Skip to content

Canelo withdraws from Golovkin rematch in wake of failed drug tests

Joe Camporeale / USA TODAY Sports

Golden Boy Promotions president Eric Gomez announced Tuesday that Canelo Alvarez won't be running it back with Gennady Golovkin in Las Vegas on May 5 amid the Nevada State Athletic Commission's investigation of Alvarez's two recently failed drug tests, Yahoo Sports' Kevin Iole reports.

Golovkin is still expected to face a yet-to-be-determined opponent.

Alvarez tested positive for banned substance clenbuterol in screenings conducted on Feb. 17 and 21. He attributed the failed tests to contaminated meat - a not uncommon occurrence in his native Mexico - when speaking to the media Tuesday. The transgressions prompted the NSAC to temporarily suspend Alvarez - thereby putting the Golovkin rematch in jeopardy - with executive director Bob Bennett recently filing a formal complaint looking to slap the pugilist with a ban lasting between nine and 24 months.

The 27-year-old Alvarez's disciplinary hearing with the commission is set for April 18.

He and Golovkin first clashed in September, with their long-awaited matchup living up to its billing, only to end in a controversial split draw.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox