Gennady Golovkin eyes world middleweight title unification against Billy Joe Saunders if Canelo Alvarez handed drug ban

GENNADY GOLOVKIN wants to fight Billy Joe Saunders if Canelo Alvarez is handed a drugs ban.

The stage is set for May 5 in Las Vegas for the much anticipated rematch between Triple G and the redhead Mexican - but a failed drugs test threatens to derail things.

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Canelo has  tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission are now investigating the failed sample.

And the l are reporting Golovkin has a back-up option - WBO middleweight champ Saunders.

Golovkin said: "If that fight can't happen the next step for me is Saunders, since it is my dream to get all the world championship belts."

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Canelo maintains that the drug was in his system as a result of eating contaminated meat in his homeland of Mexico.

Despite the latest controversy, Golovkin insists he still wants the rematch with the Mexican redhead.

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In an interview with  Golovkin said: “Of course, I still want to fight, I’m a fighter and I have unfinished business with Canelo.

“It wasn’t pleasant to learn of this. I know Canelo. He doesn’t need any medicine or drugs like that.

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“It’s not just a problem for Canelo, it’s a problem for his whole team. This drug has been found before in other athletes in Mexico, so they should have known.

”If it’s positive that it’s a performance-enhancing drug for him, that’s just outrageous."

Golovkin reiterated the need for boxing to stay "clean" and believes there should be some "penalties" for Canelo for failing the test.

He added: "My hope is that all parties involved will cooperate in the investigation and make more efforts to ensure clean boxing. That’s what I’m for, clean boxing.

“There are obligations he [Canelo] and his team need to follow, there should be some penalties.

"It’s his obligation now to prove that he’s a clean athlete and this process has to be controlled by VADA and the commission."