Unified middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin was baffled by Canelo Alvarez's positive test for clenbuterol, calling it terrible for the sport of boxing.
In an interview with ESPN, Golovkin said he doesn't like how the news has negatively affected boxing and their impending May 5 pay-per-view rematch. Golovkin was also quick to say that Canelo was a good enough boxer to not need performance enhancing drugs, but also if someone doesn't believe in their skills, then they resort to taking drugs.
"My first reaction was, 'Really like that? Really are you serious?' I know him, he's a good boxer. I believe he doesn't need drugs or anything like that. Right now, the test being positive is terrible for the sport. I love my sport, I love a clean sport. If you [don't] believe in your natural [talent], then you medicals... It's crazy," Golovkin said.
Canelo tested positive for traces of clenbuterol on March 5, according to a press release sent by Golden Boy Promotions, but the press release also said the positive result came from Canelo consuming tainted meat, a common occurrence for athletes in Mexico. The Nevada State Athletic Commission is currently investigating the issue, but the WBA and WBC already have publicly come out in defense of Canelo and his team.
Golovkin and Canelo are currently scheduled to fight at the T-Mobile Arena on May 5 with the WBA, WBC, IBF, Ring Magazine and lineal middleweight titles on the line. The fight is a rematch from their first encounter last September, when the fight ended in a split draw.