Few would have expected that five years on, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin would be preparing to fight for the third time in their careers, but after two controversial fights the rivalry rumbles on.
On Saturday night the pair meet in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a bout shown live on DAZN (check for regions), with the winner likely to claim ultimate victory after two fights which remain contested not just by the boxers, but fans alike.
We have to go back to 2016 for the rumblings of the first match-up. On May 7, Canelo defeated Amir Khan and then vacated his WBC middleweight strap, elevating Golovkin in the process.
When was the first Canelo vs. Golovkin fight?
A year later, Canelo defeated Julio Cesar Chavez and then confirmed he would fight his Kazakhstani opponent on September 16.
Where was the first Canelo vs. Golovkin fight held?
The fight was held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, in front of a sellout crowd of 22,258.
Who won the first fight between Canelo and Golovkin?
The pair fought to a split decision draw, 113-115 to Golovkin, 114-114, and 118-110 to Canelo. However, despite splitting the result, the scoring led to criticism from many.
The 118-110 in particular was regarded as controversially one-sided, with the consensus being that if anyone had edged the fight, it was Golovkin. Nevertheless, with the fight a full-blooded, high-technique and entertaining experience, it was seen as one of the fights of the year and its memory continues to endure as fans - and fighters - continue to argue their own interpretations.
What did the fighters think?
Golovkin: "It was a big drama show. The scoring is not my fault. I put pressure on him every round. Look, I still have all the belts. I am still the champion."
Álvarez: "In the first rounds, I came out to see what he had. Then I was building from there. I think I won eight rounds. I felt that I won the fight.
"I think I was superior in the ring. I won at least seven or eight rounds. I was able to counterpunch and made Gennady wobble at least three times. If we fight again, it's up to the people. I feel frustrated over my draw."
When was the second Canelo vs. Golovkin fight?
With the first fight attracting plenty of attention, discussions soon began about setting up a rematch.
Canelo initially got his traditional Cinco de Mayo weekend date, for May 5, 2018, but a suspension following a positive test for clebuterol saw the fight moved back to September 15, 2018.
Where was the second Canelo vs. Golovkin fight held?
This time, despite Madison Square Garden being an option, the fight was again held at the T-Mobile Arena.
Who won the second fight between Canelo and Golovkin?
With another sellout crowd, this time 21,965 in attendance, Alvarez was declared the winner on a majority judges’ decision. Scores of 115-113, 115-113 and 114-114 were enough for the Mexican to win back the WBC middleweight belt.
However this again drew controversy, as many fans and journalists once again thought Golovkin had done enough to get the win.
What did the fighters think?
Álvarez said: “I showed my victory with facts. He was the one who was backing up. I feel satisfied because I gave a great fight. It was a clear victory.”
He continued, “That was a great fight. But in the end, it was a victory for Mexico. And again, it was an opportunity. And I want to shout out to my opponent, the best in the sport of boxing. I am a great fighter, and I showed it tonight. If the people want another round, I’ll do it again. But for right now, I will enjoy time with my family.”
Golovkin: "I'm not going to say who won tonight, because the victory belongs to Canelo, according to the judges. I thought it was a very good fight for the fans and very exciting. I thought I fought better than he did."