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Why Gennady Golovkin vs. Kell Brook Works and Why It Doesn’t
This year, two great matchups were on the verge of finalization–a welterweight title unification between Kell Brook and Jessie Vargas, and Chris Eubank Jr. challenging middleweight champion, Gennady Golovkin.
It seems as something went wrong during discussions, as Brook is now challenging Golovkin for the middleweight crown. Let me remind you, Brook is jumping up two weight classes to challenge one of the most dominant fighters of our time.
Might as well make Vargas vs. Eubank Jr. while we’re at it.
Ever since the fight was announced, Golovkin vs. Brook has taken a lot of criticism. Many believe that the fight will be a physical mismatch, and a repeat of Canelo Alvarez vs. Amir Khan, another fight with a welterweight challenging a middleweight.
There are pros and cons to every matchup, so let’s dive in.
Why Golovkin vs. Brook Works
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Lack of quality opponents in the middleweight division. Gennady Golovkin’s position as the number one middleweight didn’t come over night. He essentially cleared out the division by either blasting through all top challengers or scaring them away.
Out of all the top middleweights out there, his options are slim.
The fight against Chris Eubank Jr. couldn’t get made. Danny Jacobs and Billy Joe Saunders have both claimed that they aren’t interested. Miguel Cotto’s return to the ring is unknown.
And finally, David Lemiuex wants a rematch, but Golovkin dominated the first fight so thoroughly that most of us wouldn’t be too interested in seeing a rematch.
Why Golovkin vs. Brook Works: Business Wise, It’s a Gold Mine
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British boxing is continuing to prove its popularity. Gennady Golovkin knows a good scheme when he sees one. Fighting British superstar Kell Brook at the O2 Arena in front of thousands of die-hard, crazy fans is simply good business for Golovkin.
Kell Brook’s popularity has shown, as the fight sold out within 11 minutes. The fight should be a mighty big paycheck for both men.
Why Golovkin vs. Brook Works: Lack of Super Middleweights to Choose From
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A lot of people criticize Gennady Golovkin for not moving up in weight to super middleweight.
But what options does he have there?
Badou Jack and James DeGale are set to fight each other in the fall. Gilberto Ramirez was set to fight on the Terence Crawford vs. Viktor Postol card, but pulled out due to an injury.
Felix Sturm is on the verge of retirement. Who does that leave? Nobody.
Why Golovkin vs. Brook Works-Kell Brook Wants to Be Special
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Kell Brook has stated several times before that his skills are special and that he has what it takes to become a legendary fighter.
To Brook, jumping up two weight classes to take on one of the most avoided man is ballsy, but will definitely raise his stock.
If Brook wants to become legendary, he’s going to need to take risks. This is the perfect opportunity for Brook to prove himself to the world.
Why Golovkin vs. Brook Doesn’t Work: Brook Is Too Small
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Of all the opponents, a welterweight? A man that weighs 13 pounds lighter? C’mon, we all clearly know what happened when a welterweight went up to middleweight to fight for the title. Say it with me…Canelo Alvarez vs. Amir Khan.
Canelo is a strong puncher and was able to knock the smaller Khan straight out.
Golovkin has warheads for fists, imagine the damage he could do against Brook. The fight has a chance to become a complete physical mismatch.
Why Golovkin vs. Brook Doesn’t Works: Other Possible Middleweights
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There are a couple of decent middleweight challengers that Gennady Golovkin could have defended his belts against. The first fighter that pops into my head is Jorge Heiland.
Best known for wiping Matthew Macklin out in 2014, the Argentinian slugger has some power and rugged toughness. Andy Lee, although coming off a loss, would also make a decent matchup.
Lee’s length and size would be a factor, and you can never count out his right hook. When it lands flush, not even Golovkin can stand up to it.
Finally, Avtandil Khurtsidze would definitely be interesting. The 5’4″ bruiser from Georgia was last seen demolishing previously unbeaten prospect Antoine Douglas this past spring.
He’s short, mean and throws billions of punches. Just imagine the violence that matchup could create.
Why Golovkin vs. Brook Doesn’t Work: Erislandy Lara
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Gennady Golovkin has been called out repeatedly by Jr. Middleweight kingpin Erislandy Lara over the last few years. The Cuban champion has made claims of being willing to move up in weight to take on Golovkin.
Lara offers a style that would mesh very well with Golovkin. While Lara circles and tries to keep punching distance, Golovkin would attempt to cut off the ring and close in.
However, whether it is because of Lara, Golovkin, or another outside factor, the fight has never been negotiated. Boo.
