The Miguel Cotto vs Saul “Canelo” Alvarez bout is already a serious contender for Fight of the Year as both sluggers are reigniting the historic and fierce boxing rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico. But with Cotto getting stripped of his title belt just a few days away from fight night, the Nov. 21 fight just got more interesting.

According to ESPN, Cotto was stripped of his middleweight belt by the World Boxing Council (WBC) for reportedly not paying US$300,000 (AU$418,380) in sanctioning fees, making the Puerto Rican fighter the lineal champ, ahead of his bout against Canelo at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas this weekend.

The report revealed that Cotto paid Gennady Golovkin, his mandatory challenger, US$800,000 (AU$1.1 million) of step-aside fee for the Canelo fight to push through. But Cotto, who was willing to pay a six-figure fee, felt the $300,000 was too steep, with the WBC declining to lower the sanctioning fee.

"The WBC's decision is premised on the fact that Miguel Cotto and his camp are not willing to abide by the governing WBC rules and regulations, and the specific conditions the WBC established to sanction the fight," the WBC said in a statement. "Simply put: they are not willing to respect the very same rules and conditions which applied to Cotto becoming WBC champion.”

The unfolding of events made Cotto the lineal champion. If Canelo win Saturday’s fight (Sunday AEDT), he will claim the vacant WBC belt. But if Cotto wins, he will remain lineal champion and Golovkin will be elevated to full WBC titlist.

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya was not pleased with Cotto’s stance of not paying WBC’s sanctioning fee, adding that the ex-champ is a “disgrace to the promotion.” But Cotto seems to be contented heading into their fight even without the middleweight belt, reports CBS Sports.

Meanwhile, Canelo refused to look too far ahead of his “50/50 fight” with Cotto as the winner gets to face the undefeated “GGG.” “The only thing that I am focused on is Saturday night. Once this fight is over, we will determine which direction we will go,” Canelo said, reports Boxing News 24.

Fight prediction

The fight would certainly be a slugfest, considering the rich rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico in boxing. Cotto (40-4, 33 knockouts) has far more experience in fighting elite boxers in his career, although his age may become a factor for a youthful Canelo (45-1-1, 32 knockouts), who was also impressive in his previous outings.

It would be hard to see a knockout victory for Cotto with how Canelo rehydrates during fight nights, but the former’s rejuvenated career and his top boxing shape at the hands of Hall of Famer trainer Freddie Roach may have given him the edge to defeat Canelo.

Winner – Cotto, Unanimous Decision

Betting Odds

Odds Shark gives the latest odds for Miguel Cotto vs Saul Alvarez fight. Canelo is the favourite to win at -333, while Cotto is a +250.

TV schedule

Miguel Cotto vs Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Optus Yes via Main Event for AU$29.95 on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. AEDT. Replays will be at 6 p.m., 10 p.m., 2 a.m., and every 4 hours from 6 a.m. on Nov. 23.

Live streaming info

Watch Miguel Cotto vs Saul “Canelo” Alvarez live on BoxNation.

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