the IBF would strip Golovkin if he fought someone they didn’t approve of. Sergiy Derevyanchenko’s, the IBF mandatory, team has fought hard for the Ukrainian to get his shot but from a legal standpoint it’s not clear exactly what the organization could do. They haven’t taken any of the normal steps such as announce for negotiations to start, ordered a purse bid or anything really other than voice their displeasure with Martirosyan.
Golovkin was put in a tough situation when Alvarez failed a drug test and pulled out of theit bout. It’s been a messy process with a lot of rumors, but let’s just keep this in mind, none of this is Golovkin’s fault.
Martirosyan is excited for the opportunity and told 3KingsBoxing.com that he is ready; “I’m going to take full advantage of this chance, you’ll see. This is not about money for me. I’ve never backed down from anyone and I’m not now. I already know I’m going to win. I already seen it.”
After umpteen dozen false reports it’s finally done and apparently everyone is satisfied as Golovkin’s promoter, Tom Loeffler, told 3KingsBoxing.com earlier this week that Martirosyan would be the opponent as long as everything could be worked out with all parties involved.
By: Wilson Urena
