Photo by Julio Sanchez/RBRBoxing
Gennady “GGG” Golovkin’s (37-0, 33 KOs) list of accomplishments speaks for themself.
The 35-year-old slugger from Kazakhstan is the reigning WBA, WBC, IBO and IBF Middleweight champion. He holds a perfect professional record of 37-0, with 33 of those victories coming by way of knockout. Prior to his last fight, which he won via unanimous decision, he was riding a 23-fight knockout streak.
Throughout his storied career, GGG has shown us everything.
His brutal power has been put on display time and time again. He’s showed the ability to box as well, as his lightning fast jab and lethal body shots are key parts of his arsenal. Golovkin’s footwork is also a joy to watch, and his ability to cut off the ring is second to none.
And when it comes to defense, GGG has never been afraid to put his hands downs and walk through the punches of his opponents’ to land blows of his own.
The only problem throughout his career, however, is that he’s never showcased his incredible talent against elite level competition. This of course isn’t his fault, as it’s often been difficult for his promoter, Tom Loeffler, to find opponents willing to enter the ring with him.
Either way, that is no longer a problem. This weekend, Golovkin will finally face off with Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, a man many consider to be the face of boxing.
Canelo, who holds a 49-1-1 professional record with 34 of those victories coming by way of knockout, is an exceptional fighter.
He’s currently labeled as The Ring Middleweight champion, and he’s won seven consecutive fights since dropping a decision to Floyd Mayweather in 2013.
At only 27 years of age, Alvarez has a wealth of experience, and he’s only improved in recent years. His blend of power and speed in addition to his ability to counter punch and throw crisp combinations makes him a threat to any fighter in the Middleweight division.
It’s for these reasons that this fight represents a career defining fight for Golovkin. Not only is this a fight for true Middleweight supremacy, but it’s a fight between two of the best fighters in the world.
If GGG can out class or even knockout Canelo, everything we’ve known about him will be cemented. And if not, many will likely say that he’s been overrated weather it’s true or not.
Either way, Golovkin finally has the fight he’s been waiting so long for, and with it the chance to stake his claim as one of the best Middleweights of all-time.
Header photo by Marilyn Paulino/RBRBoxing
