How can "boxing" fans actually defend this?

I know - OdlH definitely wouldn't want it, even if it could be made easily. However, save a rematch with Cotto (not all that credible) or vacating the belt (credibility-damaging), Canelo's credible options will be limited.

 

He could steal the Lee/BJS winner.

Saunders likes his chances vs Canelo, and he has been clear that he willl NOT fight GGG if he beats Lee.

Lee has said he wants the best, but.....huge BUT.......Canelo would pay better than GGG, and who's to say that Oscar will not swoop in to make that fight.:think

 

There is that possibility. However, I really wonder if Alvarez, not being a 160-pounder, will want to face either of them. If he does make that play then I agree that a victorious Saunders will jump at the chance. If Lee beats Saunders, on the other hand, I think Lee will still want to pit himself against Golovkin, but you never know.

One would hope that, if Alvarez does look to take on either of those two, he will observe the division's designated weight limit and not impose restrictions on a proper middleweight.

 

I don't think we need to be upset about anything since this is a mandatory fight. The weight has to be 160. Only during voluntary defenses you can negotiate weight.

Because of this I see Cotto or Canelo being stripped if they don't want to fight at 160.

They only get 15 days to decide what they want to do.

 

you can't defend this with a straight face