Tag Archives: Gennadiy Golovkin

Posted on 05/23/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Canelo Alvarez’s plans were crystal clear.

After pilfering every world title at 168 pounds, the Mexican star would then audaciously go up in weight to take on WBA 175-pound titlist, Dmitry Bivol. Once Alvarez cleared that hurdle, he would then move on to a third, and presumably final, showdown against Gennadiy Golovkin.

Although Alvarez viewed Bivol as a significant challenge, the former four-division world titlist believed he would ultimately emerge from their contest victoriously. However, as the two faced off on May 7th, Alvarez and his undying fans were given a rude awakening. On the night, Bivol both outboxed and out brawled the pound-for-pound star, en route to defending his light heavyweight crown.

With Alvarez’s defeat, came a certain haze surrounding his once clear future. Initially, Alvarez stated that he would elect to take on Bivol in an immediate rematch. However, after further thought, Alvarez has decided against it and instead, will look to put an end to his rivalry with Golovkin.

“Surely yes [about fighting Golovkin next],” said Alvarez during a recent interview with ESPN Deportes. “We already had that contract, that agreement, so we have to continue what we started.”

By no means is Alvarez, 31, eschewing a second showdown against Bivol. Nonetheless, as the Mexican star eludes to, a matchup against Golovkin was already agreed upon well before he came up short against the current WBA light heavyweight champion.

Ultimately, news of Alvarez opting to face Golovkin for a third time is likely music to the longtime middleweight champion’s ears. Following their initial showdown in September of 2017, Golovkin was left shellshocked as he believed he had done more than enough to pick up the victory. Nevertheless, he was forced to settle for a majority decision draw. Anxious to prove their superiority to one another, the two locked horns once again. While their sequel was a back and forth affair, it was Alvarez who handed the majority decision victory, much to the chagrin of Golovkin.

Although acrimonious over the entire ordeal, Golovkin has returned to the win column over and over again. With four consecutive victories, including three of which came via stoppage, Golovkin is buzzing with confidence.

Most recently, the current unified middleweight champion was last seen in the ring on April 9th, earlier this year. The newly turned 40-year-old brazenly stomped into the Japanese home of Ryota Murata, before violently ending his middleweight title reign via 9th round stoppage.

As Alvarez now prepares to take on Golovkin at 168 pounds, he isn’t ruling out a return to the light heavyweight division. In fact, the Mexican star essentially guaranteed that following his showdown against Golovkin, a second contest against Bivol will be next on his docket.

“I think those are the two biggest fights in boxing, the fight with Golovkin and the rematch with Bivol. Unfortunately we lost, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to try again. The important thing here is perseverance and we’re going to do it again.”

Posted on 05/11/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Gennadiy Golovkin was always a patient hunter. But one who never wasted his time on prolonged prey.

After victimizing his foes in the ring, Golovkin would normally remove his blood-soaked gloves, grab the nearest microphone and publicly call out his next target. Seldom, however, would Golovkin’s desired opponents issue a direct response.

The current unified middleweight titlist begged for a showdown against Miguel Cotto. Yet, when the former four-division world titlist openly ignored him, Golovkin turned his attention elsewhere. In addition to placing a target squarely on the back of Cotto, Golovkin has also called out the likes of Sergio Martinez and Jaime Munguia.

Ultimately, to Golovkin’s disgust, he was unable to lure any of those previously mentioned names into the ring. Still, while acrimonious, Golovkin moved on. So why won’t he do the same now?

At the age of 40, and having fought Canelo Alvarez on two separate occasions, Golovkin has appeared hell-bent on facing the Mexican star for a third, and presumably final time. In all fairness, Golovkin had officially gotten his wish granted.

Initially, after mulling over several offers, Alvarez opted to accept Eddie Hearn’s lucrative three-fight deal. In Alvarez’s perfect world, he would willingly leave his undisputed 168-pound throne and successfully snag Dmitry Bivol’s WBA light heavyweight title. From there, Alvarez would then return to 168 pounds for a third bout against Golovkin, before closing out his year with either a homecoming fight in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico – or a trip over the pond to London, to face who appeared to be the frontrunner in Joshua Buatsi.

Of course, Golovkin needed to hold up his end of the bargain, as he was scheduled to face off against Ryota Murata. Despite turning 40 years of age one day prior to their April 9th showdown, Golovkin brutalized his man, scoring the stoppage victory in the ninth round.

As Golovkin flicked on his television set this past Saturday night to take in the sights of Alvarez’s showdown against Bivol, a part of him, albeit reluctantly, was heavily rooting for his longtime rival. But while Golovkin nodded and smiled in approval as Alvarez started strong, Golovkin placed an incredulous hand over his mouth as he watched the rest of their bout unfold.

Outside of the first initial few rounds, Bivol dominated the pound-for-pound star. At times, a visibly gassed Alvarez languished against the ropes, breathing deeply, hoping for a reprieve from a relentless Bivol. Alvarez’s amnesty, however, never came.

Bivol, beaming with confidence at this point, closed strong, lacing Alvarez with a nonstop barrage of pernicious shots, doing so until the sound of the final bell. Alvarez, 31, had on his best poker face as he waited patiently for the final scores to be announced. While he raised his hand in victory, it was Bivol’s name that was announced shortly after.

With the Mexican star tasting defeat for the first time in nearly a decade, he impetuously declared that he would enact his immediate rematch clause, a statement he has somewhat backed away from. If Álvarez does, in fact, opt to face Bivol once more, Golovkin should turn his back on their lucrative and personal rivalry.

There’s nothing more for Golovkin to gain at this point in his career from facing Alvarez. His perpetual rival’s aura of invincibility has already been stripped away.

During their first encounter in 2017, most of the boxing world was bemused by the final result as Alvarez appeared lucky to have been given a split decision draw. In their immediate sequel one year later, while Alvarez scored a majority decision victory, both pugilistic media minds and rabid fans of the sport were ambivalent with the final call.

Not only has Bivol successfully ended Alvarez’s reign atop boxing’s Mount Everest, but, by and large, he’s also dampened his third showdown against Golovkin.

While no one else will allow the Kazakstan native to fatten his wallet the way a bout against Alvarez can, he does have both lucrative offers and mouthwatering showdowns that stand before him.

For years on end, Jermall Charlo has publicly called for a middleweight unification bout against Golovkin, something the now 40-year-old has never truly entertained. In addition to Charlo, Demetrius Andrade has remained loquacious over a matchup against Golovkin.

The seemingly countless zero’s that were expected to come with a showdown against Alvarez has ostensibly evaporated. So has a chance at revenge. That doesn’t mean Golovkin and Alvarez won’t meet again, however. But for the time being, while both bouts will be forever etched in boxing history, there’s no need for a third.

Charlo, Andrade, or even an audacious move to 168 pounds to take on David Benavidez, are all on the table for Golovkin if he so pleased. Whatever Golovkin ultimately chooses, it’s time for him to leave his rivalry with Alvarez in the rearview mirror.

Posted on 04/20/2022

By: Hans Themistode

There was an immense amount of pressure on the shoulders of Gennadiy Golovkin.

As the former pound-for-pound star packed his bags and headed to Japan to take on Ryota Murata in a middleweight unification bout on April 9th, the Kazakhstan star had plenty on the line. With Golovkin anxious to prove that he still has a considerable amount left in his 40-year-old tank, a win over Murata would allow him to move one step closer to closing the chapter with longtime rival, Canelo Alvarez.

Early on, Murata used the roaring crowd to his advantage as he peppered Golovkin with persistent jabs and lead left hooks. But, as Murata began slowing down, Golovkin began picking up momentum. As a result, Golovkin pounded his man in the ninth, forcing Murata’s corner to throw in the towel.

During a candid conversation, Alvarez admitted that he didn’t watch a single second of their middleweight contest live. However, from the few snippets he managed to watch at a later date, the Mexican native was underwhelmed.

“I don’t watch the fight,” said Alvarez to reporter Lance Pugmire. “I watch the highlights but he do what he supposed to do, win by knockout. I’m not impressed but he looks good, he looks strong.”

Having shared the ring with Golovkin on two separate occasions, the pair are on a collision course for a third contest. Officially, both sides have agreed to face off once more, provided, of course, they take care of business first.

In the case of Golovkin, he’ll now be allowed to kick his feet and wait on Alvarez following his ninth-round destruction of Murata. If Alvarez is successful in his bid to dethrone WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol on May 7th, the two will then move on to a September showdown.

Despite being known for his pernicious knockout power and regardless of being considered one of the best middleweights in recent memory, Alvarez reveals that he was never impressed with the overall skills of Golovkin.

“I was never impressed, even before. I was never impressed by him. I know what he do. I know he’s a strong fighter, I know what kind of fighter he is but I’m not impressed.”

Posted on 04/11/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Despite turning 40-years-old just a few days ago, and regardless of being out of the ring for nearly two years, Gennadiy Golovkin wiped off the ring rust this past weekend, to become a unified middleweight champion.

The near 5 to 1 favorite stormed into the backyard of Ryota Murata at the Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, to register a ninth-round stoppage victory on the night. While the end result was exactly what Golovkin was envisioning, Murata gave him all he could handle.

In the early goings of their middleweight unification bout, Murata found success as he pumped out a consistent jab that repeatedly snapped the head back of Golovkin. Once Murata found his range, he attacked the midsection of his man. Although Murata seemed to be in control, Golovkin quelled his momentum in the second half.

A visibly tired Murata languished against the ropes as the championship rounds neared. In the ninth, with Murata seemingly on fumes, Golovkin violently ended the night with a short right hook that forced Murata’s corner to throw in the towel.

The win for the newly crowned unified champion not only allowed him to add another world title to his collection but he likely stamped a third meeting against Canelo Alvarez this coming September. First things first, however, Alvarez must get past WBA light heavyweight titlist, Dmitry Bivol.

With most of the boxing world eager to see what Golovkin had left in his 40-year-old body, Tim Bradley was left thoroughly unimpressed by his performance. Should Alvarez and Golovkin officially meet for a third and presumably final time, Bradley appeared apathetic about how their contest would officially play out.

“He’s gonna mop up Golovkin,” said Bradley to a group of reporters. “He looked terrible in the beginning and then he closed strong in the end. He showed that he has great condition, still has power. I saw some good lateral movement from him.”

That aforementioned power, of course, has always come to Golovkin’s rescue. Nevertheless, as Golovkin has aged, his overall skills seem to be eroding. While Bradley believes that Golovkin would still be a handful to a long list of fighters, he maintains that a third showdown against Alvarez will end badly.

“I see him stopping him bro. And if he doesn’t stop him he’s gonna hurt him. He’s gonna hurt him really badly. Canelo, I just believe is on another level from Golovkin.”

Posted on 04/09/2022

By: Hans Themistode

As Gennadiy Golovkin celebrated his 40th birthday, fans of the Kazakhstan star believed that his time near the top of the middleweight food chain was coming to an end. However, while his reactionary times appeared to have slowed, Golovkin proved that despite his age, he still has plenty left in the tank.

The Japanese crowd at Saitama Arena rose to its feet and roared as Ryota Murata made his way to the ring. With the WBA middleweight belt holder anxious to pick up the biggest win of his career, he came out inspired in the opening frame. Murata pumped out a consistent and piercing jab in the first, one that Golovkin struggled to get away from.

Regardless of the middling success of Murata, Golovkin turned things around in round two. The current IBF middleweight belt holder moved to the center of the ring, planted his feet, and snapped the head back of of his man. In addition to peppering Murata with numerous blows upstairs, Golovkin took advantage of Murata’s lackluster defense by going to the body.

The action continued in round three. Neither man employed much of a jab during the frame. Instead, they met toe to toe near the middle of the ring and bumped heads while attempting to establish position. As both men threw pernicious blows, neither stepped back.

Although Golovkin had moments of success during the period, it was the bodywork of Murata that truly stood out. At one point in the fourth round, Golovkin appeared to wince in pain as Murata landed a clean right hand to the midsection. As Golovkin attempted to gather himself, he took several steps back. Unwilling to let the moment pass him by, Murata pushed forward and continued to land relentless shots to the body of Golovkin.

The struggles of Golovkin continued in round five as Murata avoided his powerful and looping right hands and was able to land several shots of his own upstairs.

As the midway point of their contest rolled by, Golovkin breathed in deeply in round seven. The newly turned 40-year-old abandoned his jab completed, placed his hands low in an effort to deflect the persistent body blows of Murata, and found success bullying his man around the ring.

A visibly winded Murata seemed shaken during the period. In what turned out to be the turning point of their contest, Golovkin slyly stepped back as Murata launched a left hook in his direction, only to land a devastating right of his own. Once the blow connected, Murata’s mouthpiece was sent flying halfway across the ring. Though the Japanese native was ultimately able to recover, Golovkin continued to batter him for most of the round.

In the ninth, Murata seemed incredibly fatigued. Golovkin, on the other hand, bounced up and down on his toes as he continued his assault. For much of the round, Golovkin butchered Murata against the ropes. Though he would eventually fight his way back to the center of the ring, it turned out that was exactly what Golovkin was hoping for.

In somewhat of a funky sequence, Murata attempted one final hurrah but was quickly sent crashing to the canvas thanks to well-timed right hook by Golovkin. Once Murata hit the deck, his corner had seen enough, throwing in the towel and handing Golovkin the ninth round stoppage victory.

With the win, Golovkin has become just the second boxer at the age of 40 or older, to unify titles.

Posted on 04/05/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Gennadiy Golovkin was in utter disbelief when the scorecards were initially announced following 12 hard-fought rounds against Canelo Alvarez in 2018.

With the soon-to-be 40-year-old suffering the first defeat of his career, he’s turned the page on the controversial outcome. While Golovkin has gone on to pick up victories in his next three contests, including an IBF world title bout against Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Golovkin scoured the middleweight landscape in search of his next foe. However, even with Golovkin fighting all around the world against countless styles and opponents, he was initially taken aback when he received word on who he would be facing next.

On April 9th, at the Super Arena in Saitama Japan, Golovkin will attempt to leave his Japanese fans speechless when he takes on WBA champion, Ryota Murata. While it may not have been the name he was expecting, Golovkin is ecstatic nonetheless.

“I remember my first reaction,” said Golovkin. “I immediately thought that it’s going to be massive. That it’s going to be massive, spectacular, and truly memorable. Let’s say, it’s going to be big. Fights in Japan have their own history. And, come to think of it, now I’m going to be a part of that history.”

Amongst a long list of boxing events that took place on Japanese soil, James “Buster” Douglas scored a memorable knockout win over then, unbeaten and well feared heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, as a sizable underdog in 1990.

Murata, much like Douglas, will be forced to play the underdog role against Golovkin. While Murata did his box his way to a gold medal during the 2012 Olympic Games, he’s spent the last few years of his career sitting on the sidelines. The now 36-year-old may have picked up back-to-back wins against Steven Butler and Rob Brant, but he’s failed to make a ring appearance since 2019.

Ultimately, a win for Golovkin means more to him than just adding another world title to his already stacked resume. If the current middleweight titlist is victorious this coming weekend, he’ll cross his fingers and hope that Alvarez replicates his success on May 7th, against WBA middleweight champion Dmitry Bivol.

With a victory by both men, the pair have already agreed to meet for a third, and presumably, final time this September. However, despite craving one last crack at Alvarez, Golovkin knows good and well that if he isn’t focused on the man standing before him, his future plans will be washed away.

“I’m focused on this fight. I don’t allow myself to think about anything else. I’m not jumping over this fight. I’m not underestimating my opponent.”

Posted on 04/02/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Gennadiy Golovkin once stormed through the middleweight division with ease. During much of his 20s, he wasted no time in putting his opponents out of their misery. Once Golovkin reached his prime years, following each of his fights, his gloves, boxing trunks and even the ring itself would be soaked in the blood of his opponents.

Known for the savagery of his beatings, Golovkin has slowed since then. With two hard-fought meetings against Canelo Alvarez in 2017 and 2018, the latter resulting in a highly disputed majority decision loss, Golovkin has spent more and more of his time watching the action from the sidelines.

Having competed just three times since 2019, dust has piled up considerably on the birth certificate of the soon-to-be 40-year-old. But, regardless of his age, Golovkin continues to carry on.

In exactly one week, Golovkin will attempt to unify titles against WBA champion, Ryota Murata. With Golovkin turning 40 one day prior to their April 9th showdown, Derrick James finds it pointless for Golovkin to continue fighting at his age. While the world-renowned trainer points a blaming finger in the direction of several for pushing the aging veteran in the ring, he believes that if something unfortunate happens to the future Hall of Famer, he should shoulder most of that blame.

“He’s 40, he’s still fighting? Why? Why is the manager still negotiating a fight if he’s 40-years-old unless he really needs something. This is the thing about these 40-year-old guys,” explained James during an interview with Fight Hub TV. “If you get in the ring, it’s on you for whatever happens to you. Be mad at the promoter, be mad at his management, be mad at his wife or his family for him getting in the ring, that’s on him.”

Despite the feelings of James, there appears to be no end in sight for Golovkin. In addition to his upcoming bout against Murata, he’s already tentatively scheduled to return to the ring in September against Alvarez. Provided, of course, he takes care of business against Murata and Alvarez is successful in his light heavyweight venture against Dmitry Bivol on May 7th.

Since given no choice but to swallow the split decision draw and majority decision defeat against Alvarez in their unforgettable contests, Golovkin maintains that he was given the short end of the stick.

If all goes well in their preceding bouts, Golovkin will be granted his wish of facing Alvarez once more. However, as their third collision seems inevitable, Alvarez has been the subject of unwanted backlash. With the Mexican star smack dab in the middle of his prime and Golovkin on the back end of his career, many view their possible clash as a one-sided mismatch in favor of Alvarez.

But, regardless of that notion, James believes that absolutely no vitriol should be aimed in the direction of Alvarez.

“You can’t be mad at Canelo for taking care of what he needs to do.”

Posted on 03/31/2022

By: Hans Themistode

In the opinion of Abel Sanchez, Gennadiy Golovkin’s decision to part ways wasn’t a sagacious choice.

For years on end, the two partnered together to go on one of the more destructive runs in the history of the middleweight division. At one point, Golovkin went on a particularly violent tear, winning 23 consecutive contests before the sound of the final bell.

Still, despite Golovkin becoming a household name, the former unified champion decided it would be in his best interest to part ways with Sanchez, following his 2018 majority decision defeat at the hands of Canelo Alvarez.

With Sanchez now out of the loop, Golovkin has enlisted the help of world-renowned trainer, Johnathan Banks. Under his guidance, Golovkin has gone on to win three bouts in a row, two of which came via stoppage. But while Golovkin has re-entered the winner’s circle, he hasn’t looked like the destructive force he once was.

Under Sanchez, Golovkin was known as a come-forward fighter with relentless pressure and pernicious knockout power. Under Banks, however, Golovkin has implemented more of a box-first approach, slipping punches and boxing on the outside for long durations of his bouts.

As a result of his new style, Golovkin has been hit far more often than many have been accustomed to seeing over the past few years. Throughout his transition phase, Sanchez has kept a watchful eye on his former fighter. And, considering his lackluster results, Sanchez believes that the abrupt change in trainers wasn’t the best idea.

“Seeing some of the results of the last three or four fights, I don’t believe it was the right choice,” said Sanchez during an interview with Fight Hub TV. “Not because I’m a supreme coach. But sometimes when you’re doing particular things that are successful, as soon as you change those things, all of a sudden, you change the routine and change the things you were doing, and things don’t go so well.”

Regardless of the feelings of Sanchez, Golovkin will attempt to move his career in the right direction. On Saturday night, April 9th in Saitama, Japan, Golovkin will take on WBA middleweight titlist, Ryota Murata. Should Golovkin successfully add Murata’s world title to his IBF trinket, he’ll patiently wait for Alvarez. The two are tentatively scheduled to face off should Golovkin defeat Murata and should Alvarez lay waste to Dmitry Bivol.

From Sanchez’s standpoint, it’s of little to no importance what Golovkin does from here on out. While initially, Sanchez was hurt and apoplectic by the way things ended, having had time to reflect, the longtime trainer reveals that at this point, he has nothing but love for his former star.

“The first week there was resentment,” Sanchez said. “Once I gave it some thought, listen, everybody goes different ways. I don’t want to see him hurt. But things happen. I have no animosity now. I’d give him a hug.”

Posted on 03/16/2022

By: Hans Themistode

For the most part, many are already envisioning a third showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin.

The two are tentatively scheduled to face one another in September, provided of course, both sides are successful in their upcoming bouts. In the case of Alvarez, the newly crowned undisputed super middleweight titlist will abandon his 168-pound throne as he attempts to truncate the world title reign of WBA light heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol.

As for Golovkin, the current IBF middleweight belt holder will take on fellow champion, Ryota Murata. Golovkin will brazenly travel to Murata’s native land at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on April 9th.

While Golovkin is tabbed as a healthy favorite, the future Hall of Famer is anxious to strip Murata of his championship status before moving on to a showdown against Alvarez. However, in the mind of Bob Arum, it wouldn’t be shocking if Murata threw a monkey wrench in Golovkin’s plans.

“I would not be surprised if, in April, Murata beats Golovkin,” said Arum during an interview with Fight Hub TV.

Even with Murata having the public backing of Arum, he’ll face several disadvantages on the night. The first obstacle in Murata’s way will be his lack of experience against high-level opponents. In addition to that, Murata has spent the better part of the past two and a half years sequestered on the sidelines. Presently, the WBA titlist was last seen in the ring on December 23rd, 2019, against Steven Butler, scoring a fifth-round knockout win.

Ultimately, however, despite the ring rust, Arum believes that the former Olympic gold medalist could be on the verge of nabbing the biggest win of his career. In large part, Arum views the soon-to-be 40-year-old Golovkin’s age as a considerable disadvantage. Also, the longtime promoter has been unimpressed with his recent performances.

Since suffering the lone blemish of his career at the hands of Alvarez in 2018, Golovkin has gone on to win three consecutive bouts. In his most recent walk to the ring, Golovkin bulldozed journeyman Kamil Szeremeta, dropping his man four separate times before picking up the stoppage victory in the seventh.

Regardless of Golovkin’s recent form, nonetheless, Arum is somewhat dubious that he’ll continue his current streak. While he refrained from picking Murata outright, Arum is steadfast in his belief that Murata could become the unmovable object standing in the way of Golovkin and his quest to challenge Alvarez once again.

“Remember, Golovkin has a lot of wear on him. He’s 40-years-old, and Murata is a pretty big punching guy. I wouldn’t be surprised if Golovkin lost that fight to Murata.”

Posted on 03/11/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Through 24 hard-fought rounds between Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin, most of the boxing world is still split on who was the better fighter.

Although on paper Alvarez has the edge, having picked up a split decision draw and majority decision win in their two-part sequel, the Mexican star is preparing to put the final nail in Golovkin’s coffin.

Just a few short weeks ago, Alvarez inked his name as part of a three-fight agreement with promoter Eddie Hearn. On May 7th, Alvarez will leave his undisputed super-middleweight throne, in an attempt to grab championship glory when he takes on WBA light heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol. At the tail end of the year, most likely in December, Alvarez will either face off against WBC cruiserweight belt holder Ilunga Makabu, or super middleweight contender, John Ryder.

Sandwiched in-between those previously mentioned contests will be a third showdown against Golovkin. First things first, however, both men must win their upcoming bouts. Alvarez, of course, will have his hands full against Bivol, while Golovkin, on the other side of the spectrum, will have to deal with fellow middleweight titlist, Ryota Murata.

Since suffering the one and only defeat of his career at the hands of Alvarez, Golovkin has gone on to pick up three consecutive victories. But, despite adding to his win column, Golovkin hasn’t looked quite like his old explosive self.

In the case of Alvarez, his name often protrudes to the top of most pound-for-pound lists as boxing’s leading man. Since Golovkin, the 31-year-old has collected world titles at 160, 168, and 175 pounds.

With both Alvarez and Golovkin engaging in back and forth wars over the years, Mikey Garcia has watched from the sidelines with enjoyment. Ultimately, while Garcia has always revered Golovkin, as a third showdown between them draws near, he’ll be disingenuous in stating that Golovkin has a chance at pulling off the victory. With the future Hall of Famer and current IBF middleweight titlist now 39 years of age, Garcia believes that Golovkin will fall at the hands of Alvarez in the most brutal of ways.

“I think Canelo stops GGG at this point now,” said Garcia to K.O. Artist Sports. “It’ll be a good matchup but I think Canelo stops him.”

Posted on 03/07/2022

By: Hans Themistode

For most, Canelo Alvarez is considered the best fighter in the sport of boxing. With several world titles spread across numerous weight classes, Alvarez has stepped forward as boxing’s leading man.

In the mind of renowned trainer Abel Sanchez, he too admits that Alvarez is one of the best fighters around. However, even with Alvarez making quick work of every belt holder at 168 pounds to become the division’s first undisputed champion, Sanchez believes he knows the three fighters who would be the Mexican star’s kryptonite.

“There’s three guys that can give Canelo a hard time,” said Sanchez during an interview with FightHype.com. “That’s [Artur] Beterbiev because he’s a bigger man, David Benavidez, and Gennadiy Golovkin.”

In the case of Golovkin, the Kazakstan power puncher has swapped fists with Alvarez on two separate occasions with Sanchez standing firmly in his corner as his former trainer. Although both contests were close, both Golovkin and Sanchez have always maintained that Alvarez was given favorable judging, as Golovkin was forced to settle for a split decision draw and a majority decision defeat.

Since having the first and only loss of his career saddled to his record, Golovkin promptly parted ways with Sanchez and enlisted the help of Jonathon Banks. Presently, the pair have picked up three consecutive victories. But, even with Golovkin racking up the wins, Sanchez can hardly recognize his former star.

Under his guidance, Sanchez shaped Golovkin into one of the more pernicious power punchers the sport of boxing has ever seen. Now, however, with his new trainer, Golovkin, while still dangerous, has morphed into much more of a boxer. While the results are still the same, Sanchez doesn’t believe Golovkin’s new style will be prudent.

Be that as it may, following years of back and forth trash talk, Golovkin officially secured a third showdown against Alvarez. The two will square off for presumably the final time in September, as long as both men pick up victories in their upcoming bouts.

For Alvarez, he’s set to take on WBA light heavyweight titlist Dmitry Bivol. Golovkin, on the other hand, has an April 9th date with WBA middleweight belt holder, Ryota Murata.

According to the early betting market, Alvarez is viewed as a considerable favorite in their tentative third contest, a far contrast from Alvarez entering the ring as a slight underdog against Golovkin in their previous two showdowns.

Golovkin’s age, 39, along with Alvarez’s rapid improvements over the years, play a major part in the betting markets shift. Still, regardless of Alvarez seemingly having the upper hand, Sanchez believes that his former fighter can pull off the win. If and only if, he abandons his new fighting approach that is, and gets back to his relentless pressure.

“The only way Gennadiy Golovkin can beat Canelo is if he gets in the kind of shape he used to be in,” continued Sanchez. “In my opinion, he’s trying to be somebody that he’s not right now. He’s not a boxer. Gennadiy Golovkin is going to walk you down and he’s going to beat the hell out of you and get you out of there. Or, he’s going to beat you so bad that you can’t continue. He’s trying to be somebody that he’s not.

During one particular destructive stretch from 2008 to 2017, Golovkin registered 23 consecutive knockouts. That version of Golovkin, and that one alone, is capable of giving Alvarez hell.

“I think he wants to prove to everybody that he can box. I think that Golovkin’s strength is his strength. When he walks you down and makes you succumb to what he’s got, that’s how he’s successful.”

Posted on 03/04/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Gennadiy Golovkin has been a proverbial thorn in the side of Canelo Alvarez for approximately a half-decade now.

In back-to-back years in 2017 and 2018, both Golovkin and Alvarez waged a back and forth war in the ring. Although Alvarez was given a split decision draw in their first showdown and a majority decision win in their sequel, Golovkin has vehemently protested that the sport of boxing got it painfully wrong.

Since straddling the first defeat of his career to his longtime rival, Alvarez has gone on to win multiple championships. In addition to unifying middleweight titles against Daniel Jacobs in 2019, Alvarez captured the WBO light heavyweight crown against Sergey Kovalev, as well as every world title at 168 pounds.

With more gold than he can account for, Alvarez is eyeing another light heavyweight title, as well as a third showdown with Golovkin. The pound-for-pound star from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, recently signed off on a three-fight deal with promoter Eddie Hearn that will see him square off against WBA light heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol.

Provided everything goes according to plan, Alvarez would move on to the second fight of his new deal, a showdown against Golovkin.

For the most part, Alvarez has sat quietly as Golovkin has openly chastised him, going as far as to say that not only is Alvarez “delusional” but also that he defeated the Mexican star on both occasions. Now, with their contest just within reach, Alvarez plans on putting a violent nail in Golovkin’s coffin.

“Yes that’s what I feel,” said Alvarez when asked if he will knock Golovkin out this time around on Fight Hub TV.

Before Alvarez gets too antsy, there are a few steps that must take place beforehand. First and foremost, Alvarez must take care of business against Bivol and successfully end his near five-year title reign. Also, Golovkin will need to get past WBA middleweight champion, Ryota Murata. The two are set to tango on April 9th, in Murata’s native land of Japan.

For now, Alvarez isn’t trying to get too ahead of himself. At the moment, he’ll simply place Golovkin on the back burner and turn all of his attention on a man he considers to be the best in the light heavyweight division.

“First things first, I need to win this fight but that’s what I feel.”

Posted on 03/01/2022

By: Hans Themistode

There was a bitter look of disappointment plastered across the face of Gennadiy Golovkin.

The IBF middleweight titlist and future Hall of Famer had long been hoping to share the ring with fellow middleweight belt holder, Ryota Murata. The two were originally scheduled to face off on December 29th, 2021, at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, Murata’s native land. However, due to the rising concern surrounding the overall infected rate of COVID-19, Japan implemented travel restrictions that prevented foreigners from visiting, which ultimately pushed their contest to the wayside.

Now, with the infection rate dropping globally, the pair have reportedly rescheduled their showdown.

As first reported by Mike Coppinger of ESPN, both Murata and Golovkin have agreed to square off on April 9th. The pair will continue with their original plans to unify middleweight titles in Saitama Arena.

For Japan’s Murata, he’ll walk into the biggest night of his pugilistic life with what could be a considerable amount of rust. The WBA 160 pound titlist has spent well over two years sequestered on the sidelines. Although he hasn’t been active, Murata has won his last two contests via stoppage.

As for Golovkin, a win over Murata is one that he desperately craves for a myriad of reasons. Not only does Golovkin aspire to reclaim his status as a unified champion but more importantly, a victory over Murata places him one step closer to a third showdown against Canelo Alvarez.

Just a few days ago, Golovkin inked his name as part of a lucrative two-fight deal. First up for the heavy-hitting Kazakhstan star, is a date with Murata. Should he pick up the victory and rip away Murata’s world title in the process, Golovkin will wait patiently for Alvarez.

The pound-for-pound star is set to take on WBA light heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol. If Alvarez finds himself on the winning end of said bout, he’ll move back down in weight to defend his undisputed super-middleweight crown against Golovkin.

The two originally swapped fists in 2017 and 2018 with Golovkin being forced to settle for a split decision draw and majority decision loss. With three consecutive victories under his belt since suffering the first defeat of his career to Alvarez, Golovkin has maintained that he was given a raw deal, even going as far as to say that Alvarez, and those who believe he won their contests, are “delusional.”

Posted on 02/25/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Canelo Alvarez was flattered by Al Haymon’s two-fight deal worth upwards of $100 million to take on both Jermall Charlo and David Benavidez. Ultimately, however, the Mexican star found Eddie Hearn’s offer just a bit too enticing.

As first reported by ESPN, Alvarez has officially signed his name on the dotted line to first take on WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol on May 7th. Then, should Alvarez strip Bivol of his world title, the Mexican star will move back down in weight to defend his undisputed super-middleweight throne against longtime rival, Gennadiy Golovkin.

Golovkin’s side of the deal is predicated on the 39-year-old picking up a victory against WBA middleweight titlist, Ryota Murata. Initially, Golovkin had been hoping to swap fists with Murata at the tail end of 2021. But, in what’s become a consistent and unwanted pattern, their contest was scrapped due to rising COVID-19 cases in Japan, Murata’s home country, and the initial destination where their contest was set to take place.

While both Benavidez and Charlo are now officially out of the equation, at least momentarily, both Bivol and Golovkin are anxiously awaiting their opportunity. For years on end, Bivol has audaciously called for a showdown against Alvarez, even going as far as to say that he’ll move down to the 168 pound super middleweight limit to placate the Mexican native.

Following an inactive 2020 where Bivol remained sequestered on the sidelines, he made two successful defenses of his WBA strap in 2021 against Craig Richards and Umar Salamov.

In the case of Golovkin, although he’s looking forward to fattening his wallet with a third showdown against Alvarez, the current IBF middleweight champion believes their three-part fight series should have come to an end following their second fight. In September of back-to-back years in 2017 and 2018, Golovkin believes that he was given a raw deal. While he’s learned to live with the split decision draw and majority decision defeat he was given, Golovkin has quietly attempted to lure Alvarez back into the ring.

All the while, Alvarez has placed his attention elsewhere, aggregating every world title at 168 pounds against Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders, and Caleb Plant to become the division’s first undisputed champion.

Despite Golovkin spending the vast majority of his violent career at 160 pounds, he’s agreed to face Alvarez as a 168 pounder. Although it will be the first time in Golovkin’s career that he’ll fight in a different weight class, he has fought above the 160 pound limit against Steve Rolls in 2019 at a contracted catchweight of 164 pounds, where Golovkin officially tipped the scales at 163. Ultimately, Golovkin blasted Rolls in the third round and would go on to reel off three consecutive victories since his loss to Alvarez.

Posted on 02/20/2022

By: Hans Themistode

In the eyes of many, Canelo Alvarez is viewed as the world’s best fighter and almost an indomitable force in the ring. In four of his past five bouts, Alvarez carefully dissected his opponents before closing the show without the need of the judges’ scorecards.

Still, despite worldwide recognition and countless titles spread across numerous weight classes, having shared the ring with him on two separate occasions, Gennadiy Golovkin believes he knows all of the small intricacies of Alvarez’s game.

“I know Canelo as a fighter,” said Golovkin during an interview on Walking The Floor. “I have the keys to open him up, how to fight against Canelo. I’m certain that he studied me as well and he also has some things in his arsenal as well.”

Golovkin, now 39, squared off against Alvarez in September of 2017. Following the conclusion of 12 hard-fought rounds, Golovkin raised his hands triumphantly in the air, believing he had just secured the biggest win of his career. Yet, regardless of Golovkin’s initial thought process, he was incensed when he discovered that their contest was ruled a split decision draw.

One year later, the two would swap fists again. Unlike their previous showdown where Alvarez boxed and moved, the Mexican product stood his ground and fought Golovkin toe to toe.

The change in Alvarez’s approach, ultimately led to a majority decision win, something Golovkin has vehemently disagreed with.

Since their two-part series, Alvarez has gone on to win world titles at both 168 and 175 pounds. All the while, however, Golovkin has quietly attempted to lure his longtime rival back into the ring. Although the pair haven’t fought in nearly four years, Golovkin could be on his way to securing a third showdown against Alvarez.

Currently, Alvarez is mulling over a two-fight deal presented to him by promoter Eddie Hearn. In accordance with the deal, Alvarez would first take on WBA light heavyweight champion, Dmitry Bivol. Should Alvarez strip him of his 175 pound title, he would then drop back down to 168 pounds to defend his undisputed throne against Golovkin.

Nevertheless, all parties involved are still hammering away at their possible deal. While Golovkin is placing most of his energy on his still-unannounced showdown against WBA middleweight champion, Ryota Murata, the 39-year-old from Kazakhstan admits that a third showdown against Alvarez is one that certainly interests him.

“We know that after the second fight, he wasn’t willing to offer a rematch. He just basically went up and chased other opportunities. There’s an interest to the fight. It is an attractive opportunity. When this happens isn’t clear. Only time will tell.”