Gennady Golovkin vs. Vanes Martirosyan complete guide: Who is fighting, how to watch, and betting odds

It all goes down later tonight (Sat., May 5, 2018) live on HBO from inside StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., as undefeated WBA (Super), WBC, and IBO middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (37-0-1, 33 KO) puts all of his gold on the line opposite massive underdog Vanes Martirosyan (36-3-1, 21 KO).

Golovkin, who is coming off a split draw opposite Canelo Alvarez this past September, was expected to face the Mexican superstar in a rematch this evening. However, Alvarez tested positive for banned substance clenbuterol and was subsequently suspended six months.

As a result of the fallout, GGG will now face off against Martirosyan on a card that has taken a drastic hit, especially after Nicaraguan great Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez failed to stay on the main card after an opponent couldn’t be found in time.

Who Is Fighting?

Gennady Golovkin

Golovkin really doesn’t need much of an introduction.

The 36-year-old has likely plateaued at this point in his career, but remains the very best middleweight on the planet. Alvarez could eventually stake a claim to that throne, but he has to remain clean to participant inside of the ring.

While a loss by GGG tonight would throw the entire combat sports world for a loop, it’s still going to be interesting to see how the Kazakhstani handles the late change in opponent. Golovkin is the type of fighter to turn the pressure up from the early going, but he may decide to let off the gas pedal a little bit and give fight fans more bang for their buck.

Vanes Martirosyan

It’s scary that Martirosyan hasn’t fought in two years, right?

That’s exactly what is happening later tonight as the 32-year-old veteran challenges one of the best boxers in the world after failing to compete since a decision loss to former light middleweight champion Erislandy Lara back in May of 2016. It’s not an ideal situation for Vanes, especially considering he’s moving up in weight, but you really can’t pass up the opportunity to shock the entire boxing world.

Assuming “Nightmare” is in relatively good shape having accepted this middleweight title fight on just one month’s notice, look for Martirosyan to attack early and pour everything he has into the opening frames.

Of course, Vanes have to incorporate insane head movement throughout this fight, especially considering he’ll be cornered by Ronda Rousey’s former head coach Edmond Tarverdyan.

In addition to the middleweight main event, the following collection of main card bouts are scheduled to take place:

Women’s Welterweight: Cecilia Braekhus (c) vs. Kali Reis

Junior Welterweight: Ryan Martin vs. Breidis Prescott

Welterweight: Brian Ceballo vs. Nam Phan

How To Watch

When:

• United Kingdom - Main card starts at 4:00 a.m GMT (Sun. 5/6)
• United States - Main card starts at 11:00 p.m. ET

Where:

• U.K. - Boxnation (also available for live stream and app use)
• U.S. - HBO (also available for live stream through HBOGo)

Betting Odds

(according to our friends over at Bovada)

Golovkin — -3000 (1/30)

Martirosyan — +1100 (11/1)

Click HERE for complete GGG vs. Martirosyan betting odds

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