Complete-package Golovkin can eclipse incredible year in 2016
Published:
Lee Gormley | December 30, 2015
Golovkin can eclipse emphatic 2015
With a devastating 31 stoppage victories from his 34 professional ring outings, Kazakhstan’s middleweight monster Gennady Golovkin is preparing for what is potentially set to be his most challenging yet rewarding year of his career in 2016.
In 2015, ‘GGG’ took to the ring in New York’s Madison Square Garden to face Canadian brawler Lemieux in one of the most anticipated bouts in 2015, ultimately extending his rampant record to 21 consecutive stoppages since 2008.
This undefeated WBA and IBO middleweight champion holds the highest knockout percentage in the division’s history, having become one of the deadliest fighters on the planet, emphatically disposing of Martin Murray and Wille Monroe Jr this year too and a showdown with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) beckons in 2016.
Having made America his second home, the 33-year-old has become an adored fighter in the United States, with his ferocious displays in the ring and charming manner outside of it causing a flurry of boxing fans to embrace GGG-mania.
‘GGG’ is complete-package
Golovkin has undoubtedly become the most feared fighter within the sport, having reportedly never been knocked down across 375 bouts as an amateur, professional or even in sparring, adding to the dominant aura surrounding him, but what makes this competitor such a superior specimen?
Going forward the rightfully-nicknamed ‘God of War’ possesses fists of steel, with a shattering knockout blow capable of coming from either hand, arguably boasting the most potent power punches of any other fighter at 160 pounds.
As well as the brute force, ‘GGG’ holds a granite chin which has seen him withstand many seemingly vigorous connections, a solid trait which could prove to be decisive if a match-up with Mexican Canelo is finally agreed.
Along with his elegant dancing feet and traditionally-built core, Golovkin is a fine strategist during fights, holding a great sense of when to maintain distance, with foes constantly facing the full force of his impeccable connection rate.
Praise has even been dished-out by his former ring victims, with Britain’s Matthew Macklin, who was viciously stopped in three rounds in 2013, stating: “Golovkin is a master at getting you to burn nervous energy. He was bowling forward in second gear and I was darting backwards in fifth.”
Mayweather warns Canelo to avoid ‘GGG’
The unbeaten middleweight champion is constantly searching for his next big test and, with negotiations for an awaited bout with Canelo seemingly stalling, recently retired Floyd Mayweather Jr believes the latter Mexican should duck Golovkin.
“Canelo just came off a good, exciting victory against a future Hall of Famer, Miguel Cotto, but they’re so fast to try and throw this guy right back in the lion’s den with another guy [Golovkin] that they say is one of the top fighters in boxing,” Mayweather stated.
“Why is the promoter rushing and trying to throw Canelo right back in there in another rough and tough fight?
“If they really care about your health and your well-being, if they really care about you and your family, which they don’t, because I know; I’ve been in this sport forever, so I done seen how it works, but if they really care, me, as a promoter, I’d let that fight build.”
Exciting 2016 looms large
With such seemingly unstoppable abilities in the ring, it’s hard to spot any flaws within Golovkin’s aggressive approach, but one possible glaring weakness could be his lack of experience going the distance.
Canelo overcame Puerto Rican legend Cotto over an intense 12 rounds in his most recent fight and has undoubtedly developed since his humbling at the hands of Mayweather Jr back in 2013, but could he be the man to finally astutely challenge ‘GGG’?
In the New Year, boxing fans will witness Tyson Fury go head-to-head with Wladimir Klitschko once again in a heavyweight rematch, when the Brit is 11/10 with Coral for another victory, while Carl Frampton will collide with Scott Quigg in February.
David Haye will also make his return to the ring against Mark de Mori, and is 9/1 to suffer a shock defeat in London, but a showdown between Golovkin and Canelo would surely be the most attractive contest of 2016, if a deal can be finalised.
After building a dominant reputation since bursting onto the professional scene in 2006, Golovkin has enjoyed a truly remarkable 2015, with three successful title defences by stoppage, but 2016 could prove to be his best year to date.
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