It looks like both Saul Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin are going to have to wait to settle their bitter rivalry as the battle between two of the sport’s biggest stars has officially been cancelled.

Canelo’s two failed drug tests have been well-documented since the news broke that he was tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol. Since then, Golden Boy Promotions have revealed that Alvarez is unlikely to have his case cleared in time to meet Triple G at the scheduled date of May 5, 2018.

CANCELLATION

Although the Kazakh knockout artist is still expected to fight on that date, the situation could be very different for Alvarez following his hearing with the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

As of this writing, Canelo is temporarily suspended by NSAC and the commission has filed an official complaint against him. To follow this up, they’re also looking to suspend Alvarez for one year for his failed drug tests but he could receive a reduced six-month suspension too.

This can only happen if he presents a strong case to explain his positive tests and that’s something Golden Boy Promotions are confident about, as Eric Gomez - the president of Golden Boy Promotions - explained that they’re hopeful Canelo will be available to fight as early as summer.

They’re also looking for his return fight to be the highly anticipated clash against Golovkin.

SUMMER COMEBACK

According to Boxing Scene, he said: “Given the current regulations in Nevada, we have been advised that it was unlikely that Canelo would be cleared to fight in May.

“Having said that, we are hopeful that this matter will be resolved no later than the current April 18th date and we’re hoping that Canelo will be cleared to fight some time in the summer, allowing us to reschedule the fight (with Golovkin) for possibly August or September.”

Again, this all depends on the outcome of his hearing, as Canelo has been adamant that his food had been contaminated while he was training in Mexico.

Should things work in his favour, he won’t be fighting on Cinco de Mayo but could be back in action in time for Mexican Independence Day weekend in September while the search is on for Golovkin’s opponent in May.

If things don’t go his way, though, then not only will he be waiting quite a while to secure that rematch, but he’s also going to receive plenty of criticism from the boxing world.

When do you think Saul Alvarez will return to the ring? Have YOUR say in the comments section below.