Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez received his suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Wednesday but to the surprise of many, the Mexican superstar only got a six-month ban for his doping violation.
The standard suspension for a first-time offender is one year but Canelo’s ban was reduced to six months due to him being cooperative since failing his test back in February.
“I hope he’s learned a lesson, that he is responsible with what he puts in his body. And I hope to see him fighting in Nevada soon. If he follows the agreement as it’s laid out then he would be able to come back and fight like any other fighter,” commission Chairman Anthony Marnell said.
Canelo’s six-month ban being retroactive to February means that he could potentially fight Gennady Golovkin already in September.
Alvarez tested positive for elevated levels of clenbuterol after allegedly eating contaminated Mexican meat. His original May 5 rematch against Golovkin for the unified middleweight title was then cancelled due to little time between original hearing and the fight.
“Although most professional sports, international anti-doping agencies and United States boxing commissions treat meat contamination differently from other positive tests, Nevada does not. Canelo and Golden Boy Promotions respect the rules of Nevada and are therefore satisfied with the settlement agreement reached today,” Golden Boy Promotions said in a statement.
“Canelo looks forward to returning to the ring in September for Mexican Independence Day weekend to represent Mexico and boxing in what will be the sport’s biggest event of the year. He is ready to continue his remarkable record of fighting at the highest level,” said the statement.