Ring Magazine stripped Canelo Alvarez of the middleweight title
Santos Saul Alvarez Barragan better known as Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is stripped off his Ring Magazine middleweight title today over his six month suspension for using a banned substance called clenbuterol.
Read the full statement by Stefan Friedman of ring editorial team and a publisher.
“Dear Ring Readers,
When I was first named publisher of The Ring in February, I noted that I would make mistakes as we went through the process of re-imagining the magazine for the 21st-century.
After a closer study of the efficacy of hair-follicle testing; re-looking at our past and current drug policies; and speaking with those who have been affiliated with Ring Magazine for decades, I have decided to abide by the Editorial Board’s vote to strip Canelo Alvarez of the Ring Magazine Middleweight championship.
To be clear, I personally believe — and know many others who agree — that the evidence to date shows that Canelo did not intentionally take a banned substance. However, that evidence is not conclusive and therefore cannot be used to keep him installed as champion given the suspension handed down by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
At the same time, it has become clear that our drug and PED policies as currently written are antiquated and too simplistic. Editor-in-Chief Doug Fischer and I have started gathering experts to join an advisory board that can help guide us in drafting a policy that will be current and more robust.
If, as expected, Canelo’s suspension is lifted in September, it will be up to the Editorial Board where to place him in the Middleweight rankings and/or the pound-for-pound list.
As always, I welcome your comments and questions at friedman@ringtv.com
Thank you,
Stefan Friedman
Publisher.” Stefan Friedman ended.
Neither Saul Alvarez nor Golden Boy Promotions have issued a statement yet.