World Boxing News received an email from the International Boxing Federation after stating Canelo Alvarez dropped the IBF title.
The IBF clarified to WBN that Canelo did not vacate the super middleweight championship to face Edgar Berlanga. An IBF spokesperson stated they stripped Canelo for not following through with a mandatory against William Scull.
Addressing the situation to World Boxing News, the IBF said, “In lieu of the recent announcement made regarding the upcoming bout between Saul Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga, the IBF seeks to clarify the status of the IBF Super Middleweight title and how the organization reaches decisions in situations such as this based on its rules.
“The IBF ordered Saul Alvarez to begin negotiations with number one ranked Willam Scull for a mandatory defense of the IBF super middleweight title on May 13, 2024. Negotiations were to be concluded by June 8, 2024.
“On May 22, 2024, the IBF received an email from Hagen Doering requesting an immediate purse bid on behalf of William Scull. The IBF sent a notification on May 27, 2024, that a purse bid would be held on June 6, 2024. Subsequently, on June 4, 2024, the IBF received an email from Hagen Doering requesting a postponement of the June 6, 2024, purse bid. Shortly after that, Eddie Reynoso, on behalf of Saul Alvarez, agreed in writing to postpone the said purse bid.
“On June 18, 2024, the IBF received emails from both parties indicating an agreement had been reached.”
Canelo vs Scull step-aside
At the time, speculation was rife that Scull had agreed on a step-aside deal to wait for Canelo until after his fall clash in Las Vegas. This scenario was not the case, according to the IBF.
“The IBF notified that the purse bid rescheduled for June 18, 2024, had been canceled. However, the “agreement” terms were not disclosed to the IBF. On behalf of Saul Alvarez, Tom Brown sent a letter to the IBF on July 5, 2024. Brown requested an exception to participate in an optional defense of the super middleweight title on September 14, 2024, against a fighter to be determined.
“On July 19, 2024, the IBF Board of Directors met via video conference to discuss this matter. A majority of the directors determined that the request should not be considered pursuant to Rule 11. A. IBF Rule 11. A. states in part: ‘Once the IBF has sent out the notice of the date of the purse bid, or once a contract has been signed for a mandatory bout, no request for an exception can be made.’
“On July 25, 2024, the IBF was advised that Saul Alvarez would participate in an optional bout against number four ranked Super Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga on September 14, 2024. IBF Rule 5.B.2. states in part:
“All optional defenses, and any other bouts, by a champion shall be concluded at least sixty (60) days before the date the champion’s mandatory is due and shall be subject to the approval of the Championships Chairman and the President.”
“Saul Alvarez’s mandatory IBF super middleweight title defense is overdue. Therefore, the bout scheduled for September 14, 2024, does not comply with the noted rule.”
Canelo Alvarez stripped of IBF title
Furthermore, the IBF said they had no choice but to relieve Canelo of the title to allow Scull to contest the belt at a later date.
“The IBF places the utmost importance on keeping a title occupied and values and understands the significance of the undisputed champion status for a fighter such as Saul Alvarez, the sport, and the fans. We understand that Saul Alvarez and his team chose to pursue the route they see fit for his career in the bout against Edgar Berlanga.
“Nevertheless, the IBF rules are clear and were designed to serve all affected parties in such a matter. Based on the preceding, the IBF was left with no recourse but to vacate the IBF super middleweight title.
“Saul Alvarez has had an exceptional career, and we sincerely wish him the best in his future endeavors,” they added.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
