The International Boxing Federation has stripped Mexican Superstar Saul " Canelo " Alvarez of his IBF super middleweight title after the 34 year old confirmed he will fight Edgar Berlanga on Sept. 14.
Canelo has held on to the undisputed crown at 168 pounds for a long time.
He declined to face the IBF’s mandatory challenger and their number-one contender - William Scull and has instead penned down a date with Berlanga at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
The sanctioning body has in turn stripped him of his title.
“Saul Alvarez’s mandatory defense of the IBF super-middleweight title is overdue,” read a statement from the IBF. “Therefore, the bout scheduled for September 14, 2024, is not in compliance with the noted rule.
“The IBF places the upmost importance on keeping a title occupied. [F]urthermore values and understands the significance of the undisputed champion status for a fighter such as Saul Alvarez, the sport and the fans. We understand that Saul Alvarez and his team made a choice to pursue the route they see fit for his career in the bout against Edgar Berlanga.
“Nevertheless, the IBF rules are clear and were designed to serve all affected parties in a matter such as this. Based on the foregoing, the IBF was left with no other recourse than to vacate the IBF super middleweight title.”
The IBF is expected to order a fight between William Scull and Vladimir Shishkin for the now vacant title.
As a matter of fact, Berlanga, 27, is the WBA’s mandatory challenger, so in the court of public opinion that could be a perfect alibi.
But Canelo has come under criticism for also avoiding the bout against David Benavidez who for a long period was his mandatory with the WBC.
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