Saul Alvarez Next Fight: Miguel Cotto Backs Adviser on Rematch Clause Against Canelo
World Boxing Council middleweight title holder Miguel Cotto acknowledges his adviser's stand on some issues related to their ongoing contract negotiations with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez's camp.
Recently, Golden Boy Promotions head Oscar De La Hoya, who promotes "Canelo," disclosed why discussions on the Cotto-Canelo bout are progressing slowly.
"All we need is to negotiate one little point. Look Golden Boy's on board, Roc Nation (Sports) is on board, Canelo's on board, Cotto's on board, Vegas is on board, The only person we're waiting for is Gaby Penagaricano. The issue is in the details of a rematch clause," De La Hoya told Boxing Scene.
Los Angeles Times noted that Gaby Penagaricano was not willing to accept the "purse-split portion of the rematch clause," citing De La Hoya.
Penagaricano responds to De La Hoya
Penagaricano, who has always maintained that his camp is "focused on maximizing everything in this negotiation," responded to De La Hoya's statements.
A disappointed Penagaricano claimed that De La Hoya is trying to pressure them by granting interviews with the media. He stated that De La Hoya's strategy "will have zero effect on Miguel Cotto and his team."
"The mere fact that Oscar went to the press and said what he said, I think it's the best evidence that his side feels cornered," Penagaricano told El Vocero, as quoted by Boxing Scene.
Cotto was quick to express his support for Penagaricano.
"So far we have not signed the contract. We are reviewing the terms and when they are finally [agreed upon], and I will finally stamp my signature on the contract, then the fight will be official. The bout is scheduled for November 21 and yes we have several points where we disagree. If the fight is good, a rematch will happen. So there is no reason to attach [that clause in a contract]," Cotto told ESPN Deportes.
Negotiations ongoing
Despite the rough patch between the two camps, Roc Nation Sports president Michael Yormack said that negotiations for the Nov.21 bout are still going on. Being Cotto's promoter, he also wants to protect the interest of his boxer.
"We are being diligent and ensuring that the contract being drawn up reflects the best possible position for Miguel and our team," Yormack stated on Fight Hype.
Although nothing has been confirmed yet about the details of a possible rematch, having it immediately will put both boxers on a tight spot, since WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman already told World Boxing News that the winner should face the mandatory challenger and knockout boxer, Gennady "GGG" Golovkin, next. Otherwise, the middleweight title will just be forfeited and Golovkin will be declared automatic champion.
If the two camps really want a rematch to happen soon after the fight, this could mean that they want their boxers to avoid Triple G's punishing hands and vacate the title.
Dan Ambrose of Boxing News 24 wrote that the two sides could give up the WBC title "to keep the money stream going for as long as possible."
Is vacating the WBC 160 title really worth the money or are they just afraid of "GGG"?
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