Golovkin seeks record-tying win

LOS ANGELES: Undefeated Gennady Golovkin defends his three major world middleweight titles against fill-in foe Vanes Martirosyan on Saturday with boxing history and a possible rematch with Canelo Alvarez on the line.

“Triple G” tries to stretch his reign, which began in 2010, to 20 fights and equal Bernard Hopkins for the longest title run in middleweight history when he faces Armenian-born American Martirosyan.

“(It means) a lot. I feel like a star,” Golovkin said Monday. “If you check Bernard Hopkins, my record is much bigger, much stronger. This is a good situation for my career, for my fans.”Golovkin was set for a Las Vegas pay-per-view showdown on the Mexican Cinco de Mayo holiday against Alvarez, a rematch of their thrilling draw last September.But the Mexican tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol and dropped out of the bout four weeks ago.

“He was extremely frustrated and disappointed when the positive test was announced,” said Golovkin promoter Tom Loeffler. “He had been training for the biggest fight in boxing and it was a big shockwave when it came.”

Alvarez is banned until August but hopes to fight again on September 16, another Mexican holiday, and maybe against Golovkin.Asked about fighting Alvarez next if he retains his titles Saturday, Golovkin said, “Maybe. Why not? I want activity.”