By Miguel Rivera
Abel Sanchez, trainer for IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC middleweight world champion Gennady 'GGG' Golovkin (37-0-1, 33 KOs), was very anxious to see his boxer face Canelo Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 KOs) in a rematch.
However, last week the Mexican superstar withdrew from the rematch that was scheduled for next May 5th - as he faces a possible long-term suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) after testing positive for the banned substance clenbuterol back in February.
"It's a fight that everyone expected. They are not satisfied after what happened the first time. But that's the way things are in boxing, a lot of the time you have to be ready for this kind of disappointment," Sanchez told Albert Perez.
Ever since the first bout which ended in a controversial twelve round draw last September, Sanchez has been quite critical of the NSAC. He questioned the integrity of the organization after the wide score of 118-110 that judge Adalaide Byrd delivered in favor of Canelo. In February he again attacked the commission saying that Canelo had been allowed to use "illegal hand wraps."
But with the measures the NSAC have taken with Canelo and his drug test, the coach says he is very satisfied so far.
"As a team we all expected that the commission would do what was necessary to protect our sport," Sanchez said. "Not so much because it was Canelo, but to ensure that everything is on an even field and that someone does not have an advantage due to things they do outside of the ring."
Sanchez believes that an incident like this can continue to linger over a fighter's head for a very long time.
"Unfortunately when a bad thing like this happens, it can tarnish a boxer for a long time," Sanchez explained. "He can do thousands of good things, but the only thing he did wrong is what the boxing world will remember.
"They made a mistake, I do not know if it was something that only happened this time or [if it was something that happened] before, but it was a mistake."
Golovkin will fight as planned on May 5th, against an opponent to be determined.
"It's very easy [to move forward on that date] because Golovkin is very professional. He is focused on his training and on being the best he can be," Sanchez said.
"It does not matter who they get [for Golovkin to fight], he will do his best to win and give everyone a show that night."