On May 5, Gennady Golovkin will still be taking to the ring to defend his belts - but it won't be against Saul Alvarez.

It's a little under a week since 'Canelo' officially withdrew from the rematch following a failed drugs test.

The Mexican continues to protest his innocence after his promoters admitted he had twice tested positive for clenbuterol in February of this year.

Their official line is that some contaminated meat was to blame but regardless of the cause, a major spanner has been thrown in the works not only affecting his fight with 'GGG', but his entire career.

The 27-year-old will appear before Nevada State Athletic Commission on April 18, having been temporarily suspended from boxing.

Given that Canelo's previous bout with Golovkin ended in a draw, it was a tantalising prospect to think of the pair going face-to-face again, but fans have now been denied that prospect.

So too has the Kazakhstani, who has described his opponent's problems as "terrible for the sport".

Nevertheless, the 36-year-old remains focused on finding a new challenger and doesn't seem too affected by Alvarez's ban.

Golovkin responds 

"Now is my time. I'm ready to fight with anyone, we'll see. I will be ready to fight on May 5 in Las Vegas," said Golovkin, quoted via BoxingScene.com.

"Canelo's withdrawal is not my problem, I'm ready to fight. I am a professional and I know how I should do things. It should not be a problem for me [to fight on May 5]."

That puts Canelo's career in perspective somewhat - he is the only professional boxer not to be defeated by GGG and yet, the world champion himself doesn't seem at all bothered by his absence.

All that matters to Golovkin is that he keeps his record in tact and this just emphasises that when his rival does return, it's going to be very difficult for him to pick up where he left off.

Demetrius Andrade has been touted as the man to step in, along with Billy Joe Saunders, Danny Jacobs, Jermall Charlo.

Realistically, Golovkin cannot be too fussy given that his promoter Tom Loeffler is currently having to advertise the event, which takes place on Cinco de Mayo, without the knowledge of who will even be fighting.

Do you think Canelo can resurrect his career? Have your say in the comments.