GENNADY GOLOVKIN, Canelo Avarez used to be friendly sparring partners. Now they are bitter enemies and on the brink of an epic trilogy.
These two former opponents at middleweight have already produced 24 great rounds together, and they will renew their rivalry for the third time.
Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez were once sparring partners
Gennady and Canelo Golovkin sparred in 2011, before meeting twice in the ring.
Their history goes back more than a decade. In fact, a 20-year old Canelo traveled to Big Bear California to spar with Golovkin (who was then 28).
Both were world champions but it was one year before GGG made his Stateside debut. Canelo was also largely unknown.
Golovkin, now 40 years old, told SunSport that there were good sparring sessions back then. These were some of the most exciting sparring sessions I have ever seen.
They would take pictures together and compliment one another, but they wouldn't know that they would become famous rivals.
However, as the years passed and a fight became more likely, the relationship began to fall apart with both of them feeling their egos at their highest.
Golovkin recalls, "We had a normal partnership. He felt too much of his own self.
"He is now a star, so the effects of that were probably a side effect from him shooting to fame."
Canelo was never forgiven by Golovkin for leaving the WBC title in 2016, when the Kazakh was compulsory, resulting in talks between them falling apart.
GGG was able to get the Mexican in the ring one year later, but it left him frustrated.
Canelo was awarded a draw in the disputed match, which set the stage for a major rematch 12 years later.
Golovkin felt a bit defeated after a major points loss. He also gave bragging rights to his gym buddy.
It was a great way to launch Canelo to new heights. Floyd Mayweather, the heir to his pound-for-pound crown, retired from it.
Alvarez began to hate GGG more and more as time went by, even though he won the record.
Golovkin, controversially losing in the eyes many ringsiders, was indifferent to the animosity.
Canelo even stated that the feud was "personal" - something Triple G quickly distanced himself from.
He says, "I don’t feel any hatred toward him." He's an athlete to me. He's a boxer.
"I suppose that's how he, as a human being, decided to behave. He decided to think about himself, love himself, and position himself."
Gennady Golovkin drew with Canelo Alvarez in 2017 in a contested result
Gennady Gorlovkin narrowly defeated Canelo Alvarez in their 2018 rematch
Canelo, 32 years old, became a four-division champion after his win over Golovkin in a rematch. Golovkin remained at middleweight.
The 160lb legend will now move up to super-middleweight to challenge Canelo for Canelo’s undisputed title.
From the outside, the third instalment appears to be the most intense.
Golovkin insists that he does not recognize any difference in the man with whom he has gone the distance twice - primarily because he doesn't want to.
He said, "I don’t feel like him is any different because honestly, I don’t think about his.
"Too much attention is being paid to him, but he doesn't bother me at all.
"His behavior has revealed his true personality recently."
Canelo has made it clear that he will put Golovkin to death by giving him a brutal beating in Las Vegas this weekend, live on DAZN TV PPV.
GGG jokes that he will retire soon, ahead of his last fight. With or without his assistance.
"Let's face the facts, I am 40 years old. I am nearing retirement."
Canelo Alvarez & Gennady Gorlovkin before their rematch
