Canelo Alvarez Pulls Out In Bout Against Clottey Due To Ankle Injury, Bigger Fight In 2015 Anticipated

Canelo Alvarez is pegged as one of the rising stars in boxing. The Mexican’s rise to stardom will be delayed after pulling out of his bout on Dec. 9 against veteran pugilist Joshua Clottey after due to an ankle injury.

Oscar De La Hoya, who masterminded Alvarez’s move to HBO sports from Showtime, said the decision to pass on the Clottey fight is for the long-term especially as the 24-year-old has bigger plans for 2015.

"He'd rather take care of it now because 2015 is going to be a huge year for him," De La Hoya said via Yahoo Sports on Tuesday.

"I believe Canelo is going straight to a major fight next year and so he wants to get this taken care of and put it behind him."

The left ankle problem started before Alvarez’s win over Erislandy Lara last July 12, 2014. Alvarez, who is known for his aggressive style of boxing, managed an unconvincing split decision victory over Lara, 115-113, 117-111 and 113-115.

The 37-year-old Clottey who is from Accra, Ghana was understandably upset with the new development and took to Twitter to share his frustrations with the fans. The fight against Alvarez (44-1-1, 31 knockouts) would have been big for the Clottey, who at his age is entering the twilight of his career.

Okay Now I understand I am too big of risk

— Joshua Clottey (@GMASTERCLOTTEY) October 7, 2014

These guys always find excuse not to fight with me — Joshua Clottey (@GMASTERCLOTTEY) October 7, 2014

They offer me less money than I wish. I say okay lets fight. They say texas. Whatever lets go.

— Joshua Clottey (@GMASTERCLOTTEY) October 7, 2014

Clottey (38-4-0, 22 knockouts) also did not pass up on the opportunity to take a subtle shot at Alvarez saying that Lara should have won the last fight between the two.

I am a lion from ghana and if they give him to me I would beat him. I want to fight with Lara who beat you too. — Joshua Clottey (@GMASTERCLOTTEY) October 7, 2014

De La Hoya added that the injury is not serious but the ankle injury bothered Alvarez during boxing workouts that pushing through with training camp and the December fight would make little sense.

No announcement on the next Alvarez fight has been made but the Mexican is due for a mega fight in 2015 especially now that he is with HBO Sports which features prominent names like Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto and Timothy Bradley among other star boxers.