Tag Archives: GGG

Posted on 12/19/2020

By: Hans Themistode

The confidence was just oozing from Gennadiy Golovkin. With his record-setting 21st middleweight title defense, the Kazakhstan product jumped back into the knockout category against Kamil Szeremeta as he failed to do so in two his of past three fights.

For Golovkin, he had spent more than a year on the sidelines. Part of that was due to a worldwide pandemic and back to back results against Canelo Alvarez that he believes was bogus.

In the main event slot in Hollywood, Florida, Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs) floored Szeremeta four times en route to a seventh-round stoppage. Following the win, the long-reigning champion was all smiles.

“I had a lot of fun,” said Golovkin after picking up the victory. “I am so happy. It was a great atmosphere, great people, great show, great event. I’m very happy because I got to go back to boxing. I told everyone after the Canelo fight that I would come back. I’m still smart. Right now I show you. I needed time. I’m very quiet. I needed smart work. I’m not surprised how I won. I worked hard in training camp and I feel very comfortable. I am very proud of my team.”

“I respect Kamil’s trainer and his corner. Very smart for them to stop the fight. He was done. In the fight, I feel my jab and I feel my power. I feel my timing. I needed more time in this fight because I wanted to bring more people to the TV to watch the fight and enjoy.”

With the win safely tucked away in his back pocket, the million-dollar question remains the same. Will he face Canelo Alvarez for a third time? While he didn’t exactly answer the question, he did, however, leave the door open for the possibility for them to tangle once more.

“For my next fight, I am open to anybody. Best opponent for me, for business, for DAZN, for fans.”

DAZN has made it no secret that they would love for both fighters to complete their trilogy. That of course, hinges on Alvarez and his ability to get past WBA/Ring magazine super middleweight titlist Callum Smith. The two will face off later on tonight at the Alamodome in San Antonio Texas.

Posted on 12/15/2020

By: Hans Themistode

For as long as Gennadiy Golovkin has stayed atop the middleweight mountain, fans are seemingly ready to push him from its lofty heights.

With Golovkin (40-1-1, 35 KOs) in the midst of his 14th year in the pro’s, the Kazakhstan native has reigned as a world champion for roughly a decade. Not only has he held a piece of the middleweight crown since 2010 but the vast majority of his contests have been one-sided. Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs, of course, have been the exceptions. Yet, in October of 2019, Sergiy Derevyanchenko joined those aforementioned names as he gave Golovkin the fight of his life.

Despite walking into their contest as a heavy favorite and regardless of his first-round knockdown, Golovkin was forced to dig deep to pick up the win. While Derevyanchenko was given praise for his efforts, Golovkin on the other hand, faced a mountain of criticism.

At the soon to be age of 39, the days of Golovkin blasting through his opponents are mostly thought to be long gone. Coming to grips with his boxing mortality is something that the long-reigning champion can hardly process. The typical prime years of a fighter reside from their late 20s to their early 30s. Of course though, there has been a few anomalies such as Bernard Hopkins, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao.

At the moment, it’s unclear if Golovkin will follow in their distinguished footsteps. But as he wraps up his last few training sessions for his middleweight title defense against mandatory challenger Kamil Szeremeta this coming Friday, Golovkin claims that he’s feeling as good as he has in the past several years.

“It’s difficult for me to say whether I’m in my prime or not,” said Golovkin during a recent media conference call. “But during training when I do sparring I feel great. I feel as strong, powerful, tenacious and have a lot of stamina as I had five years ago. Maybe even better.”

Posted on 08/09/2020

By: Hans Themistode

At the age of 41, most are preoccupied with phone calls from the AARP. But for WBA titlist Manny Pacquaio on the other hand, the only time his phone rings is for a fight. 

The soon to be 42 year old has an endless line of contenders that have continually called him out at every turn. Names such as WBO welterweight titlist Terence Crawford, unified champion Errol Spence Jr. and former four division belt holder Mikey Garcia remain at the top of his list for his next ring appearance. 

With a win over Keith Thurman in July of 2019, Pacquaio remains on a COVID-19 induced hiatus. The deadly disease has made it nearly impossible to determine when he’ll enter the ring again, but with rumors of the Filipino native wanting to move up in weight, he made sure to squash the murmurs. 

“As long as it is at 147 pounds,” said Pacquiao during a recent interview with the Manila Times. “I am ok with that. But if it’s above that, it’s too big for me.”

With world titles in eight separate weight divisions, Pacquiao knows a thing or two about fighting a bigger man. However, when head trainer Freddie Roach mentioned a possible move to 160 pounds to face one of the biggest hitters in boxing history, many gave him an incredulous look. 

“One thing about Manny, he doesn’t wanna beat just anybody,” said Roach to DAZN’s Chris Mannix a few month’s ago. “He wants to fight the top guys. Mikey Garcia called him out a couple times; I think that’s a good fight for him, of course. Robert (Garcia, Mikey’s brother and trainer) called him out on one of your shows. It made me smile, because I like that fight for Manny, I think it’s a great fight.”

“But the thing is, Manny might wanna go a little bit higher. He might want to fight GGG or one of those guys who’s supposed to be the best in the world. For Pacquiao the desire is still to be the best there is.”

If by some chance the two were to face each other in the ring, Pacquiao would walk into that matchup with a five inch height and three inch reach disadvantage. Significant, but nothing he hasn’t seen before. 

A decade ago in 2010, Pacquiao found himself in an even bigger disadvantageous contest against Antonio Margarito. Yet, the hard hitting Mexican native could seldom use his six inch height and reach advantage as Pacquiao schooled him for 12 rounds. 

Despite his great experience when moving up to take on a bigger man, the 41 year old Pacquiao doesn’t seem interested in fighting in the land of 160 pounds.

“I did not really have a hard time then. But he was too big,” said Pacquiao referring to his matchup with Margarito. “I don’t want to do that anymore.”

Fighting at 160 might be asking too much of a fighter who routinely walks around at 140 pounds. With that being said, if Golovkin we’re willing to drop down to 154 pounds however, that could get the ball rolling. 

“154 pounds? It depends I guess, but there’s no negotiations right now.”

Posted on 03/20/2020

By: Hans Themistode

For the past 14 years, current IBF Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin has been viewed as the better fighter each time he has stepped foot inside of the ring. Yet, when the knockout artist climbs through those ropes on September 12th, against Canelo Alvarez, he won’t be. 

With both Alvarez and Golovkin having agreed to a third contest, things appear to be different this time around. 

Unlike Golovkin’s previous 42 fights of his career, he isn’t expected to walk away from a third contest against Alvarez with the victory. At least, according to the bookies. 

At the moment, Golovkin is viewed as a +200 underdog. Meaning, a $100 bet would bring the winner an additional $200. Alvarez on the other hand, comes in at -260. Gamblers looking to make at least $100 on him would have to risk at least $260. These recent numbers are a far cry from their first contests. 

In September of 2017, oddsmakers gave Golovkin a slight edge at -150 over Alvarez. To many who saw their first bout, the odds were justified as Golovkin seemed to win a clear decision. Yet, as is often the case in boxing, the judges saw things completely differently. Sparing Alvarez a loss and instead handing him a split decision draw. 

When the two ran things back one more time one year later, Golovkin was once again considered the favorite. Checking in at -180. Fans of Canelo on the night found themselves jumping for joy when their +140 underdog squeaked by with a majority decision victory. 

Now, with even more mileage on the soon to be 38 year old legs of Golovkin, Alvarez is expected to do more than just squeak by. 

With the most recent performances of the current IBF champ, it isn’t exactly hard to see why. 

In June of 2018, Golovkin looked as dominant as ever against the unheralded Steve Rolls. Beating down and stopping him in the fourth round. Golovkin’s next ring appearance however, wasn’t nearly as easy as many predicted it would be. 

Golovkin struggled mightily against Sergiy Derevyanchenko in an October contest in Madison Square Garden, in New York City. The results spewed by the judges on the night may have resulted in a unanimous decision victory for the knockout star, but many believed he shouldn’t have walked away with the win. 

Now, for the first time in his career, Golovkin will be viewed as the second best fighter in the ring on September 12th. 

Before either man makes their way to a third contest, they need to take care of business first. 

For Alvarez, a Super Middleweight contest against Billy Joe Saunders is first on his agenda. Golovkin on the other hand, has a date with his mandatory challenger Kamil Szeremeta up next. Provided they both win their respective bouts, which isn’t exactly a guarantee, the two will meet later this year. 

Whether Golovkin wins by first round stoppage or dominant 12 round decision, doesn’t seem to truly matter. Come September 12th, against Canelo Alvarez, he will be a decided underdog for the first time in his career.

Posted on 03/18/2020

By: Hans Themistode

With the Coronavirus grabbing every headline around the sports world, Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin have effectively grabbed some back. 

Albeit temporarily. 

The two pound for pound stars have already shared the ring with each other on two separate occasions, but on September 12th, they have agreed to do so once again. 

As part of the agreement, both men must get through their interim bouts. Canelo’s coming against WBO Super Middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders. Golovkin on the other hand, must get past his mandatory challenger Kamil Szeremeta. 

Since back to back fights in 2017 and 2018, Canelo (53-1-2, 36 KOs) has gone up to the 168 pound division to take on Rocky Fielding. Winning that contest via brutal third round stoppage. He followed that up with a win over Daniel Jacobs at the 160 pound limit, before ultimately moving up two weight divisions to the 175 pound weight class, to knock off Sergey Kovalev. 

There has always been doubts that Canelo would ever drop back down to the Middleweight division. Yet for his third contest against Golovkin, it is in fact scheduled to take place at the 160 pound limit. 

The feud between Canelo and Golovkin has been ongoing for years. The dislike for one another also stretches far beyond the ring. 

Since handing Golovkin the first loss of his career in 2018, after fighting to a highly controversial split decision draw the first time around, Canelo reportedly wanted no parts of Golovkin. The four division champ is by no means scared of his rival, he just simply can’t stand him. So much so that although Canelo signed a record setting 365 million dollar, 11 fight deal, he has asked DAZN for more money to fight Golovkin. 

Per each fight, Canelo pockets roughly 35 million. It isn’t quite clear if DAZN acquiesced to his demands, but they were at the very least made.

Since signing with DAZN in 2019, Golovkin (40-1-1, 35 KOs) has made two appearances on the streaming services. In June of 2019, Golovkin cruised past Steve Rolls via fourth round stoppage. Leaving his man face down and unaware of his surroundings. Golovkin followed that up with a harder than expected win over Sergiy Derevyanchenko later on that year in October. 

The plans of their contest is still a tentative one at this point as the entire sports world remains on hold as the Coronavirus continues its stranglehold. Canelo’s May 2nd appearance with Billy Joe Saunders has already been reportedly pushed back to a date in June. 

For now, Canelo vs Golovkin seem to be on course for September 12th. Unless of course, they are forced to push their contest back due to the Coronavirus.

Posted on 03/08/2019

By: Sean Crose

DAZN streaming service announced early Friday morning that it had signed “Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin will fight the rest of his career on DAZN, the world’s largest sports streaming platform.” By signing the former middleweight champion, DAZN has effectively rounded up some of the biggest names in the sport of boxing. Aside from Golovkin, Canelo Alvarez, and heavyweight kingpin Anthony Joshua have also signed with DAZN. That’s a huge percentage of top moneymakers fighting on a broadcast format that eschews the Pay Per View model.

DAZN, which has presented itself as an alternative to the expensive practice of broadcasting fights via Pay Per View, is paying out enormous sums of money to get fighters such as Golovkin onto its platform. Canelo, for instance, has reportedly become the highest paid athlete in the world, thanks to his deal with DAZN, which guarantees the popular star over three hundred and sixty million dollars over the course of five years (and over ten fights).

As for Golovkin, DAZN claims “The six-fight global partnership between GGG Promotions and DAZN will see Golovkin fight twice a year on the platform for the next three years. Unlike many of his recent bouts, Golovkin will no longer appear on pay-per-view. Instead, his fights will be available to all DAZN subscribers at no extra charge. In addition, GGG Promotions will present two cards per year on DAZN beginning in 2020.”

“DAZN has quickly become the new home of boxing by making the biggest events easily available to the fans,” Golovkin is quoted as saying. “When deciding on where I wanted to continue my career, DAZN’s global vision perfectly matched my goals – not just for my career but the opportunity to showcase talented Eastern European fighters to the world. Thank you to my fans for all of the loyal support and I look forward to you joining me on DAZN.”

With the acquisition of Golovkin, DAZN has, for all intents and purposes, wrapped up the contemporary middleweight division. Although top middleweights such as Jermall Charlo fight outside of the DAZN universe, Golovkin, Canelo, Daniel Jacobs and WBO champ Demetrius Andrade are now all DAZN fighters. “The announcement sets up DAZN to stream blockbuster fights within the middleweight division for the foreseeable future,” the streaming service states, with all of the

Posted on 01/04/2019

By: Ken Hissner

Going into 2017 Gennady “GGG” Golovkin was considered one of the best P4P boxers in the world if not the best. He had scored 21 straight stoppages and was 36-0 (33) when he defended against Danny “Miracle Man” Jacobs 33-1 (29) in March of 2017.

Jacobs refused to come to the day of the fight weigh-in. Golovkin had gained ten pounds that day coming in at 170 lbs. Rumors were Jacobs was between 180-185 lbs. when he entered the ring that night. Another surprise was he fought the fight southpaw.

Though a close fight, Golovkin got the decision by scores of 114-113 and 115-112 twice. The WBC was in no hurry to order a rematch that Jacobs could have asked for but didn’t push for it.

The WBO and WBC World Super Welterweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, then 48-1-1, who had rarely weighed over 155 lbs. during his entire career was being groomed for a shot at 160 lbs. His promoter Oscar de La Hoya decided he should fight Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., 50-2-1, at super middleweight with both fighters coming in at 164 lbs. Alvarez won every one of the twelve rounds on all three score cards and Chavez hasn’t fought since.

It was decided by Alvarez’s promoter to take on WBC, WBA and IBF world champion Golovkin in Las Vegas which was a “second home” for Alvarez who fought there in seven of his previous nine fights only losing to Floyd “Money” Mayweather. It had been a year to the day since Alvarez defended his two titles defeating Liam Smith by knockout while receiving a fractured right thumb and received a cut.

The fight with Golovkin didn’t make a lot of sense except financially for the state of Nevada, the promoter (Golden Boy) and both fighters. Alvarez may have been ahead after five rounds winning three of them. Suddenly when the sixth round started Alvarez had enough of trading punches with the hard hitting Golovkin and ran the next seven rounds. If Golovkin had run like Alvarez they would have called him “chicken” but Alvarez seemed to get a free pass.

At the end of the bout the scores were announced as 118-110 by one judge Adalaide Byrd. Had she actually watched the fight? Afterwards there was a rumor she would be under temporary suspension but it never happened. Byrd was a Nevada resident and a “house” judge. Another judge Dave Moretti scored it 115-113 for Golovkin. Close but still it was a fair decision going to the obvious winner. Then the third judge Don Trella came up with a 114-114 score giving Alvarez a “gift draw” with the WBC ordering a rematch between Alvarez and Golovkin that would make Nevada and Golden Boy richer. The fight with Jacobs was closer for Golovkin than the Alvarez match but no one ordered a rematch after that one. This writer had it 116-112 for Golovkin and being generous to Alvarez in their first match.

Then it was found that Alvarez was using a banned substance and yet he stayed in the rankings. How in the world was he then taken off suspension and given a title fight? It took a year before the rematch came about with Alvarez inactive and Golovkin having one match knocking out forty fight veteran and former Olympian Vanes Martirosyan in two rounds being the only time he was stopped and hasn’t fought since.

So, in September the rematch between Golovkin and Alvarez happened. Golovkin was satisfied boxing Alvarez almost at will landing his jab. His trainer told Golovkin to go and take it to him but Golovkin didn’t follow his instructions. Then came the decision with Moretti back as one of the judges along with well-regarded Steve Weisfeld calling it for Alvarez 115-113. Glen Feldman the other judge had it 114-114. The IBO didn’t recognize the fight since Alvarez wouldn’t pay their fee. This writer had it 115-113 for Golovkin.

To avoid a rubber match Alvarez moved up to take on ordinary WBA World Super Middle champ Rocky Fielding with a built-up 27-1 record stopping him in three rounds. Afterwards Alvarez said he had no intentions to stay at super middleweight. He even fought this one at MSG where he wouldn’t fight Golovkin figuring he wouldn’t have the protection that the Nevada commission and the WBC would give him.

The WBC goes out of their way not insisting on a third Alvarez-Golovkin fight but tells Golovkin to fight interim champ Jermall Charlo. Since when does an organization tell a non-champion who to fight? If Alvarez isn’t fighting Golovkin then why didn’t the WBC tell Alvarez, not Golovkin to fight Charlo? The WBA dropped Golovkin to No. 2 behind David Lemieux whom Golovkin has stopped in eight rounds in one of his title defenses. Lemieux had even lost in a title challenge for the WBO title since being stopped by Golovkin.

This is more than a conspiracy against Golovkin with the Nevada Commission, Golden Boy and the WBC behind it. So where does Golovkin go from here? Rumors have him signing with the DAZN as did Alvarez recently. A title fight with new WBO World champion Demetrius Andrade who claims to want to fight Golovkin in the past would make more sense. Even a rematch with Jacobs who now has the IBF title would make sense. The IBF had the nerve to rank Golovkin No. 10.

It seems the WBC, WBA and IBF all have it out for Golovkin while the WBO had never ranked him. Maybe Golovkin should drop to 154 lbs. or go up to 168 lbs. where in the past he said he could fight. Fighting for the vacant WBC title or the WBA super middle title that Alvarez said he won’t defend. There are many options for Golovkin but it seems if he doesn’t knock out his opponent he can’t win a decision.
One thing for sure Golovkin should never fight in Las Vegas again where he cannot get a fair decision.

Posted on 09/18/2018

Compiled By: William Holmes

The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of September 11th to September 18th; covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/Showtime

Open Letter to Fight Fans From Oscar De La Hoya

Dear Fight Fans,

On the night of Saturday, September 15, fans were set to be treated to what sports should be all about: the two best athletes in a sport squaring off against each other with the winner earning the title of the best in the business. This kind of an event – where an individual can be called the best in any sport – is truly rare.

Not only did the fight itself deliver all that was promised, against all kinds of pressure, Canelo Alvarez gave the performance of his lifetime to secure the unified middleweight championship of the world.

•Unfairly criticized for not fighting “Mexican” enough in the first fight, he kept Gennady Golovkin on his heels all night, taking the action to the “boogeyman of boxing,” walking him down and controlling the pace.

•Repeatedly ravaged for two positive drug tests that showed minor traces of clenbuterol – a common occurrence in Mexico due to the contamination of beef across the country – Canelo submitted to more than 20 drug tests in the lead up to the fight and passed them all with flying colors.

•Saddled with a judge’s card of a year ago that he had nothing to do with; the pressure of millions of fans watching; and what many were describing as a must-win to stay relevant, Canelo delivered a near-flawless fight.

And yet…

It wouldn’t be boxing if thousands of keyboard warriors weren’t talking (or tweeting) complete nonsense in the hours and days after Canelo began to cement his legacy as an all-time great fighter.

Many have told me to ignore the haters; that I’ll never win. But, while I know I won’t convince many of them, allowing them to even partly soil what was a certain Fight of the Year; a mega-event seen by millions of people; and a virtuoso performance by boxing’s marquis fighter would do a disservice to the sport I love.

So allow me to respond to a few of the more absurd comments:

Golden Boy paid the judges to fix the fight.

Though I don’t think this deserves response, here are the facts: The three judges were chosen by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Given the result of the first fight, NSAC was under a lot of scrutiny to come up with the fairest group of judges possible. For the first time I know of, Golden Boy Promotions and Team GGG were even allowed to approve a pool of judges. They saw what everyone else did; a close, competitive fight and scored it exactly that way.

Golovkin landed more punches and therefore should have won the fight.

If landed punches were the difference between winning or losing a boxing match, we would have an incredibly different and less interesting sport. Clean punching, ring generalship, effective aggressiveness and defense are what the judges are looking for in determining the winner of a round. I’m obviously a promoter, but in the four areas that actually count in judging, I can’t find one where GGG was the victor.

Tom Loeffler’s statement that he doesn’t know if Golvokin can win a decision in Las Vegas.

Perhaps Tom is just looking to make GGG feel better, but regardless this is maybe the most disappointing comment, because it comes from someone who knows the sport. Of course, GGG can win a decision in Las Vegas. But 22,000 people aren’t going to crowd into the T-Mobile Arena to watch Golovkin fight and blast out the likes of Dominic Wade, Willie Monroe, Jr., or Vanes Martirosyan. He is going to need to fight a higher level of competition – and then fight better than that opponent – to earn a victory in the mecca of boxing.

Boxing is a wonderful sport that is coming back thanks to streaming technology and growing international interest. But, it is a sport that also faces competition, not only from the outside in the form of other, more-widely watched leagues, but from inside where the fractured nature of boxing has made it tougher and tougher for the best to face the best.

Just look at celebrity row to see how special Saturday night was. There, another best-in-sport athlete, Lebron James, joined by Will Smith, Mark Wahlberg and a huge group of other A-list celebrities to witness something special.

While everyone is entitled to his or her opinion (especially in boxing), let’s take a moment to appreciate what Canelo and GGG gave us on Saturday night and work towards doing it more often for the sake of the sport we all love so much.

Erislandy Lara Wants Canelo or GGG Next

Former WBA super welterweight world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (25-3-2, 14 KOs), felt inspired by the state of boxing after watching last Saturday night’s main event between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin fought an amazing fight, it was a true classic.” said Lara. “I want to congratulate both of them for putting together such a tremendous effort to bring the spotlight back on boxing. It would be a great honor to fight either fighter, and I would love to challenge myself against them.”

Erislandy Lara has been training in Houston, Texas for his next fight with trainer Ronnie Shields, as he is working hard in the gym, getting ready for his next fight date.

“I am ready to make a statement and to challenge either fighter at middleweight, whether it is Gennady Golovkin or Canelo Alvarez in a rematch…I am ready!”
Mayweather-Pacquiao Rematch Props

After news broke that Floyd Mayweather Jr. is planning come out of retirement and return to the ring for a fight with Manny Pacquiao, BetDSI immediately posted a line on the rematch.

The online sportsbook also posted odds on the probability of the fight happening in 2018, as well as how many pay-per-view buys it will generate if it does occur.

Will Mayweather-Pacquiao II take place before Dec. 31, 2018?

Yes -150
No +120

Total PPV buys (in millions) for Mayweather-Pacquiao II (fight must occur by Dec. 31, 2018 for action)

Over 4.3 (-115)
Under 4.3 (-115)

While Vegas set the odds at Mayweather -220, Pacquiao +180, the sharper, offshore market sees Mayweather as a slightly bigger favorite.

Moneyline (fight must occur by Dec. 31, 2018 for action)
Floyd Mayweather -265
Manny Pacquiao +215

Total Rounds (fight must occur by Dec. 31, 2018 for action)
11.5 (-300)
11.5 (+200)
Berchelt and Roman Set for El Paso Rumble

WBC super featherweight world champion Miguel ‘El Alacrán” Berchelt and Miguel “Mickey” Roman went face-to-face on the arena floor of the Don Haskins Center, site of their Nov. 3 showdown that will, once and for all, settle this simmering grudge match.

Berchelt (34-1, 30 KOs), from, Cancun, Mexico, is the 26-year-old champion looking to make his fourth successful title defense. Roman (60-12, 47 KOs), from Juarez, Mexico, is a 32-year-old who will be making his third attempt at a world title.

Roman and Berchelt met the media on Monday in El Paso, the middle stop of a three-city press swing that, if anything, has stoked the rivalry between the two. Here is what they had to say 47 days away from one of the year’s most anticipated fights.

Miguel Berchelt

“I am very happy to be here. It’s my second time on ESPN. I am training very hard in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. When there are two Mexicans in the ring, the show is guaranteed to be great. This won’t be the exception.”

“In boxing, trash talk is normal. At the end of the day, we are fighters. It is going to be a great fight. The people will leave the arena happy because they are going to see a great fight. They are going to see a great champion in Miguel Berchelt.”

“Roman and I have wanted this fight for a very, very long time. He asked for this opportunity, and I am happy to give it to him. This is going to be a great fight, but I know it will end with my hands raised. I am young and hungry. It doesn’t matter that we’re fighting in his backyard. El Paso and Juarez are going to be my towns when it’s over.”

Miguel Roman

“I would like you to know I’m very happy. I feel great fighting for this belt against Miguel Berchelt. This is something that we’ve been waiting for. Now, it’s happening. I live near the border, and fighting here is like I’m fighting in my house. The people from El Paso, Juarez, and Las Cruces {New Mexico} always support me. On Nov. 3, my people are going to come and support me.”

“I’m fighting a great champion in Miguel Berchelt. He’s very strong and I respect him a lot. I gotta do what I gotta do. I gotta do my job. My experience, strength, and hunger to win this title will take me to victory.”

“He’s talking all of this stuff, that he’s going to take my head off and things like that. El Paso is my town. If he thinks he’s going to come in here and be talking like that, he’s got another thing coming.”

Berchelt-Roman and a soon-to-be announced co-feature will stream live in the United States beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. The entire undercard will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 6 p.m. ET.

Park Theater Showdown:Ryota Murata –Rob Brant Tickets On Sale Today

Japanese superstar Ryota Murata is taking his talents halfway around the world.

Tickets for Murata’s WBA middleweight world title defense against Rob “Bravo” Brant on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Park Theater at Park MGM go on sale TODAY at 10 a.m. PST. The event is promoted by Top Rank, in association with Teiken Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions.

Tickets are priced at $204, $104, $54 and $29, not including taxes and handling fees, and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets or online at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets also can be purchased through the MGM Resorts International Call Center at 877-795-2564.

Murata-Brant will stream live in the United States beginning at 7:30 p.m. PST on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

This is the second defense of the WBA title for Murata (14-1, 11 KOs), who won the belt with a dominating seventh-round TKO over Hassan N’Dam in October 2017. Five months earlier, N’Dam handed Murata his only professional loss via a highly controversial split decision. Murata left no doubt in the rematch and defended the title in April in Yokohama, Japan, knocking out Emanuele Blandamura in the eighth round.

A 2012 Olympic gold medalist, Murata is a sports icon in Japan, as the Blandamura fight drew a peak rating of 17 million viewers on Japanese TV. Brant (23-1, 16 KOs), from St. Paul, Minn., is undefeated when fighting as a middleweight and is the WBA No. 2-ranked middleweight in the world.

HBO Replay of Canelo-GGG 2

HBO Sports presents WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: CANELO ALVAREZ VS. GENNADY GOLOVKIN 2, the exclusive replay of their highly anticipated rematch, SATURDAY, SEPT. 22 at 10:05 p.m. (ET/PT). The HBO Sports team, which was ringside at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for the live HBO Pay-Per-View® presentation on Cinco de Mayo, called all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

The fight will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and partners’ streaming platforms.

In the sport’s top prizefight of the year, middleweight champ Gennady “GGG” Golovkin put his title belts and undefeated record on the line once again against his arch-rival, superstar Canelo Alvarez, who despite his youth (27) has emerged as a box office powerhouse and one of the sport’s elite fighters. Their 12-round fight at 160-pounds took place under the bright spotlight of the T-Mobile Arena.

Posted on 09/13/2018

By: William Holmes

Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin PPV
HBO PPV: $84.95
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Start time: 8PM ET/ 5PM PT
TV Undercard: Jaime Munguia vs Brandon “Bad Boy” Cook
David Lemieux vs Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan
Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez vs Moises “Moi” Fuentes

On Saturday, September 15th the long awaited rematch between Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez will finally occur for Golovkin’s WBA and WBC Middleweight Titles.

They were originally to fight on May 5th, but a positive test for clenbuterol scuttled those plans. Canelo claimed the trace levels detected were due to contaminated meat, which was met with some skepticism by Golovkin and his team.

Jaime Mungui and Brandon Cook will meet in the co-main event of the night for Munguia’s WBO Junior Middleweight World Title. David Lemieux and Gary O’Sullivan will also meet in a middleweight bout with possible future title implications.

Other boxers such as Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, Moises Fuentes, Vergil Ortiz Jr., Alexis Rocha, and Brian Ceballo will also be featured on the undercard.

The following is a preview of the three top fights for Saturday’s HBO PPV offering.

David Lemieux (39-4) vs. Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan (28-2); Middleweights

David Lemieux is only twenty nine years old, and will be five years older than Gary O’Sullivan come fight night, but in ring years he’s significantly older. He’s been in some tough fights with some tough competition and already has thirteen more professional fights than O’Sullivan.

They’re about the same size, O’Sullivan will have a slight ½ inch height advantage. They both have decent power. Lemieux has stopped thirty three of his opponents while O’Sullivan has stopped twenty. However, Lemieux only has one stoppage victory in his past five fights while O’Sullivan has five victories in a row by stoppage.

They also have both been stopped. Lemieux has two stoppage losses while O’Sullivan has one stoppage loss on his record.

They both have been fairly active. He fought once in 2018, three times in 2017, and twice in 2016. O’Sullivan fought once in 2018, four times in 2017, and once in 2016.

Lemieux does have an edge in amateur experience. He won the Canadian National Junior Championships in 2006 while O’Sullivan does not have any notable amateur accomplishments.

Lemieux’s losses were to Billy Joe Saunders, Gennady Golovkin, and earlier in his career to Joachim Alcine and Marco Antonio Rubion. He has beaten the likes of Elvin Ayala, Hector Camacho Jr., Fernando Guerrero, Gabriel Rosado, Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam, Glen Tapia, Curtis Stevens, and Karim Achour.

O’Sullivan’s losses were to Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jr. He has defeated the likes of Berlin Abreu, Antoine Douglas, Nick Quigley, Melvin Bentancourt, and Matthew Hall.

If this fight happened three years ago Lemieux would be considered the favorite. But he looked slow and old in his loss to Billy Joe Saunders and he is starting to show signs of ring wear. O’Sullivan on the other hand, has been riding a good win streak and looked sensational against a solid young prospect in Antoine Douglas.

This writer has to pick O’Sullivan in a minor upset.

Jaime Munguia (30-0) vs. Brandon Cook (20-1); WBO Junior Middleweight Title

Jaime Munguia is one of Golden Boy Promotions’ best young fighters and at the age of twenty one is already a legitimate world champion.

He has exceptional power. He has twenty five stoppage wins and has stopped six of his past seven opponents. He’s also eleven years younger than his opponent Brandon Cook, who only has thirteen stoppage wins, and already has one stoppage loss.

Munguia has been incredibly active. He already fought four times in 2018 and fought seven times in 2017. Cook has also been active and fought once in 2018 and three times in 2017.

Munguia has the better amateur pedigree. He was a Gold Medalist in the Mexican National Championships and turned pro at the age of 16.

Cook’s lone loss was to Kanat Islam by TKO in 2017. He doesn’t have any big victories of note, he has defeated the likes of Miguel Suarez, Steven Butler, and Hector Santana.

Munguia has defeated the likes of Liam Smith, Sadam Ali, Jose Paz, Paul Valenzuela Jr., and Johnny Navarrete.

On paper, it’s hard to find anything that Bradon Cook does better than Jaime Munguia. It’s likely we will see that in the ring too.

Gennady Golovkin (38-0-1) vs. Canelo Alvarez (49-1-2); WBA/WBC Middleweight Title

Gennady Golovkin has to be considered one of, if not the best middleweight boxers in the 21st century. However, he doesn’t have that big signature win over an exceptional opponent on his resume.

Many thought he did enough to beat Canelo last year, but Canelo came on strong in the later rounds and was able to make the fight a draw.

Both boxers have good power. Golovkin has stopped thirty four of his opponents, though his power seems to be slipping recently. Canelo also has thirty four stoppage wins. Neither boxer has ever been stopped in their career.

Canelo will have a slight ½ inch reach advantage, but will also be giving up about two inches in height. Canelo will be eight years younger than Golovkin on Saturday, and Golovkin may be showing some signs of rust in his armor with his advancing age.

Golovkin has the better amateur career of the two. He was a silver medalist in the 2004 Summer Olympics. Canelo turned professional at a young age, but did win the 2005 Junior Mexican National Championships.

Golovkin has beaten the likes of Vanes Martirosyan, Daniel Jacobs, Kell Brook, Dominic Wade, David Lemieux, Willie Monroe Jr., Marco Antonio Rubio, Daniel Geale, Curtis Stevens, Matthew Macklin, and Gabriel Rosado. He has fought twice a year in 2018, 2017 and 2016.

Canelo has beaten the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Liam Smith, Amir Khan, Miguel Cotto, James Kirkland, Erislandy Lara, Alfredo Angulo, Austin Trout, Josesito Lopez, Shane Mosley, and Kermit Cintron. His lone loss was the Floyd Mayweather Jr., and he had a draw very early in his career to a Jorge Juarez.

Both boxers seem motivated and have a genuine dislike of each other since Canelo’s positive steroid test in the spring. In their last fight they appeared to be very respectful towards each other, almost too much.

Golovkin’s age is a big concern and his best days are likely behind him. Canelo also appeared to have figured out Golovkin by the end of the fight and was coming on strong. The fight fans in attendance will also likely be in favor of Canelo over Golovkin.

The intangibles favor Canelo,but it’s hard to pick against a man that has never lost and looked absolutely dominating at times.

This is basically an even fight, but this writer has to give the slightest of edges to Golovkin, only because it appeared that Golovkin should have received the decision last time.

Posted on 09/12/2018

By: Kirk Jackson

The path of Gennady “Triple G” Golovkin 38-0-1, (34 KO’s) is interesting. For years he was perceived by media and fans alike as some mythological boogeyman-esque fighter.

This perception is a testament to his style, commitment towards his craft and enthusiasm towards inflicting pain and despair upon opponents.

The label and distinction awarded to him as one of the most feared fighters is also and perhaps more so a testament to Tom Loeffler and his promotion of the Kazakhstan star.

Photo Credit: Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions

A great fighter will look outstanding against elite opposition because that great fighter is forced to show his/her character as a fighter when things aren’t easy.

Sugar Ray Leonard displayed greatness against Tommy Hearns because he was pitted against an equally great fighter and endured a situation unique and had never experienced prior.

Leonard had to adjust to the superior boxer; walking through the flames of Hearns’ extensive range and menacing punching power.

Leonard stopped the “Hitman” via technical knock-out, displaying special talent and great tenacity to adjust, strategically change the game plan and seize victory.

Showcasing the ability to overcome adversity isn’t the only metric to measure one’s greatness, as analyzing the manner how a fighter dominates competition can be used as criteria.

The dominance or consistency against elite competition for example is of most importance.

If a great fighter is fed average to below average opposition, the great fighter is going to win and look dominant.

It’s a classic case of big fish in a small pond.

But if that fish relocates to a larger pond, or if a smaller fingerling grows to become a legitimate threat, we have a true fight for survival.

If Golovkin wants to cement his legacy, validation in the form of elite opposition is what Golovkin needs.

Big names or elite level opposition is sorely absent on Triple G’s resume.

Kell Brook was a really good fighter two divisions below Golovkin at welterweight and Daniel Jacobs is a former champion and can very well be champion within the next few months. But Golovkin needs more.

By comparison, another fighter considered pound-for-pound is Mikey Garcia. Garcia has five world titles across four weight classes in seven championship fights.

Golovkin exceeds Garcia with championship bouts (over 21 bouts), but Garcia faced and defeated a higher number of world champion fighters. As of now, Garcia defeated 10 world champions, six by knockout.

Golovkin to this point is 5-0-1 (4 KO’s) against world champions and is six years older than Garcia.
Other pound-for-pound contemporaries Terence Crawford and Vasyl Lomachenko defeated six world champions each.

Golovkin’s opponent this Saturday Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is overall is 49-1-2 (34 KO’s) and 12-1-1 (4 KO’s) against world champion fighters.

Referring back to the discussion of dominance against opposition and greatness; the last great middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins, was not awarded acknowledgement of his greatness until he dominated undefeated Felix Trinidad. Hopkins at the time was 36-years-old, like Golovkin.

Hopkins followed his quintessential performance with a win over Oscar De La Hoya at middleweight, topped off by moving up to the light heavyweight division, winning multiple world titles, becoming the oldest fighter to hold a world title and fighting the likes of pound-for-pound level opposition like Chad Dawson and Sergey Kovalev.

Golovkin needs Alvarez, because Alvarez has cache. The Mexican superstar brings money to the table along with the prestige Golovkin has long pursued.

Adding that feather to his cap and collecting the large money bag is what Triple G is chasing after all. His path and trajectory to this point states as such.

In the past Golovkin, along with head trainer Able Sanchez mentioned the goal of collecting all middleweight world titles and unifying the division.

12 years into his professional career and eight years as world title holder, Golovkin is yet to unify the middleweight division as desired.

Recent discussions and actions hint middleweight unification is no longer a goal for Team Golovkin.
Assuming Golovkin defeats Alvarez, it doesn’t appear he will face WBC middleweight mandatory Jermall Charlo 27-0 (21 KO’s).

Golovkin appears reluctant to rematch former challenger and potential IBF middleweight title holder Daniel Jacobs 34-2 (29 KO’s), just as he was reluctant to fight his IBF middleweight mandatory challenger Sergiy Derevyanchenko 12-0 (10 KO’s), when the original proposed rematch with Alvarez fell through earlier this year.

Triple G opted to face inactive Vanes Martirosyan 36-4-1 (21 KO’s), a fighter moving up in weight, coming off a loss more than two years prior to facing Golovkin.

Other options at middleweight for Golovkin include the winner of Billy Joe Saunders 26-0 (12 KO’s) vs. Demetrius Andrade 25-0 (16 KO’s).

Maybe another rematch with Alvarez depending on the result and the funds secured from the event is what Team Golovkin wants.

Who could blame them?

Alvarez is the glamour name of the division, if Golovkin defeats Alvarez, he can retire wealthy and undefeated, ignoring the banter from critics.

For his part, Golovkin believes he already surpassed Hopkins as a middleweight great.

“I feel like a star, like a star because, just if you check Bernard’s opponents probably you understand that my record is much bigger, is much stronger, bigger,” Golovkin said. “This is a good situation for me and for my career and for my fans, of course. That’s it.”

Whether Golovkin follows the route of Hopkins as far as fighting and winning world titles in higher weight divisions remains to be determined.

Aside from the middleweight title defense streak, Golovkin would like to add something additional to his resume. Exact revenge against someone he genuinely dislikes.

Although unfair, if Golovkin loses no matter the circumstances, it may not bode well for him. Even with the suspicion of performance enhancing drug use from his opponent Alvarez.

He still lacks the signature win and signature moment. Unfair it may appear to apply this standard but for a fighter staking claim as one of the best middleweights to ever do it, the criteria may justify the means.

It’s almost time #BigDramaShow pic.twitter.com/TUWnKC3Oa5

— Gennady Golovkin (@GGGBoxing) September 12, 2018

Golovkin must defeat Alvarez and erase any claim at challengers taking aim at the throne.
How does Golovkin want to be remembered?

Posted on 06/25/2018

By: Charles Jay

Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin are set for their rematch on September 15 in Las Vegas, which is a year minus a day from the first meeting, although that wasn’t the plan, as you know. The numbers from sportsbooks around the world have GGG favored, but in a very competitive fight; the odds most prevalent on him are -175 (a little higher some other places), while Alvarez fetches anywhere from +140 to +160.

Ah, sports betting – that’s one pastime very popular on the Vegas strip.

Another pastime is poker, and that looks just like what these guys have been playing – through their representatives – in the negotiations leading up to the final agreement.

Both went all-in. So who got the better of the pot?

Well, Alvarez’s hand seemed to have weakened; he has been through the wringer as far as flak for his failing two drug tests, and no one seems to be buying the excuse that he ate some contaminated meat, although in Mexico that would seem to be altogether possible. Canelo’s manager is Chapo Reynoso, a former butcher.

Should he have known? Oh, the drama.

When this rematch was originally planned, GGG was going to get 35% of the pie, which was five percent more than he got for the previous fight. Of course, that’s before all the trouble started.

So the way this went is that, as the fight was rescheduled, Golovkin now wanted a 50% cut, since he was the champion.

Ultimately GGG settled for 45%, which was not a big concession on his part, and a big gain after getting no better than a draw, but then Alvarez’s side, presumably for the purpose of calling his bluff, wanted to cut him down to 42.5%, and set a deadline for him to take it and like it. Golovkin wasn’t coming off his figure. So we’re right there at the 55%-45% split. According to GGG’s promoter Tom Loeffler, “It was all about the principle and respect for him as the champion.”

Was it? Maybe, but not all the way.

If it was all about the principle, he may never have budged from 50%, especially as he insisted later that Canelo didn’t deserve to have 5% or 7.5% conceded back to him.

And looking at the other side, we have been hearing this theme lately about how Canelo’s image needs to be “rehabilitated,” but did he take such a hit that it was with 10 to 15 points of damage in terms of negotiating leverage?

Oscar De La Hoya, who holds the promotional paper on Alvarez, didn’t think so. He’s been maintaining that “Canelo is bigger and more popular than ever.” He probably won’t be far out of the ballpark when all is said and done.

Sure, there are probably a lot of Mexicans who were disappointed in him last September; not so much for the result but for the performance. It was not necessarily “blood and guts” and Alvarez did more than his fair share of retreating. But of all the boxers active today, Canelo is among the top two or three when it comes to bringing a built-in audience to the table, and it’s doubtful that his countrymen will want to see this fight any less. The media isn’t likely to give it less coverage either; in fact, the angle of the failed drug tests adds an element that might actually create more interest. It’s important to point out that this time around, the fight (which drew 1.3 million paid subscribers) does not come on the heels of a Mayweather-McGregor bout, which was a very expensive event for the more mainstream audience they’ll be trying to snag here. The point is, will revenues take a hit because of Canelo’s “image problem,” or will they instead experience a spike because of that and other factors?

Let’s push our point across even further. The business of Pay Per View (PPV) in boxing may not seem fair when the champion is taking less than the challenger, but it’s actually quite democratic, in the sense that the guy who can produce more fans and followers will pull in more revenue. Is there any question about Alvarez being that guy? If you ever watch those documentaries with wrestlers of years gone by, you’ll notice they always talk about the concept of “drawing money.” Well, same principle at work here. The guy who can do more of that should have more leverage.

And the fact is, Golovkin couldn’t carry a PPV on his own. He just couldn’t drive the big guarantees as the A-side of a matchup. Impatient after Alvarez got suspended, he fought a relatively known quantity in Vanes Martirosyan, who was handpicked not just because he was the right kind of opponent but because he had better “name” value than other alternatives. And GGG made a grand total of $1 million.

Meh.

Loeffler was talking about a backup plan for Golovkin, whereby he’d fight Billy Joe Saunders in Los Angeles on August 25, and would be more than happy to do that if Canelo wouldn’t come to terms. But even though there are some provisional odds at online sportsbooks that have Golovkin priced at -450, it’s still the kind of fight that may have given him more trouble than expected. And from the standpoint of money, what would that have really produced?

When you go beyond that, who else is there for him to make a bundle of money with? The Charlo brothers? Maybe, if he fought them on the same night. Other than that, pickings are slim.

So you wonder whether Alvarez’s people (Eric Gomez with Golden Boy in particular) could have stood firm, even at 35% or 40%, and still landed Golovkin’s name on a deal. That may well have been the case. But despite De La Hoya’s assertions, they may have valued the whole “rehabilitation” angle about as much as many of the media people do.

Who knows – maybe Alvarez is the guy who’s really fighting with principle on his mind, and was willing to pay for it.

And if he got bluffed, he wound up second best.

Posted on 03/29/2018

Word broke on Wednesday that MGM Resorts will be offering full refunds for tickets that have already been purchased for the May 5th Canelo Alvarez – Gennady Golovkin rematch, which is still scheduled to go down at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. “In the event a fan requested a refund, they could get one at the original point of sale and in full,” Gilbert Manzano, of the respected Las Vegas Review-Journal, quotes an MGM rep as stating. MGM’s decision is yet another ominous sign as the much anticipated Canelo-GGG fight remains effectively up in the air.

The mega bout was put on hold for all intents and purposes after the Nevada State Athletic Commission ruled last week that Canelo (49-1-2) is temporarily suspended. In early March, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association informed team Canelo that it’s fighter had shown traces of the banned substance Clenbuterol in his system on two distinct occasions (2/17 and 2/20, respectively). Canelo has reportedly tested clean since that time, but the Commission suspended the middleweight until at least April 10th, when a hearing will be held. Canelo’s team has blamed the incident on Canelo consuming tainted meat, an assertion which has been met with considerable criticism.

While Mexican beef is known to contain Clenbuterol, the Commission may not be under any obligation to find the tainted meat excuse acceptable. And, should the Commission find team Canelo’s defense lacking, the bout with Golovkin (37-0-1) might well be cancelled, or at least pushed back for some time, as Canelo’s suspension could be extended. While there are many who believe the fight will go on as scheduled due to the Commission having a reputation (fair or not) for giving Canelo preferential treatment, and of putting money before all else, some well-known individuals in and out of the fight game aren’t so sure.

As things stand, HBO, which is broadcasting the bout, via pay per view, is currently behaving as if the fight isn’t even happening. What’s more, Golovkin’s own harsh words on the matter have put the Commission in a bit of a corner. Declaring that Canelo had previously cheated and that the Commission were essentially “terrorists,” the middleweight titlist effectively sided with those whose opinion is the Commission is corrupt and is hurting the sport of boxing. Such actions from Golovkin put pressure on the Commission to prove its fairness.

And now there’s the matter of tickets being refunded. While no one knows whether or not the May 5th match will go on as planned, the road has become far rockier than anyone could have reasonably expected it to.

Posted on 09/12/2017

By: Sean Crose

With the fight serious boxing fans have been waiting for less than a week away, the Nevada State Athletic Commission has chosen its officials for the Canelo Alvarez-Gennady Golovkin middleweight superbout Saturday night at the T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas. Dave Moretti and Adalaide Byrd, both of Nevada, have been chosen as judges, as has Connecticut’s Don Trella. The referee will be Kenny Bayless. The officials were named at a Monday morning meeting. All of the names picked are well known to fight fans. Bayless was the referee of Canelo’s last fight, against Julio Caesar Chavez Jr., back in July.

As for the judges, Moretti was scoring the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor match last month before Mayweather stopped his man in the 10th. Trella’s last big bout was in England, where he judged the Anthony Joshua-Wladimir Klitschko superfight until Joshua settled matters in the 11th. Byrd’s last notable fight was also in England, when, back in May, she judged the Errol Spence Jr-Kell Brook clash before it concluded violently in the 11th, as well. Canelo has traditionally done well with judges, even controversially getting the nod from one official after his famed, ultimately losing, battle against Floyd Mayweather back in 2013.

Canelo, however, clearly has prepared for any contingency. If the man’s physique is any indication, he obviously isn’t willing to simply survive against Golovkin in the hope that the judges will give him the nod. Indeed, much is being made of the shape the red haired star has been spotted in as the days leading up to the bout pass quickly. Some have taken to claiming Canelo looks much bigger, or at least much more muscular, than is usually the case. This may not be a cause for surprise, however, as this will be the fighter’s first legitimate foray into the one hundred sixty pound realm.

Still, numerous publications are bringing up the fact that many feel Golovkin won’t be treated fairly if this weekend’s fight lasts an entire twelve rounds. And, to be fair, boxing officials are often the source of their own tarnished reputations. Insanely wide scores, inexplicable scores and scores that some even feel point to corruption have led to a profound level of suspicion among the sport’s fanbase at times. With that being said, boxing can be an extremely subjective endeavor and scoring is very much a matter of interpretation and perspective.

Hopefully fans will walk away from Saturday’s throwdown satisfied that the officials did their jobs to the best of their abilities.

Posted on 09/11/2017

By: Kirk Jackson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oJfLOtRZO8

Finally the time has arrived. Fans from all over the world will witness the unified WBC, WBA and WBO middleweight champion Gennady “Triple G” Golovkin 37-0 (33 KO’s) vs. the lineal and Ring Magazine middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez 49-1-1 (34 KO’s).

Photo Credit: HBO Boxing

This is a 50-50 fight on paper, boxing critics and professional fighters split on who wins this highly anticipated match-up.

“I give the edge to Triple G because of who he is and what he has. But I love Canelo too.” – Sugar Ray Leonard.

“Do I think Triple G can beat Canelo? Absolutely not. I really believe Triple G has good punching power as a fighter. He’s got good punching power, but he’s flat-footed.” – Floyd Mayweather.

Lets take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of each fighter, advantages each fighter will have and what they’ll do in attempt to emerge victorious.
Starting with the reigning, defending WBC, WBA and WBO middleweight champion, Gennady Golovkin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrshJ-PBoR4

Golovkin is regarded as a power puncher, a monstrous attacker, crushing chins, cracking ribs and breaking the will of many opponent sharing the ring with the Kazakhstanian star.

Golovkin’s punching power can change the game plan and approach of an opponent and it takes a fighter with a strong mental constitution to absorb the pain, withstand the damage and press forward.

Audiences saw a glimpse of the mental fortitude required in Golovkin’s last fight against Danny Jacobs. The question is can Alvarez withstand Golovkin’s punching power and pressure?

Speaking of pressure, Golovkin implements constant pressure while stalking his prey (opposition). Always well-conditioned, Golovkin never appears to tire.

Although considered by many as slow-of-foot, he cuts the ring off well, showcasing great footwork and ring intelligence.

Punch variation is also a sign of ring intelligence. Possessing the skill to throw varying types of punches and also knowing when to throw each type of punch per situation.

Golovkin’s jab may be his greatest punch; it dictates his offense and allows him to pin point the opponent’s positioning, allowing combinations to follow.

Triple G has a devastating left hook to the body and throws an awkward-angled, looping overhanded right and left hand that can end anyone’s night.

Golovkin’s best version of defense happens to be his offense, especially as he grows older. He has a solid chin and never tasted the canvas throughout his amateur and professional career.

However, shots from a powerful punching Curtis Stevens caught his attention, Golovkin was briefly buzzed from former welterweight champion Kell Brook and former WBA middleweight champion Danny Jacobs stunned Golovkin with hard shots during their encounter this past March.
He can be hurt, but he tends to dish out more punishment.

From a defensive standpoint, there isn’t much head movement from Golovkin and has a tendency to shell up when confronted with high punch activity and combinations – similar to former two-division champion Arthur Abraham.

Jacobs also highlighted a vulnerability to Golovkin’s body; something Alvarez surely observed.

Lets take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the lineal and Ring Magazine middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjUNrUHa2yk

Alvarez is a vastly experienced, technical fighter. Possessing tremendous hand speed, Alvarez likes to counter-punch opponents; displaying the ability to pull off high-skill level moves such as the pull-counter.

He likes to unleash combinations, digging hard shots to the body and while possessing an excellent sense of timing, Alvarez has the unique ability to effectively punch within the exchange.
Punching with the puncher, an ability that will pay dividends in his upcoming match-up with Golovkin, (but more on that later).

Alvarez can fight inside, fight within the pocket and can fight off his back-foot and effectively against the ropes.

Whether Alvarez wants to fight off the ropes against Golovkin is another matter, but Alvarez tends to fight off the ropes when attempting to lure opponents into expending more energy and being more offensive. Alvarez also fights off the ropes when he wants to take a breather and conserve energy.

The conservation of energy and pacing was a highlighted weakness of the past.

Alvarez appeared to fix this issue in his recent showing against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., beating his fellow Mexican compatriot to a pulp over twelve lopsided rounds.

Alvarez even stood up between rounds and the contest more closely resembled a sparring match more so than a sanctioned professional bout.

However, one may point out the contested match between Chavez and Alvarez took place at a catch-weight above the 160 lb. middleweight limit, Chavez was drained and merely just a walking punching bag not offering any form of resistance. All fair points.

But, one may also suggest Golovkin faced a lot of sub-standard opposition with the exception of Brook and Jacobs. Perhaps some of his skills are exaggerated against lower levels of competition.

If endurance is an issue for the Mexican star, he will lose. Golovkin applies constant pressure; his style is to wear on opponents mentally and physically.
The pressure is constant and as an opponent, you have to give something Golovkin to think about – whether it’s a punch, particular movements, angles.

Former multiple-division champion and former Alvarez opponent Amir Khan provides unique insight on the match-up between Alvarez and Golovkin.

“I think he (Alvarez) beats Triple G. A lot of people underestimate him, I don’t know why,” said Khan. “I’ve never been in the ring with Triple G, but I’ve been in with Canelo and he’s hard to hit.”

Adding additional muscle, it’s difficult to envision a lot of movement for Alvarez when facing Golovkin, suggesting he may bring the fight to Golovkin and be up close.

Foot work from and ring generalship will be a battle within itself. How will that pan out?

The key visible strengths from each fighter can be nullified by one another.
For Alvarez, his hand speed can be negated by Golovkin’s sturdy, consistently well-placed jab and through timing.

Golovkin’s punching power can be nullified through spacing; Alvarez must crowd Golovkin’s space and not allow him to find his range.

Alvarez can also throw off Golovkin’s timing if he can effectively counter-punch in between Golovkin’s punches; effectively fighting in between the exchange.

Will age be a factor ? Alvarez is 27-years-old and Golovkin is 35-years-old. Golovkin is not a war-torn, worn out 35-year-old fighter however. The only concern is the rough outing against Jacobs leading up to this bout.

Were the rumors true in regards to damaged ribs sustained from the impact punching of Jacobs? Will the supposed injuries suffered linger into the fight against Alvarez?

As to how the fight may play out, Alvarez will have to withstand the early onslaught from Golovkin and aim to take over after he finds his timing and rhythm which could happen around round four or five.
This contest may resemble that of the recent fights between Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev. With Alvarez like Ward, targeting Golovkin’s body and spending a lot of time fighting in the pocket at close range.

The added weight for Alvarez may be a positive factor; the additional muscle in efforts to improve overall strength as he may attempt to push Golovkin back and stay in his chest.

We’ve never witnessed Golovkin fight on the back foot; the question is can he effectively fight moving backwards if necessary?

When Jacobs and the smaller Brook initiated the action and took the fight to Golovkin, it exposed weaknesses.

Alvarez is not necessarily a pressure fighter; he is aggressive at times depending on the opponent, but preferring to counter-punch and box.

However, you don’t have to swarm an opponent like Mike Tyson or Ricky Hatton to impose pressure.

Pressure may appear in the physical and mental form; constantly standing in front of the opponent, ducking and slipping low, clinching and pressing the opponent back at times and avoiding shots while countering ever so often.

The magnitude and pressure of the fight creeping in can all have an effect. This is the moment both Golovkin and Alvarez yearned for and we’ll see if it negatively affects either fighter.

Who can handle adversity and how will each fighter react if faced with adversity?

Although they are fighters with different styles and at different stages of their respective careers, the level of experience gained from fighting Erislandy Lara, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Amir Khan and Floyd Mayweather is ever so valuable.

Alvarez experienced the big moment and the experience of fighting under the big lights. He has the qualities to counter-act Golovkin’s strengths and appears focused and ready to implement the proper game plan to secure victory.
Golovkin has a great amateur background, size, technical ability and the dream fight he yearned for at his grasp.

Question is will it be enough? Although either fighter is poised to win, each fighter will go out to prove a point to the viewing audiences.

I lean towards Alvarez winning a highly contested bout, with his timing, counter-punching, quick combinations, body punching paying dividends in this fight.

Posted on 09/05/2017

By: Gary Todd

After all the talk, we are finally just days away from the biggest fight in the sport of boxing. This is without doubt, the biggest fight in the middle weight division for over a decade. In the 130 year history of the middle weight division , there has been some cracking match ups, as in , Hearns v Hagler, Trinidad v Joppy, Graziano v Zale, Martinez v Chavez Jnr, Monzon v Valdez, Benn v Eubank, and Hagler v Leonard.

Photo Credit: Rich Kane/Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions

The list could go on and on and on. These fights were a boxing fans dream. Boxers, fighters, punchers, slickster’s, brawlers, all brought together at the right time, to give the fans what they craved for. Golovkin v Canelo will go down in the history books as one of those fights.

There has been so much written about these two fighters, about this fight, and also who will win.

I feel this is a tremendous match up, in terms of the way these two champions go about their business in the ring. Of course they are both dangerous , both have great boxing skills and solid technique , and both of them have power , and they don’t just stop their opponents, they take them out in bone crunching , scary fashion. It’s billed as “Supremacy” and that is exactly what this fight is all about.

It’s a prize fight, but this goes way beyond the money. This is bragging rights at its best. This is pound for pound greatness. This is all about their own legacy, and to go down in the history books as one of the all time greats in the 160 pound division, and also , in the sport of boxing.

Gennady Golovkin [ 37 fights, 33 kos ] made his debut in 2006, after a brilliant amateur career, representing his country in the World championships, and winning Silver in 2004, at the summer Olympic games in Greece. Fighting out of Germany, Golovkin, dismantled, and hammered his way into the pro’s, destroying all who came before him, before finally making the move across the Atlantic, to chase, and live the American dream, and in doing so, sent shivers through the middleweight division, giving contenders and champions nightmares , that would never leave them.

Daniel Geale, Martin Murray, David Lemieux, Kell Brook, and Daniel Jacobs would all have the same nightmare, that is GGG.

Canelo Alvarez [ 51 fights, 1 loss, 1 draw ] made his debut in 2005, at the age of 15, fighting grown , seasoned, Mexican brawlers , and like Golovkin, he fought for very little money. The reward wasn’t the money, he loved to fight. Canelo dispatched all comers, and gradually fought his way up from fighting in beer halls, to fighting in stadiums to thousands of his adoring fans. To say he was a star in boxing , was an understatement. This guy was a super star.

With his popularity at an all time high, he had 43 fights under his belt when he was matched to fight Floyd Mayweather. I had travelled over from Sydney, Australia to see the fight, as I thought Canelo would give Mayweather a tough fight, and I thought he had the tools to give the “Money “ man a hard night at the office.

It was evident after the 3rd round, he would not , as he just didn’t attack, and was tentative and far too economical with his offence.

Although beaten, he would come back, and come back stronger, beating, Erislandy Lara, Miguel Cotto, Austin Trout, Amir Khan and Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr, to elevate himself to greatness once again.

In the last 2 years, there has been a lot of talk on whether these two champions would ever fight. Canelo fighting at 160, seemed too far fetched to some, but most of us thought it had to happen. Was the weight ever the issue, ? No. This was all about timing, the right timing, and Oscar De La Hoya now obviously thinks that the timing is just right for his fighter, that his man is experienced, and is big enough, and is mentally tough enough to handle the pressure and power of Gennady Golovkin.

With Golovkin having an 89% ko percentage, and Canelo having a decent ko ratio of around 70%, you would think on paper that this fight won’t go the distance. I think this really depends on Canelo and what he does. GGG only fights one way, which is to seek and destroy.

He will have no problem taking one of his opponents punches , firstly to see if they can punch, before he unleashes his own, which usually either forces his opponent to crumble, or go into a shell , protecting, defending, and trying to swerve off huge body and head attacks.

Canelo can be a slow starter, a patient, almost calculating , come forward fighter who has great combinations, using fast hands , particularly to his opponents head and body. If he looks at Golovkin’s fights, he will see that the champion from Karaganda, Kazakhstan has no head movement, and can be hit with uppercuts. To win, Canelo has to get himself into the position, that he can throw the uppercut, followed up with the hooks to the body and the head . If he can, he just might have enough to be the first man to drop and stop GGG.

Gennady Golovkin is blessed with an “ x-men” type of power , and also a granite chin. He has great movement, and cuts off the ring exceptionally well, making great fighters panic into making mistakes. When they do, he backs them into the ropes and goes to work, hammering them with such ferocity, and bad intention punches to the body, and the head. Not too much finesse, just pure aggression, and cerebral carnage.
If Canelo starts slow, GGG has to take full advantage of this, throwing his powerful left jab, followed by his right huge hand, to pummel the Mexican’s face, and to take his heart. Golovkin has to do this to win. Canelo can’t fight going backwards, and he leaves himself wide open to the right hook or overhand right , almost every time he throws his left hook. GGG has a crunching overhand right, and if he connects, it will set the tempo of the fight and also into the later rounds. Another question is, can Canelo fight for 3 minutes of every round.? I would say no. If he doesn’t against Golovkin, he will be in serious trouble. Canelo fights well, and throws fantastic, eye catching combinations, but he only fights in spurts . Golovkin fights , almost robotic in the sense, that he focuses on a target, adjusts his feet to make the right adjustment , to then hammer home his own devastating attack .

The fight itself is one of those, “what if” pick em fights. On paper, Canelo has everything going for him. He is 8 years younger, experienced, probably faster, has great combination punches, and on fight night, he will be a big , strong middle weight fighter, possibly even heavier than Golovkin, once hydrated. Golovkin is 35 years old, and there is a lot of people thinking he is “ on the slide” as a fighter. Is this just the timing is right , for Canelo ?

My prediction

Tough, hard fight . Mexican pride, and all the marbles to play for. I think Gennady Golovkin wins in late rounds, breaking Canelo down to the body, winning by a TKO in 8th round.

Gary Todd has been involved in all aspects of the sport of boxing , and he is the proud author of his books on World champions , and their workout’s, “ Workout’s from boxing’s greatest champs” , volumes 1 and 2.