Canelo vs. GGG II: Boxing's Latest Soap Opera

Regardless of how you scored Canelo vs. GGG I last September, it was an entertaining, marquee bout that was good for the sport of boxing. To the delight of the boxing and overall world of sports, the two men are scheduled for a 2018 Cinco de Mayo rematch at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, this bout is now in danger of being postponed and/or cancelled due to Canelo's February double failed drug tests, and the reaction of GGG's camp. As many of you already know, Canelo's camp claimed that he ate meat contaminated with the banned substance, clenbuterol, a substance commonly found in contaminated Mexican meat. GGG and members of his camp, including his trainer Abel Sanchez, did not buy into this excuse. They pointed out that Canelo's trainers, Eddy and Chepo Reynoso, are Mexican butchers who should have known to steer their fighter clear of meat contaminated with this performance enhancing substance.

This issue, along with claims from Sanchez that Canelo illegally wrapped his hands in the first bout, are causing drama leading up to this fight. On Tuesday at a meeting with the media in Big Bear Lake, California, GGG ripped apart Alvarez and his camp, as well as members of the Nevada State Athletic Commission for being too lenient towards Canelo because of the fighter's popularity around the world. The fighter and his trainer both believe that Canelo was advised to use the substance in hopes of having an advantage in their May rematch. These claims were immediately rejected by Eric Gomez, the president of Golden Boy Promotions. About 24 hours later, Canelo responded to GGG's accusations with the following message, "I'm going to kick your fucking ass."

In closing this reporter has to ask himself, will Canelo vs. GGG II happen? And if not, will GGG fight Billy Joe Saunders? Furthermore, I would like to know why a millionaire, Mexican boxer was eating contaminated meat? I mean Canelo is no Dustin Johnson, a man who has gone on record praising the positive aspects of eating contaminated meat... (j/k).

As yet another boxing soap opera unfolds before our eyes, I urge you to stay tuned to The Weigh-In, as our expert and lovable staff members analyze and break down the biggest stories in the world of combat sports. Who knows? You may eventually get another angry rant about the state of boxing from Luis Cortes, or a professional wrestling (aka wrassling) article from Steve Ward leading up to Wrestlemania 34. And if you are really lucky, The People's Redhead may pull himself away from analyzing contaminated meat to discuss the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix.

MW

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ESPN 30 for 30 Presents Tommy

ESPN's 30 for 30 is set to release the latest installment of their sports documentary series tomorrow evening. The documentary, entitled Tommy, focuses on the life and career of world heavyweight boxing champion and actor, Tommy Morrison. Morrison is arguably best known for two accomplishments during his career; his 1990 acting role as Tommy Gunn in Rocky V, and his 1993 victory over George Foreman for the WBO Heavyweight Title.

Morrison was diagnosed with HIV in 1996, after the Nevada Athletic Commission conducted a pre-fight blood test on the former heavyweight champion. Throughout his life, Morrison took a number of tests for the virus, many of which turned up negative. In the years leading up to his death in 2013, Morrison continued to fight professionally with controversy swirling around the boxing world about his health.

Morrison last fought on February 9, 2008 in Mexico where he defeated Matt Weishaar (6-2-2, 4 KOs) via a third round technical knockout. On September 1, 2013, it was reported that Morrison died of cardiac arrest, resulting from multi-organ failure due to septic shock caused by a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Morrison was 44-years-old at the time of his death.

Tommy will air on September 27th at 8:00 PM EST on ESPN. Make sure to set your DVRs and alerts... ESPN2 rarely disappoints viewers with the 30 for 30 series!

For more information on this documentary, check out the official ESPN page for Tommy.

(Photo courtesy of Boxrec.com)

MW

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8-Ounce Gloves

The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) has approved a request from the Mayweather and McGregor camps to change the size of the gloves from 10-ounces to 8-ounces just days before their August 26th circus in Las Vegas. This change came after both camps discussed and argued over the size of gloves to be used in the contest for the past few months. I have read a few articles and posts from people from the worlds of boxing and MMA who believe that this change will favor UFC star, Conor McGregor.

Some analysts consider this move to smaller gloves a foolish request from the Mayweather camp because their boxer's last knockout came in 2011 against Victor Ortiz. Furthermore, Mayweather has openly discussed his "brittle fists" to members of the media. Despite these factors, I still see Mayweather as the favorite because of his far superior boxing skills and defense. Mayweather will simply have to avoid big shots from McGregor, which I am confident he can and will. In regards to the NSAC, I'm very surprised to see this body make a change to the size of gloves this close to the bout. In my opinion this move plays right into the "soap opera" that is Mayweather vs. McGregor, and leaves me asking myself, what's going to happen next?

What do YOU think of this change to the size of gloves used in Mayweather vs. McGregor? Tell us in the comments section of this post!

MW

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