Has Canelo ever Used a Rehydration Clause?

By Arslan Saleem March 27, 2024 12:21

Photo by Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images

Canelo Alvarez is one of the biggest names in boxing, known for his strategic negotiations and high-profile fights. In recent years, there have been discussions and controversies surrounding rehydration clauses in the Mexican boxer's fight contracts. What is a rehydration clause? and has Canelo ever used one? Let's examine.

Understanding Rehydration Clauses in Boxing

A rehydration clause in boxing refers to a contractual agreement that limits the amount of weight a fighter can gain after the official weigh-in. This clause is often used by fighters to prevent their opponents from gaining a significant weight advantage on the fight night, which could potentially impact the fairness of the bout.

The Canelo Alvarez vs. Daniel Jacobs Fight

In May 2019, the middleweight unification bout between Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs garnered attention due to the inclusion of a rehydration clause in the fight contract. Jacobs, known for cutting a large amount of weight to make the 160-pound limit, surpassed the contracted 170-pound rehydration clause by weighing in at 173.6 pounds. As a result, he incurred penalties for each pound over the limit.

Alvarez's Strategic Negotiations

It was revealed that Canelo Alvarez, as the clear A-side in the promotion, had demanded the rehydration clause during negotiations, acknowledging Jacobs' size and weight-cutting process. This strategic move by Alvarez aimed to ensure that Jacobs did not gain a significant weight advantage on the fight night, given his natural size advantage.

Past Instances and Controversies

The inclusion of rehydration clauses in fight contracts has sparked debates within the boxing community. Critics argue that such clauses may favor fighters like Alvarez, who are known for their size and strength, while placing additional constraints on their opponents.

Canelo Alvarez's Stance on Rehydration Clauses

Confirmation from De La Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya, Alvarez's promoter, confirmed that there were no rehydration clauses in the contracts for Alvarez's long-awaited fight with Gennady Golovkin.

De La Hoya emphasized that the contracted weight limit for the fight was the middleweight limit of 160 pounds, without any additional rehydration clauses. This statement highlighted Alvarez's willingness to engage in a true middleweight fight without imposing rehydration restrictions.

Golovkin Fight Negotiations

While there were discussions about catch weights and potential rehydration clauses before the Alvarez-Golovkin fight, Alvarez ultimately committed to fighting at the middleweight limit. Despite his previous title fights at contracted catch weights of 155 pounds, Alvarez stayed true to his word and faced Golovkin at the middleweight limit, signaling his stance on the use of rehydration clauses.

The Impact of Rehydration Clauses

Rehydration clauses can significantly impact the dynamics of a fight, especially for fighters who rely on size and strength advantages. By limiting the amount of weight a fighter can gain after the official weigh-in, these clauses aim to level the playing field and prevent potential weight advantages that could affect the outcome of the bout.

Community Perspectives

The boxing community has expressed varied opinions on rehydration clauses. While some view them as necessary measures to prevent weight bullying and ensure fair fights, others argue that they may unfairly constrain fighters and disrupt the natural course of weight fluctuations in the sport.

While the use of rehydration clauses in Canelo Alvarez's fight contracts has sparked debates and controversies, it's evident that these clauses have been strategically employed to address size differentials and prevent potential weight advantages.

Alvarez's negotiations and decisions in high-profile fights have shed light on the complexities and implications of rehydration clauses in professional boxing. As the sport continues to evolve, the role of rehydration clauses in ensuring fair competition remains a topic of ongoing discussion within the boxing community.