Gennady Golovkin sets up Canelo Alvarez trilogy fight after signing broadcast deal with DAZN

The drawn-out saga over the former IBF, WBC & WBA champion's broadcasting deal has come to an end

Gennady Golovkin has edged closer to a trilogy fight against Canelo Alvarez after it was confirmed that the former IBF, WBC & WBA middleweight champion has signed a six-fight broadcast deal with DAZN.

Golovkin had been involved in protracted negotiations with a number of networks, but was eventually lured to the streaming service by the promise of facing the winner of Canelo’s bout with Danny Jacobs.

The 36-year-old will make his debut on the network in June in a warm-up fight – his first bout since suffering a controversial first defeat of his career to Canelo last September – and will also host two shows a year on the broadcast channel under his own promotional banner.

“DAZN has quickly become the new home of boxing by making the biggest events easily available to the fans,” Golovkin said.

“When deciding on where I wanted to continue my career, DAZN’s global vision perfectly matched my goals – not just for my career but the opportunity to showcase talented Eastern European fighters to the world.

“Thank you to my fans for all of the loyal support and I look forward to you joining me on DAZN.”

Both Golovkin and Canelo were previously contracted to HBO, before the broadcasting giant announced they were withdrawing from the sport.

Golovkin has committed to six fights on the broadcast channel (Getty) (Getty Images)

ESPN, PBC and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing are all believed to have had meetings with Golovkin over the last months, causing a drawn-out saga of bids between the rival broadcasters.

Canelo signed a $350m ten-fight deal with DAZN after the pair’s second fight – the largest contract for an individual in sport’s history.