Because that is what basically Cotto was saying since he was strip, plus he is now not really a mandatory. Isn't it being screwed big time!
That it is. the fight wouldn't have been for the WBC belt for either guy, and GGG had already been full champ months ago if he hadn't signed the "step aside agreement" wich included the $800k step aside fee from Cotto. So, the "stepping aside" had already taken place for the Canelo/Cotto fight to be able to be signed under the circumstances it did. Wich means, Cotto not respecting the deal is nothing less as a contract breach in my eyes. Can't see Cotto keeping his $800k when (not if) this goes to court.
Exactly, Cotto made the agreement when he was the WBC Champion, and anything that transpires after that, unless in writing, is considered invalid. Add in the percentage that was paid to Cotto as then the WBC Champion that Oscar Dela Hoya had mentioned and Cotto may end up paying more that the $1.1 million dollars he believes he "kept"...!!!
Canelo should pay the 800k to GGG. GGG stepped aside for HIM to get a shot on the WBC title. From the date when Cotto got stripped by the belt, Canelo should have to reach an agreement with Golovkin to be allowed to fight for a vacant title. Either GGG get's his fight with Canelo next or he should go to court. But I guess the WBC will enforce a double header with Canelo and GGG on the same card ... and maybe at least to voluntary title defenses for Canelo below 156lb. Gross...
GGG fulfilled his end of the contract the moment he allowed Canelo-Cotto to happen. Cotto maintained the title through that process. That portion would have had to have been in writing to prevent GGG from being able to change his mind 2 weeks before the fight and enforce his mandatory status, even possibly blocking the fight. The signature is what Cotto paid for, and he got it. What happened the week before the fight is ultimately irrelevant. The service was already rendered. The only disclaimer would've been that GGG wouldn't get paid if the fight didn't occur at all, which is a standard clause.
Golden Boy gave the Lemieux unification as it's share of the step-aside, which was ultimately more valuable than the cash. I would venture that is the reason Canelo could fight for the belt and it wasn't given to GGG outright. Golden Boy paid their share of the step aside and could therefore still fight for the belt. Oscar wouldn't have had to do that (sacrifice Lemieux) if Cotto dropped the belt prior to the Canelo negotiations.
