Tag Archives: Gennadiy Golovkin

Posted on 02/16/2022

By: Hans Themistode

There are a handful of fighters that Demetrius Andrade would love to get his hands on.

The current WBO middleweight titlist has climbed to the summit of every rooftop imaginable and screamed the names Jermall Charlo and Canelo Alvarez. While showdowns against both men have failed to materialize, Andrade is now turning his attention to another fighter he’s been longing to lure into the ring.

“GGG we looking for you bro,” said Andrade to Tru School Sports. “Come on big drama show, let’s go.”

Golovkin, 39, has mostly turned a blind eye to Andrade and his brazen callouts. Presently, the current IBF middleweight belt holder is placing his attention elsewhere. First, the future Hall of Famer is anxious to truncate the title reign WBA titlist, Ryota Murata. The two were originally scheduled to face off on December 29th in 2021, in Murata’s homeland of Japan. 

But, due to the unrelenting COVID-19 variant, which forced Japan to implement new travel restrictions that prevented foreigners from entering, their contest was placed on ice. Although the pair haven’t officially agreed to a new date, Hearn recently revealed that he expects them to square off sometime in the Spring. 

Even if Golovkin were to successfully rip away Murata’s world title, Andrade may still be left out in the cold. Just a few short weeks ago, Hearn extended a two-fight offer to Alvarez that would see the super middleweight titlist face off against WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, followed up by a third installment against Golovkin. 

In the meanwhile, Andrade has his own business to attend to. Despite proudly defending his WBO crown successfully five times, Andrade is on the verge of dropping said title, as he pursues his third trinket in as many weight classes. 

The Rhode Island native has now fixated his sights on undefeated British super middleweight contender, Zach Parker. The two are currently locked in intense negotiations. Should they strike a deal, their upcoming showdown would be for the vacant WBO super middleweight crown, placing the winner in the mandated position to face undisputed champion, Canelo Alvarez. 

Posted on 01/28/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin will be forever linked.

In 2017, after spending years calling out the Mexican star, Golovkin and Alvarez officially squared off. Following the conclusion of 12 rounds, Golovkin believed that he would be awarded a unanimous decision victory. However, the Kazakhstan monster was stunned at the final outcome, as he was forced to settle for a split decision draw.

One year later, the two opted to do it again. Much like their first contest, both Golovkin and Alvarez fought tooth and nail for 12 complete rounds. Once more, Golovkin was left dumbfounded at the final result, as the former unified middleweight champion was given the first defeat of his illustrious career.

Since locking horns nearly five years ago, both men have gone their separate ways. In the case of Golovkin, he’s remained at 160 pounds. In the process, he reclaimed one of his middleweight titles following his unanimous decision victory over Sergiy Derevyanchenko.

While Golovkin has continued to be a force at 160 pounds, Alvarez, on the other hand, has moved up and down the scales. With a win over Sergey Kovalev in 2019, Alvarez nabbed the WBO light heavyweight title. Ultimately, Alvarez’s 175 pound title run was a transient one.

For the better part of the past year, Alvarez has competed exclusively at 168 pounds. With the Mexican star scoring conclusive knockouts against Billy Joe Saunders and Caleb Plant, Alvarez became the first undisputed super middleweight champion of all time.

Though both Golovkin and Alvarez will always be joined at the hip, Golovkin believes the two still have unfinished business. In fact, Eddy Reynoso, Alvarez’s trainer and manager, recently revealed that Golovkin attempted to lure Alvarez back into the ring.

“Let’s see if something can happen in May or September,” said Reynoso during an interview with Fight Hub TV. “Truth is, Golovkin has raised his hand recently to fight against Canelo. There’s intent there for a trilogy.”

As reported by Mike Coppinger of ESPN, promoter Eddie Hearn has recently attempted to aid Golovkin in pursue of Alvarez. Following a one-fight offer from PBC’s Al Haymon to face WBC middleweight titlist Jermall Charlo, Hearn extended a two-fight offer to Alvarez shortly after.

The Mexican star would first face off against WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol in early May and would subsequently take on Golovkin in September.

By all accounts, Reynoso has shown an interest in rekindling Alvarez’s rivalry with Golovkin. However, while Reynoso is willing to sit down and discuss a possible deal, he reveals that Alvarez will only face Golovkin under one condition.

“Yeah, 168. If he wants he can come up. Saul can’t go down”

Posted on 01/26/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Canelo Alvarez is a wanted man.

As first reported by Mike Coppinger of ESPN, Alvarez was offered a one-fight deal from PBC’s Al Haymon that would see him take on WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo on May 7th, Cinco De Mayo weekend.

In addition to that offer, rival promoter Eddie Hearn is offering Alvarez a two-fight deal. The first fight of said deal would be against WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol. Provided Alvarez escaped from their contest victoriously, the Mexican star would then face off against long-time rival Gennadiy Golovkin.

While both promoters would love a response sooner rather than later, Alvarez can seemingly take his time before making his decision. Following a wildly successful 2021 which saw the pound-for-pound star enter the ring on three separate occasions and capture every world title at 168 pounds, Alvarez revealed that his robust 2021 schedule had taken its toll on him. As a result, the Mexican product revealed that he would likely sit out until early May.

In Charlo, the truculent 160 pound titlist has craved a showdown with boxing’s biggest star for a number of years. In his lone appearance in 2021, Charlo defeated a tougher than expected Juan Macias Montiel. Although the Houstonian has proudly defended his WBC middleweight title on four separate occasions, he’s stated on numerous occasions that he would have no issue with moving up in weight to face Alvarez.

Much like Charlo, Bivol has also expressed a desire to face Alvarez. Though he campaigns at 175 pounds, Alvarez was once a light heavyweight titleholder following his 11th round stoppage win over former WBO champion Sergey Kovalev in 2019.

The Russian native has recently ended his inactive spell in 2021, winning back-to-back contests against Craigs Richards and Umar Salamov.

Despite both Charlo and Bivol’s eagerness to face Alvarez, Golovkin knows good and well what it feels like to share the ring with the Mexican star.

In September of 2017, both Alvarez and Golovkin engaged in a back and forth war. While their contest produced fireworks, their split decision draw left neither man satisfied. One year later, Alvarez would eke out a close and controversial majority win.

At the age of 39, Golovkin appears to be on the downside of his career. Still, the future Hall of Famer has reeled off two consecutive victories against Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Kamil Szeremeta.

The current IBF middleweight titlist is now patiently waiting on a future date against WBA champion Ryota Murata. The two were originally scheduled to face off in late December in 2021 but were forced to scrap those plans due to the travel ban that was implemented in Murata’s native land of Japan. According to promoter Eddie Hearn, he expects them to square off at some point in the first half of this year.

Posted on 01/16/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Jaime Munguia didn’t hesitate in the slightest when he was approached with an opportunity of a lifetime.

In 2018, Gennadiy Golovkin began gearing up for his highly-anticipated showdown against Canelo Alvarez. Just a few months prior, in September of 2017, Golovkin believed he was given a raw deal when he first squared off against Alvarez. Although their contest was ruled a split decision draw, both sides agreed to run things back immediately.

But, with roughly a month remaining before their sequel, Alvarez was slapped with a six-month suspension due to a positive drug test for the banned substance clenbuterol. With Alvarez out of the picture, Golovkin attempted to take on the undefeated Jaime Munguia. Although the Mexican native was more than willing to step in on short notice, the Nevada State Athletic Commission refused to sanction their bout due to a combination of Munguia’s age and lack of experience at the top level.

Since then, things have changed mightily in the life of Munguia. At 25 years of age, the Mexican product has registered several highlight-reel level knockout victories and faced stiffer competition. Munguia was also the proud owner of the WBO 154 pound crown and is now considered a top middleweight contender.

At the age of 40, Golovkin has seemingly slowed down. The current IBF middleweight champion has produced several up and down results since picking up his first defeat to Alvarez in their rematch. Still, despite Golovkin showing his boxing mortality as of late, Munguia believes that a showdown between them would produce mouthwatering results.

“Yes, I was interested then and I’m still interested now,” said Munguia to a group of reporters. “It would be a fun fight and people would like it. It would be an entertaining fight.”

Before Munguia can begin fixating on a possible showdown against Golovkin, he’ll first need to handle business against undefeated contender D’Mitrius Ballard. The two are slated to face off on February 19th. Should Munguia do what many are expecting, he may turn his attention towards the current IBF belt holder.

As for Golovkin, the 40-year-old could return to the negotiating tables with Munguia, provided he adds more gold to his waist first. Originally, the future Hall of Famer was set to take on fellow middleweight champion Ryota Murata on December 29th, at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, Murata’s home turf.

But while Golovkin was placing the finishing on an arduous training camp and preparing to hit the road, his showdown against Murata was postponed due to the rising concern surrounding the omicron COVID-19 variant. In order to prevent an outbreak, Japan implanted a new travel ban that prevented foreigners from visiting.

Although news of a fresh deal hasn’t surfaced, promoter Eddie Hearn believes the pair could face off in either March or April.

Posted on 12/26/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Over the past few years, Gennadiy Golovkin has grown incredibly inactive. At his destructive peak, the Kazakhstan star made two or three yearly appearances. However, after scoring a concussive stoppage victory over Kamil Szeremeta in December of 2020, this year marked the first that Golovkin failed to enter the ring since turning pro in 2006.

While it wasn’t the year Golovkin’s fans had been hoping for, the current IBF middleweight champion was forced to deal with forces that were out of his control. Originally, the former unified titlist was set to take on current WBA belt holder Ryota Murata. The two were scheduled to square off on December 29th, at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

But, due to the rising concern surrounding the omicron COVID-19 variant, Japan has implemented new travel restrictions that prevent foreigners from visiting. Although there was growing optimism that Golovkin would be granted a special exemption, he was ultimately denied.

Even with their contest officially pushed by the wayside, promoter Eddie Hearn is confident that both sides will come to the negotiating table fairly quickly.

“Gennady Golovkin, due to fight Murata in December,” said Hearn during an interview with IFL TV. “Looks like it’s going to be rescheduled for March or April.”

Murata, a former Olympic Gold medalist, has spent the past two years sequestered on the sidelines. Before his recent string of inactivity, Murata was arguably in the midst of the best form of his career. The hard-hitting Japanese native immediately recaptured his WBA middleweight title against Rob Brant in July of 2019, stopping his man in the second round. Five months later, Murata would score a fifth-round stoppage win over Steven Butler.

Posted on 11/15/2021

By: Hector Franco

The return of one of boxing’s most prominent stars Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs), is finally set to take place this upcoming December 29 at the Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

The former unified and current IBF middleweight champion will face WBA middleweight titleholder Ryota Murata (16-2, 13 KOs) in a unification match in his first fight of 2021.

In Golovkin’s previous bout, he stopped mandatory challenger Kamil Szeremeta after seven rounds in which he scored four knockdowns. 

When Murata steps in the ring with Golovkin, it will have been two years since he last fought, scoring a fifth-round stoppage over Steven Butler.

While Golovkin-Murata is an intriguing match that will take place in a unique setting that could end up being action-packed, many fans are wondering what will be next for the Kazakhstani power puncher should he get past the Japanese titleholder.

Over the last half-decade, Golovkin’s name has been attached to rival Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs). 

The two men faced off twice in highly successful fights at the box office, with each selling over one million in PPV buys. The two Canelo-GGG fights are only behind Floyd Mayweather’s fights with Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor as the top-grossing live gates in Nevada boxing history.

The scoring of both fights were controversial, especially their first encounter in September 2017, where judge Adalaide Byrd inexplicably produced a score of 118-110 for Alvarez, resulting in a split decision draw.

Most fans and observers felt that Golovkin had done enough to earn a decision over Alvarez in their first fight.

The second fight was less successful on PPV and at the live gate, but resulted in less controversy, with Alvarez pulling out a tightly contested majority decision victory. 

There were several members of the media who scored the fight for Golovkin, but with the fight being so close and filled with two-way action, there was no feeling of any foul play at hand.

Out of their two fights, the second match justifiably had more of a reason to be declared a draw.

After their second meeting, Golovkin and Alvarez’s careers have taken different paths.

Alvarez has ascended as the top fighter in boxing, pound-for-pound, essentially carrying the sport on his back with his level of activity and box-office prowess.

Since fighting Golovkin, Alvarez has won titles at super middleweight and light heavyweight, becoming a four-division champion.

In 2019, he defended his middleweight titles against Daniel Jacobs and moved up to light heavyweight, stopping Sergey Kovalev for the WBO 175-pound title.

Over the last year, Alvarez has fought four times, putting his stamp at super middleweight, holding wins over undefeated fighters Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders, and Caleb Plant en route to becoming the undisputed champion in the weight class.

The Saunders fight in May 2021 set an in-door boxing attendance record with 73, 126 fans at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Earlier this month, Alvarez’s match with Plant for the undisputed 168-pound crown sold an estimated 800,000 buys on PPV.

Conversely, Golovkin has fallen out of the boxing spotlight.

In the three fights since facing Alvarez, Golovkin hasn’t looked like the same fighter that ran through the middleweight division through most of the 2010s. The Kazakhstani fighter’s outings against Steve Rolls and Szeremeta were quick and dominant, but weren’t good barometers to tell how much he has left.

The fight that put fans and pundits on notice that Golovkin may be past his prime came in October 2019 against Sergiy Derevyanchenko.

The match with the Ukrainian that took place at Madison Square Garden was a war that saw Golovkin at times outworked and hurt from punches to the body. The Kazakhstani was fortunate to escape with a unanimous decision victory. A knockdown in the first round being one of the differences on the judge’s scorecards.

At that time, it was reported that Golovkin was sick heading into the fight with Derevyanchenko.  But it could be that the Ukrainian was more motivated and better than expected. Or maybe, Golovkin isn’t the same fighter he used to be. 

Regardless, Golovkin still represents the most significant payday for Alvarez and vice versa.  A third fight between the two pugilists would still make for a massive event for the sport.

Alvarez, for his part, has stated that he is willing to face Golovkin in a third fight despite any past hatred and hostility he held towards the IBF middleweight champion.

“I would love the fight with GGG; why not?” Alvarez said to ESPN after the fight with Caleb Plant. “If he’s open to come up to 168, I’m ready. Always.”

Clearly, at this point, Alvarez doesn’t necessarily need to face Golovkin.  

But does Golovkin need Alvarez to get his career back on track? 

Obviously, from a monetary standpoint, Alvarez would be the biggest fight that Golovkin could take, along with settling a score against a fighter he may feel he bested twice.

However, in the middleweight division, there are plenty of fights available to Golovkin that would further establish him as the premier middleweight of this era.

While Murata holds a middleweight title, a victory over him won’t be a noteworthy accomplishment for Golovkin as the Japanese fighter is tailor-made for the Kazakhstani puncher.

Fights against fighters in the middleweight division that Alvarez did not face before moving up to super middleweight are available such as WBO titleholder Demetrius Andrade (30-0, 18 KOs), which would be an anticipated and challenging fight for Golovkin.

Andrade, who defends his WBO title on November 19 against Jason Quigley, has been asking for a notable fight for years. He would jump at the opportunity to fight Golovkin.

“If you have a belt at 160 or 168 lbs., let’s go,” said Andrade. “Put the politics aside, have your people call Eddie. Let’s get down to business. Charlo, stop running your mouth, making up excuse after excuse. You’re a fighter; let’s fight, bro.

“GGG, where you at? Unify against Murata, and then let’s put the three belts on the line next year.”

Andrade, who at times, fights to his level of competition, has had inconsistent performances. But if he were to face Golovkin, he would likely be at his best.

With Andrade being promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and fighting exclusively on DAZN, a fight between Golovkin and the Providence, Rhode Island fighter would seemingly be one of the easiest to make.

On the sidelines in the Premier Boxing Champions stable is former 154-pound champion and current WBC middleweight titleholder Jermall Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs). 

The Texas native could be headed up to the super middleweight division to face David Benavidez or Alvarez, but should he continue his stay at middleweight, a fight with Golovkin would be significant for both men.

Similar to a fight with Andrade, Golovkin would be facing an undefeated fighter whom many feel deserves a major bout, and Charlo would get the opportunity to firmly prove himself as an elite fighter.

“I’ll take that Triple-G fight,” Charlo stated on an episode of “The Last Stand Podcast” earlier this year. I just, you know, if it presents itself. The management team makes the right calls and right decisions; I’ll fight Triple-G. I want to unify like my brother did at 160. At least let me unify. At least let me capture the division.

“It doesn’t matter who got the belt or nothing, no network. Like, we can make it happen. They are going to make it happen.”

This past weekend Tijuana, Mexico’s Jaime Munguia (38-0, 30 KOs), defeated contender Gabriel Rosado in one of the best performances of his career and one of the best fights of 2021. Munguia is currently the number one contender for both the WBC and WBO middleweight titles.

Ironically, before Golovkin’s second fight with Alvarez, the Nevada State Athletic Commission denied the upcoming Mexican star as a replacement to face the Kazakhstani technician. At that time, Munguia was 21 and had yet to be scheduled for a 12-round match.

Three years later, Munguia could potentially be next in line to face Golovkin in a fight that would surely provide fireworks however long it lasted.

“I would love that fight with Gennadiy Golovkin,” Munguia said to DAZN’s Chris Mannix. “It would be a great fight, one that the public would really enjoy. I’m very excited about possibly getting that fight next.”

A fight with former two-time junior middleweight champion Erislandy Lara (28-3-3,  16 KOs) would be something that Golovkin could pursue as well. 

Lara moved up to middleweight earlier this year, scoring a first-round knockout over Thomas Lamanna to win a version of the WBA middleweight title.

Many may remember back when Golovkin was running through the middleweight division at his best, Lara asked for a fight with the Kazakhstani. Although how serious Lara was about fighting Golovkin without moving up to middleweight until 2021 is questionable.

At almost 40 years of age, with over 300 amateur fights and 40 plus professional fights, the end of Golovkin’s career is right around the corner.

Golovkin, who was a legitimate draw in both the east and west coasts of the United States fighting over three times per year in 2013, 2014, and 2015 has lost much of the mystique that surrounded him before his fights with Alvarez.

But, Alvarez may just be one chapter in the storied career of Gennadiy Golovkin.

Closing out 2021, should he come out victorious against Murata, there are a plethora of options available for GGG to pick up his career where he left off, whether it is against Andrade, Charlo, Munguia, or Lara.

He can once again prove to be the best middleweight in the world, and a fight with Alvarez isn’t needed to make that a reality. 

Posted on 11/15/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Jaime Munguia was devastated as an opportunity of a lifetime slipped through his fingers.

Following his split decision draw against Canelo Alvarez in September of 2017, Gennadiy Golovkin appeared ready to right what he believes was an injustice. With the two set to square off just a few months later, Golovkin was caught off guard as their contest was postponed due to a positive PED test from Alvarez.

While Golovkin could have opted to wait, he instead choose to take on then 21-year-old Munguia. However, due to Munguia’s age and lack of experience at the top level, the Nevada State Athletic Commission refused to sanction the showdown.

Although he was disappointed, Munguia took his rejection on the chin and began upping his level of competition. Since then, Munguia has enjoyed a world title run at 154 pounds. Currently, the Mexican star is campaigning in the middleweight division and is relishing in his lofty status as a true contender.

This past weekend, Munguia picked up his fourth win at 160 pounds, a one-sided unanimous decision win over veteran Gabriel Rosado. With Munguia improving by leaps and bounds over the past few years, the 25-year-old would like to revisit his showdown against Golovkin.

“I’m ready for Golovkin,” said Munguia to a group of reporters following his win over Rosado.

Though it’s ostensible in the mind of Munguia that he would love nothing more than a fight with Golovkin, the highly ranked contender could be forced to wait a protracted amount of time.

Presently, Golovkin is in the midst of training camp as he attempts to unify his IBF middleweight crown with WBA belt holder, Ryota Murata. The two are currently scheduled to swap fists on December 29th, at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

Should Golovkin emerge from their contest as a unified titlist, Munguia is more than willing to step foot inside the ring with the long-reigning champion. But while Munguia is hoping that a deal between the pair can and will materialize, if it doesn’t, he has another name in mind for his next ring appearance.

“I want a fight with Derevyanchenko as well.”

Hearing his name mentioned amongst the more notable names in the division, is something that the 36-year-old Ukrainian contender enjoys. But first things first, the multiple-time title challenger is focused completely on December 5th. On the night, Derevyanchenko will square off against Carlos Adames.

A win for Derevyanchenko would put an end to his current two-fight losing streak. In back-to-back world title attempts, Derevyanchenko came up short against both Golovkin and WBC belt holder Jermall Charlo.

Posted on 11/04/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Carl Froch thoroughly enjoyed his boxing career. After picking wins against several notable names such as Lucian Bute, Mikkel Kessler, and George Groves – Froch hung up his gloves on a high note as a unified super middleweight champion.

At the age of 44, Froch doesn’t feel the itch or the need to re-enter the ring. Nowadays, the British native spends his time watching the action from a safe distance as a ringside commentator. Although Froch accepts that his career is done and over with, he does envision how matchups against some of the sport’s best current fighters would have played out.

While Froch would’ve been interested in facing them all, the one fighter he’s fixated on, is current IBF middleweight champion, Gennadiy Golovkin. Although the multiple-time 160-pound titlist is known for his knockout power, Froch is fully convinced that he would’ve dealt with him with little to no issues.

“I’d have been too much for him,” said Froch. “I met him and he’s 5’9”/5’10”. When I meet somebody and I shake their hand and I’m looking in their eyes, I might be wrong, but me as the fighter and the warrior I was when I was fighting, I was shaping and sizing him up thinking, ‘if I ever fight you, no problem.'”

Presently, Golovkin is hard at work as he prepares to unify his IBF crown against WBA titleholder, Ryota Murata. The two have agreed to square off towards the end of the year in Murata’s native land of Japan.

At the age of 39, Golovkin is viewed as being at the tail end of his career. However, when he was at the peak of his powers, a matchup between Golovkin and Froch was quietly being discussed behind the scenes. Froch admits that talks of their contest taking place were quite serious but ultimately, discussions broke down due to a dispute over weight. Had a deal materialized, Froch is confident that their showdown would have been one-way traffic.

To back his claim, Froch points to a 2015 matchup against Martin Murray. Golovkin may have gone on to pick up the victory via 11th round stoppage but Froch, needless to say, wasn’t impressed.

“He went eleven rounds with Martin Murray. At that sort of level, you’re not gonna give me a problem. End of a jab, walk you into some shots, I’d be too much for you.”

Posted on 09/02/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Chris Eubank Jr. was thrilled when he heard the news. The former WBA interim middleweight titleholder will return to the ring on October 2nd, in the main event against Sven Elbir at the Wembley Arena.

Having gone the 10 round distance against the previously undefeated Marcus Morrison just a few months ago, Eubank Jr. was satisfied to have ended his near two-year layoff with a win. That said, he doesn’t expect his unheralded opponent to reach the final bell this time around.

“On October 2nd, as soon as I get the opening, this guy is going to sleep,” said Eubank Jr. to Sky Sports Boxing.

While Eubank Jr. isn’t expecting to have much difficulty when he takes on Elbir, he is hoping that an impressive win will springboard him to a much higher platform.

With the WBA sanctioning body stripping Eubank Jr. and all of its interim champions of their world titles, the British native would love nothing more than to face every belt holder in the middleweight division.

Seemingly at the top of his hitlist, is IBF champion, Gennadiy Golovkin.

“Absolutely, he’s a middleweight world champion,” said Eubank Jr. “That’s a fight that the fans have been calling for, for years now.”

Although Eubank Jr. appeared on the verge of facing Golovkin several years ago, neither has been able to agree fully on terms to an agreement.

As for what could be next for the long-time champion, Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs) is rumored to be angling for a showdown sometime in Japan against WBA champion, Ryota Murata. Since picking up the first defeat of his career against Canelo Alvarez in September of 2018, Golovkin has gone on to win three straight. In his most recent ring appearance, the 39-year-old floored mandatory challenger Kamil Szeremeta a total of four times before ultimately stopping him in the seventh.

Eubank Jr., 31, has watched Golovkin from a distance as he slowly rounds back into form. While he refrained from calling Golovkin out immediately, provided he strings together a few more wins, the British product views their showdown as one that will happen much sooner than later.

“The fight has to happen and it will happen within the next 12 months.”

Posted on 07/13/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Although Canelo Alvarez wants nothing more than to create history, he could be forced to travel down a familiar road instead.

As first reported by Lance Pugmire of The Athletic, DAZN officials have recently had a word with current IBF middleweight titlist and long-time rival of Alvarez in Gennadiy Golovkin. The topic of discussion between both sides was to get a clear understanding of whether or not the Kazakhstan star would be available for a fall showdown against Alvarez. Upon hearing the news, Golovkin reportedly replied that he is “ready, willing and available.”

At this time, it is unclear if Alvarez would be willing to move back down to 160 pounds, if Golovkin would be traveling eight pounds north or if both sides will settle upon a catchweight agreement.

As negotiations between team Alvarez and IBF super middleweight belt holder Caleb Plant continue to drag on, team Golovkin isn’t quite sure if there is serious interest in staging a third fight or if team Alvarez is using his name as a negotiating chip against team Plant.

Alvarez, 30, has shared the ring with Golovkin on two separate occasions. In September of 2017, Alvarez made his middleweight debut by challenging the former unified titlist. While most fans at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada and those watching around the world believed Golovkin did more than enough to earn the win, he was forced to settle for a highly controversial split decision draw.

The two would face off once more one year later. This time, although their contest was extremely competitive, Alvarez eked out a majority decision win. Golovkin has since bounced back from his lone defeat, stopping two of his past three opponents. But while the Kazakhstan native has continued to campaign at 160, Alvarez has made frequent trips up and down the scale.

Following the win against Golovkin, Alvarez captured world titles at super middleweight against Rocky Fielding, Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders. The Mexican star also made a brief cameo appearance at 175, knocking out Sergey Kovalev to wrap his WBO light heavyweight title around his waist.

Currently, Alvarez is in possession of the WBA, WBC, WBO and Ring Magazine 168 pound titles. He’s since urged his team to negotiate a showdown against Plant, the weight division’s remaining belt holder. If Alvarez were to face Plant and pick up the win, he would become the first undisputed world champion at 168 pounds.

All along, Plant has been the preferred choice of Alvarez. However, if negotiations continue to stall, Golovkin appears to be waiting on standby.

Posted on 06/18/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Jermall Charlo is certainly enjoying the limelight. The 31-year-old will have the hometown crowd firmly behind him when he takes on Juan Macias Montiel at the Toyota Center, in Houston Texas tomorrow night.

While Charlo (31-0, 22 KOs) claims to be fully focused on the task at hand, the WBC middleweight belt holder has an eye on some of the bigger names in the division. When their showdown was first announced, many were disappointed. The Houston product knows good and well that Montiel wasn’t his first choice. Originally, team Charlo attempted to lure current IBF belt holder Gennadiy Golovkin into the ring. Those plans, however, fell by the wayside.

Whether it’s Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs) or anyone else for that matter, Charlo is hungry to face them all.

“I can hold my ground with Golovkin,” said Charlo to a group of reporters. “I’m ready to fight a big name but I can’t get the big names in there with me.”

Currently, Golovkin is angling for a unification showdown against WBA titlist, Ryota Murata, for the end of the year. In between, the Kazakhstan puncher is rumored to be interested in a matchup against middleweight contender, Jaime Munguia.

Regardless of what he ultimately does, Charlo isn’t necessarily chasing him down. At the age of 39, while still a terrific fighter, Golovkin appears to have lost a step. And at this point, Charlo believes he is simply the better overall fighter. To further back his claim, Charlo urges everyone to simply look at the tape.

In October of 2019, Golovkin struggled mightily with top contender, Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Ultimately, Golovkin would walk away from their contest with a razor-close unanimous decision win but many believed it was undeserving. When Charlo faced Derevyanchenko one year later, he manhandled his man over the course of 12 rounds.

In addition to comparing performances, Charlo has reservations about facing someone who is on the verge of turning 40 years old.

“I feel like I can edge GGG because look at what I did to Derevyanchenko. Golovkin had a hard time with him. I just don’t want to pick on an older man and make it look like I’m going for a weaker play but he does have a belt. If it’s time to unify before he runs out of gas then I’m here to fight him.”

Posted on 05/11/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Canelo Alvarez made a bit more room on his championship mantle. The unified super middleweight titlist added the WBO belt previously held by Billy Joe Saunders to his WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine champions. The two faced off this past weekend at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

Saunders, 31, called it a night at the end of the eighth round after suffering a quadripod facial fracture. With the win, Alvarez is only one title away from becoming the first undisputed super middleweight of all time. In order to do so, Alvarez will look to take on IBF titlist, Caleb Plant.

While negotiations between both sides are yet to begin, current IBF middleweight champion, and long-time rival, Gennadiy Golovkin, may attempt to interject. With the pair sharing a long history with one another, Alvarez admits that the two may meet in the ring once more. Be that as it may, Golovkin will have to wait his turn.

“The truth is, I’m open for anything,” said Alvarez during an interview with Ring Magazine. “If the fight happens after unifying at 168 pounds, I’m open for anything.”

For Golovkin, the future first-ballot Hall of Famer still has a bone to pick with Alvarez. In September of 2017, the Kazakstan native was forced to settle for a highly controversial split decision draw against Alvarez. Unsatisfied with the results, Golovkin opted to have an immediate rematch and was subsequently defeated for the first time in his career via majority decision.

Since then, Golovkin has gotten back to his winning ways, stopping both Steve Rolls and Kamil Szeremeta while sandwiching a decision victory against Sergiy Derevyanchenko in between. Alvarez, of course, has been busy adding up the wins as well. The pound-for-pound star has picked up world titles at middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight before ultimately settling in at super middleweight.

Although Golovkin has now been a pro for a decade and a half, he has spent his entire career in the middleweight division. Despite Golovkin’s comfort at 160 pounds, Alvarez is enjoying his time eight pounds north. If Golovkin expects to get his hands on the Mexican star one final time, he’ll have to campaign at a higher weight class for the first time in his career.

“I’m open for anything, but it would be at 168 pounds,” continued Alvarez. “If he wants the fight with me, he has to do it. Why wouldn’t he do it? I went up from 154 up to 160 to fight with him. I’ve fought a lot of good fighters, a lot of champions. I beat him.”

Posted on 04/19/2021

By: Hans Themistode

With the biggest fight of his life possibly taking place at year’s end, WBA middleweight champion, Ryota Murata, will reportedly begin working the rust off.

As first reported by Chris Mannix, Murata (16-2, 13 KOs) is currently engaged in conversation to take on IBF belt holder Gennadiy Golovkin. The bout would take place in Murata’s hometown of Japan on New Year’s Eve. With their showdown becoming more and more likely, Murata is currently sifting through names for a stay-busy fight in the meantime.

The former Olympic gold medalist was last seen in the ring a year and a half ago against fringe contender Steven Butler, starching him in the fifth round of their showdown. As a contest with Golovkin grows more and more likely, Murata refuses to head into the biggest match of his career with a considerable amount of ring rust.

While no names have officially come to the forefront, Mannix notes that the likely date would be sometime in June.

As for Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs), the future Hall of Famer has also suffered from inactivity as of late. Before his December 18th, pummeling of mandatory challenger, Kamil Szeremeta, Golovkin was absent from the ring for well over a year. At the age of 39, Golovkin is now at the tail end of his career but still receives his fair share of callouts from many of the top names in the division including WBC belt holder Jermall Charlo and WBO titlist, Demetrius Andrade.

Still, even with those previously mentioned names throwing their name into the mix, hoping that Golovkin chooses them as his next opponent, it appears as though the Kazakstan star will head in another direction.

In addition to a showdown with Murata, Golovkin has also had discussions with middleweight contender Jaime Munguia for a showdown that would take place sometime this year as well.

While everything surrounding Golovkin is still a bit unclear at the moment, it appears as though he has his eyes set on two of the more respectable names in the division.

Posted on 04/12/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Demetrius Andrade is quite frankly sick and tired and of talking about it. The former two-division world champion and current WBO middleweight belt holder has been heavily criticized for the opponents he’s stepped into the ring against. His upcoming title defense against British native Liam Williams isn’t helping matters either.

The two are slated to face off this coming Saturday on April 17th, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, in Hollywood Florida.

Andrade, 33, has screamed until he’s blue in the face in the direction of the bigger names in the boxing world. Yet, no matter how hard he tries, no one of note has taken him up on his offer to face him in the ring. The ongoing theme surrounding Andrade’s career is that he’s simply too high risk for such little reward.

In his mind, however, that makes absolutely no sense.

“How is that realistic to say,” said Andrade during a recent interview with Manouk Akopyan. “How do you have nothing to gain when you’re fighting a world champion?”

Just as Andrade mentions, he believes his championship status should allow certain fighters to become more enticed with fighting him. While he’s willing to face many of the big names in or around his division, Andrade has placed a certain emphasis on IBF middleweight titlist Gennadiy Golovkin and unified super middleweight champion, Canelo Alvarez.

Although both have heard Andrade express an interest in fighting them, neither appear to be in a rush to accept his challenge. Instead, both Alvarez and Golovkin continue to place their attention elsewhere.

When glancing at the resume of both champions, Andrade can’t help but laugh when he reads off some of the names that have gotten the opportunity he’s been craving. With world titles in two separate weight classes and a dozen years as an unbeaten pro, Andrade simply doesn’t understand how certain fighters got their chance to face them while he continues to wait.

“You’re willing to fight (Kamil) Szeremeta, you’re willing to fight (Avni) Yildirim, you’re willing to fight Rocky Fielding. You’re looking to fight all of these other people, like what do they have that I don’t have? That talk is just excuses.”

In the case of Golovkin, he annihilated Szeremeta via seventh-round stoppage this past December. Alvarez, on the other hand, made it look easy against mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim on February 27th, earlier this year, stopping him in the third.

Following those aforementioned wins, neither Alvarez nor Golovkin mentioned Andrade as a possible opponent. Alvarez is currently in the midst of training camp as he prepares to take on WBO super middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders. In the case of Golovkin, his next fight hasn’t been revealed as of yet but he is reportedly interested in a showdown with middleweight contender Jaime Munguia.

Regardless of both men continuing to go in another direction, Andrade claims that his focus is on his own career and his upcoming title defense against Williams.

“I’m going to put an ass whopping on Liam Williams, come April 17th.”

Posted on 02/12/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Jaime Munguia has always had a difficult time calling out anyone. It could be because of his soft-spoken approach or the fact that he doesn’t want to ruffle any feathers. Whatever the case is, the former Jr middleweight titlist has always gone with the more diplomatic approach when deciding who he wants to face next.

Yet, with rumors that he is heading towards a showdown with Gennadiy Golovkin getting louder and louder, the Mexican native admitted that he is in fact chasing after him. Having been out of the ring for roughly three months, Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) knows good and well that jumping straight into a contest with the future first-ballot Hall of Famer may not be the best idea. However, if that’s how the chips fall, then so be it.

“We are trying to get that fight,” said Munguia during an interview with Fight Hub TV. “Me and my team were thinking to have a tune-up fight before we face GGG. But if the opportunity presents itself then we’ll make the fight happen. Honestly, I know GGG isn’t just any fighter. He has left a great legacy in his career. I respect what he has done and I admire him also.”

Narrowing down a date for their possible showdown would be thinking too far ahead. At the moment, talks haven’t exactly progressed that far along just yet. However, with two Mexican holidays in Cinco De Mayo and Mexican Independence Day taking place in May and September, in a perfect world, Munguia would rather add to the historic list of great fights that have happened on those day’s by attaching his own clash with Golovkin to the renowned date.

“I would love to put on a show if it’s on Cinco De Mayo or in September. It would be a great fight.”

For Kazakhstan’s Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs), a date with Munguia is something that he would seemingly embrace. Approximately two and a half years ago, team Golovkin attempted to lure a much younger Munguia into the ring. At when he was considered the height of his powers, many believed a matchup between the two at the time was about as one-sided as can be. In fact, the Nevada State Athletic Commission refused to sanction the fight due to Munguia’s age, then 21, and lack of experience against top opposition.

Fast forward almost three years later and Munguia is not only older at 24 years of age, but he also had a lengthy title run in the Jr middleweight division. Now, he is considered a top contender at 160 pounds.

In spite of their showdown viewed as a much closer contest as opposed to the one-sided bloodbath many years ago, Munguia is fully aware that Golovkin is as dangerous as they come. The long-reigning middleweight titlist recently annihilated mandatory challenger Kamil Szeremeta via seventh-round stoppage roughly two months ago.

Similarly, Munguia made a statement of his own approximately two months prior against Tureano Johnson, stopping the contender in the sixth round. At the moment, Munguia is on a roll as he has stopped both of his opponents since moving up to the middleweight division.

Still, with his confidence through the roof, Munguia won’t let his recent success get to his head. In facing someone like Golovkin, albeit 38 years of age, he still has the power to turn off just about anyone’s lights in the most vicious way possible.

“When it comes to facing him, we have to alert for whatever he throws. He can go to the body, so I have to keep my distance. Throwing combinations, staying busy, but it’s easy to say right now but being inside the ring it can be different.”