Canelo-GGG rematch is on, set for May 5

After their first bout was ruled a draw, it was only a matter of time before Canelo and GGG faced off again, and now the date, at least, is set.

If you’re one of the many boxing fans who thought Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin edged Canelo Alvarez during their first encounter, or just hoped two of the biggest names in the sport would collide again, you’re going to get your wish.

Dan Rafael of ESPN is one of numerous reporters to bring word that the Canelo-GGG rematch is official, and will take place on May 5. The Cinco de Mayo weekend has traditionally been a preferred date for Mexican boxers, and Alvarez is the most prominent one around.

No venue has been chosen for the rematch at the moment.

The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas seems a logical place for the rematch after hosting the first bout, but Golovkin has drawn big crowds against lesser names in New York City as well, which is why rumors of Madison Square Garden will likely continue until a venue is nailed down.

HBO PPV will broadcast the fight in the U.S., and quickly released a trailer for the rematch on Monday.

A large number of media outlets, including FanSided.com, scored the initial fight for GGG, feeling he won enough of the middle rounds to outpoint Canelo. However, it was close enough that close cards either way were not really an issue, and the draw itself wasn’t a cause for outrage.

What did provoke an outcry was the card of judge Adalaide Byrd, whose 118-110 card meant she found 10 rounds to give to Canelo and only two to GGG — something with which only the most partisan Alvarez fan would find acceptable.

Still, there was likely to be a rematch no matter what, as often happens in boxing when two of its most famous pugilists at any given time find their way together. Expect Canelo-GGG II to be a gigantic event, one that only adds to a 2018 schedule that is already looking very promising for the sweet science.