Boxing: Alvarez v Golovkin moves step closer after Mexican vacates WBC title

A mouth-watering clash between explosive pair Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gennady ‘Triple G’ Golovkin is a step closer to happening after the Mexican vacated his WBC middleweight belt.

The powerful Alvarez retained his title earlier this month by knocking out British fighter Amir Khan in the sixth round of their match-up in Las Vegas.

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Talk of a clash between the Mexican and the undefeated GGG has been circulating in boxing circles for some time, which would put two of the most aggressive pound-for-pound punchers in the sport in the same ring.

Golovkin of Kazakhstan currently holds both the IBO and WBC middleweight belts and is undefeated throughout an impressive career.

The 35-year-old boasts a flawless 35-0 record, including 32 knockouts, with Dominic Wade his most recent victim back in February.

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After beating Khan, Alvarez called out GGG, and relinquishing his current title looks set to make the match-up with the veteran a viable option.

"Today, I instructed my team at Golden Boy Promotions to continue negotiating a fight with Gennady 'GGG' Golovkin and to finalize a deal as quickly as possible,” the Mexican said.

"I also informed the WBC that I will vacate its title. For the entirety of my career, I have taken the fights that no one wanted because I fear no man.

"Never has that been more true than today. I will fight 'GGG' and I will beat 'GGG' but I will not be forced into the ring by artificial deadlines.

“I am hopeful that by putting aside this ticking clock, the two teams can now negotiate this fight, and 'GGG' and I can get in the ring as soon as possible and give the fans the fight they want to see.”

Alvarez has forged a fearsome reputation, with his only loss in a 47-1-1 career coming against Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2013.

Golden Boy CEO Oscar De La Hoya talked up the potential bout with GGG.

"There is no denying that Canelo is the biggest star in the sport of boxing," he said.

"He is eager to get in the ring with GGG to show the world that he is also the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. But we won't negotiate under a forced deadline.

“Now that the WBC title is off the table, I am hopeful that GGG and his promoter, K2 Promotions, will come to the table in good faith and get this deal done.”

Golovkin seemed responsive and it looks like the eagerly anticipated clash will happen later this year.

"I'm honored to be named WBC middleweight world champion," he said.

"Canelo is a warrior, and I know we will still fight because that's the fight the fans want to see.

"I am one step closer to my goal of getting all of the middleweight titles and proving that I am the best middleweight in the world."