As he gears up for his rematch with fierce middleweight rival Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez on September 15, WBC and WBA champion Gennady 'GGG' Golovkin took time to discuss Conor McGregor's foray into boxing, as well as his thoughts on the challenge that awaits him in the Autumn.

Talking to Boxing News Online, Golovkin said of McGregor: "He’s a very good athlete, he’s a professional athlete. He’s a very good fighter.

"I remember last fight with Floyd. This guy he goes into boxing, seriously this is difficult for him and he looks good."

McGregor lost to Mayweather over 10 rounds in what was his pro-boxing debut last year, gaining himself both plaudits and derision in the process.

While McGregor had moments of success against his illustrious opponent, many felt that Mayweather barely moved up from second gear and could have finished his opponent off earlier.

Talk of Mayweather returning the compliment to McGregor and taking his nemesis on in the Octagon have fizzled out since they were mooted earlier this year; the risk adverse Mayweather apparently figuring out that he would have next to no chance besting his Irish foe should the roles be reversed.

Even with adapted MMA rules, does Golovkin think Mayweather would put up a good fight?

"If Mayweather went into UFC – different story," according to the Kazak KO artist.

Turning his attention to his own rematch, Golovkin has been scathing of his Mexican foe since it was announced that the former junior middleweight champ tested positive for the performance enhancing drug Clenbuterol in February.

Canelo received a six-month suspension following his adverse test which led to the cancellation of the original rematch and a marked shift in tone in the dynamic between the two pugilists.

He told Boxing News Online: "I know what I need for the second fight. Right now, we have a different situation, completely different. Different emotions, different business deal, everything.

"Different respect with him. For him, it’s not good for my side… Different mentality.

"Not respect, we’re both professional athletes. This is fight."

Bad blood has boiled between the camps of the fighters, to the extent that they will not meet head-to-head until they descend on Las Vegas in September.

Both Golovkin and trainer Abel Sanchez have accused Canelo of knowingly taken Clenbuterol and have poured scorn on the Mexican's excuse that he inadvertently ingested the PED due to eating contaminated Mexican beef.

The result of the first fight was a controversial draw, with many fans and pundits feeling that the older Golovkin did enough to win over 12 rounds.

Canelo spent much of each round resting on the ropes and fought only in spurts, content to frustrate Golovkin and absorb the latter's relentless pressure.

Golovkin seemed reluctant to target the body of Alvarez, which, given his often devastating body punching, was arguably a mistake on the Kazak's part.

In perhaps acknowledging a change in plan for the rematch, Golovkin said: "I had good experience from the first fight. Right now I will change my performance a little bit."

Has Golovkin revised his battle plan for the rematch? Or will a Clenbuterol-free Canelo stand up to 'GGG' once again?