Preliminary talks have begun for a third, “trilogy” fight between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin. Canelo is “willing to entertain” another fight with Golovkin and initial talks about terms have already been held, according to Golden Boy president, Eric Gomez.
The middleweight rivals have both accused the other of avoiding a trilogy meeting but, after sharing two classic battles it now appears that a third is being targeted for 2021.
“We have had some discussions about doing the third fight with Golovkin which would be very exciting,” Golden Boy’s Gomez, who promotes Canelo, exclusively told Sky Sports.
“He is willing to entertain that third fight.
“Hopefully we can surprise everybody by getting that fight going next year.
“They both realise now that their events were very successful. For them, monetarily, it would be very beneficial to fight again.
“More than anything, the fans are very interested. Both fights were very close and exciting.
“They both realise that now.
“They are both open to the fight,” Gomez said.
Canelo and Golovkin battled to a draw in 2017 before Canelo dealt Golovkin his first and only career defeat a year later. Both decisions remain disputed, leading to the intrigue around a third fight.
In the two years since the last fight, Canelo and Golovkin have fought other opponents five times in total while insisting the other was to blame for the lack of a trilogy meeting.
“You think somebody respects Canelo? Nobody,” Golovkin said last year.
“You think somebody respects Golden Boy? Nobody.
“It is so bad, the situation. People support my side, my style. Nobody supports these guys.”
Golovkin then said after beating Sergiy Derevyanchenko: “Everything is ready, if Canelo says yes, let’s do it.”
Canelo responded after beating Sergey Kovalev: “It’s not a challenge for me. We fought 24 rounds and I beat him. But if it represents business, then why not?”
The third fight is now being targeted for May 2021, on the Mexican holiday weekend of Cinco de Mayo, when it is hoped that spectators would be able to attend boxing events again. Golovkin will be 39 by then.
