Saul "Canelo" Alvarez has been stripped of his IBF super middleweight title after opting to fight Edgar Berlanga on September 14th, rather than fulfilling his mandatory defense against William Scull. The bout, set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, has led the IBF to enforce their rules and vacate Alvarez’s title.
The IBF issued a statement explaining their decision, emphasizing the importance of adhering to mandatory defense schedules.
"Saul Alvarez’s mandatory defense of the IBF super-middleweight title is overdue. The bout scheduled for September 14, 2024, does not comply with our regulations. Despite the significance of Alvarez's status and his impact on the sport, the rules are clear and must be followed."
Following the stripping of Alvarez's title, the IBF is expected to order a fight between William Scull and Vladimir Shishkin to determine the new champion.
Interestingly, Edgar Berlanga, Alvarez’s next opponent, is the WBA’s mandatory challenger. This upcoming bout not only highlights the complexities and politics of professional boxing but also sets the stage for a potentially thrilling matchup on Mexican Independence Day weekend.
Read more about this legendary Mexican by clicking here.
Image Credit: Sky Sports