Canelo vacates WBO light heavyweight belt

Four-division champion Canelo Alvarez has vacated his WBO light heavyweight title less than two months after winning the belt against Sergey Kovalev, Golden Boy Promotions announced Tuesday, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.

The decision falls in line with a WBO policy that prohibits its titleholders from also owning belts in other weight classes with other organizations. Alvarez won the light heavyweight title while still owning the WBA's middleweight and secondary super middleweight titles, and he'll continue to hold both of those belts going forward.

"I know that my accomplishments in the ring have brought pride to my fans and my country," Alvarez said in a statement, according to Boxing News 24. "I have long enjoyed my relationship with the WBO and appreciate all they do to preserve and enhance the sport of boxing.

"This agreement allows the WBO to have its light heavyweight title contested regularly and allows me to pursue bouts against the best opponents, regardless of weight class."

Alvarez moved up a weight class to fight Kovalev for the 175-pound belt on Nov. 2. He then claimed his first title at the light heavyweight level via knockout in the 11th round.

The 29-year-old is scheduled to fight again in May, according to ESPN's Dan Rafael. His opponent has not been determined, but it's expected Alvarez will compete at 168 pounds, according to Mannix.