Tag Archives: Golovkin

Posted on 03/18/2020

By: Sean Crose

Lance Pugmire of the Athletic is reporting that Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin are agreeing to meet for a third time. The fight will hopefully take place this coming September, provided Canelo can get past Billy Joe Saunders, who he’s still supposed to face in spite of the recent turmoil caused by the Corona Virus pandemic. Canelo was last seen winning a version of the light heavyweight title after stopping Sergey Kovalev late in a tough fight. Golovkin was last spotted in the ring grinding out a grueling win against Sergey Derevyanchenko. Agreeing to a  third fight is clearly the most lucrative and fan friendly decision each man can make at this point in their respective careers.

Golovkin was long the most avoided man in boxing. A highly skilled stalker, the Kazakh was as patient in the ring as he was lethal. He was, in a sense, a larger version of Julio Caesar Chavez, another fighter who would calmly break down his prey. Canelo, on the other hand, had gone from “Floyd Mayweather Opponent” to being the most popular athlete in boxing. What’s more, the man’s skills seemed to sharpen parallel to his rise to the top of the sport. By the time the two fighters met for middleweight supremacy in 2017, theirs was the biggest bout the sport of boxing could make that didn’t include Mayweather.

The fight lived up to the hype. Although there was no stoppage or knockdowns, each man went to war, providing viewers with a high octane affair. The final decision of the judges, however, proved to be highly controversial. Although most felt Golovkin had clearly done enough to win, the match was ruled a draw. Things became even more intense when Canelo tested positive for a banned substance in the lead up to the highly anticipated rematch. Canelo’s team blamed it on tainted beef. Others weren’t having it. Still, Canelo went on to win a razor close second fight with the man who had by then become his arch nemesis.

Even though there were those who felt Golovkin might not ever get the judge’s nod against Canelo – who judges have long had a love affair with – people still called for a third fight. Canelo argued he didn’t want one…apparently, until now. Should Canelo-Golovkin 3 transpire, it will undoubtedly air live on the DAZN streaming service, which now airs both men’s fights.

Posted on 10/07/2019

By: Sean Crose

Gennady Golovkin found himself in a war this past weekend when he battled Sergiy Derevyanchenko at Madison Square Garden for the vacant IBF middleweight title. Golovkin, the man who not so long ago possessed a well earned a reputation for steamrolling over all comers looked at times this past Saturday like he himself might be about to be bested before the final bell. Although after the fight Golovkin walked out of the ring with the IBF belt and his 40th win, word around the proverbial campfire is that this was not the Golovkin of old. Sure enough, word is that the man, at 37, has aged considerably, at least in the context of professional boxing.

It’s hard to deny that Golovkin no longer appears to be his prime self in the ring. Derevyanchenko peppered his man with shots throughout Saturday’s bout. Perhaps even more telling, Golovkin’s vaunted patience almost didn’t pay off for him this weekend against his determined foe. Whereas before Golockin could get through numerous bad rounds sure of the fact that he would eventually get his man, Golovkin couldn’t finish the deed when he landed on Derevyanchenko on Saturday. And while much of this was due to the stellar performance of Derevyanchenko himself, the Golovkin of lore never found himself in such hairy situations.

That is, until he had met Daniel Jacobs in March of 2017. Some might argue that Golovkin’s hard earned, less than impressive, victory over Jacobs that long ago winter night was the first indication the Kazakh warrior was showing signs of the slippage that appeared all too evident this past weekend against Derevyanchenko. The Jacob’s fight was an extremely close affair, after all. A considerable number of ringside observers (this writer included) actually felt Jacobs had done enough to earn the upset win. Still, it was worth noting that Jacobs was the kind of high level opponent Golovkin had long craved to meet in the ring. As impressive as his resume was, Golovkin had never met a full blown middleweight of Jacobs’ caliber before that evening.

Since that time, Golovkin has fought the brilliant Canelo Alvarez twice. He’s yet to beat the Mexican star (though most observers feel Golovkin won at least one of the two fights), but the battles between he and Canelo have been thoroughly brutal affairs. Then came Saturday night against Derevyanchenko. Throw in his hard earned 2016 title defense against Kell Brook in England, and it’s clear that Golovkin has been facing a line of high end challenges since turning thirty. Since September of 2016, Golovkin has fought a total of seven times. Only two of those fights were against clearly beatable opponents, a May 2018 battle against Vanes Martirosyan and a fight this past June against Steve Rolls. Long story short – Golovkin has taken the hard road. The Kazakh fighter is most distinctly not of the low risk, high reward vein.

All of which leads to the matter of Golovkin’s now advancing age. Although Father Time wins time and aging, inevitably taking his toll as the years pass by, a fighter of Golokvin’s mindset can speed up the again process by doing, well, what a high level fighter is supposed to do – and that’s regularly face high level competition. Fans want their fighters to be ambitious, but then they’re quick to point it out when those fighters shows signs of slowing down. This is only natural, but when it comes to the case of someone like Golovkin, the caliber of competition has to be taken into consideration. Simply put, it’s hard to fight well into one’s late thirties and early forties when one has essentially spent a number of years facing the likes of Jacobs, Derevyanchenko, Brook, and a prime Canelo.

There are exceptions to the rule, of course, but those are exceptions. Bernard Hopkins, a ring wizard, was able to keep going and going. Manny Pacquiao, who has somehow been able to remain both great and aggressive as he’s turned the corner at forty, is nothing if not an anomaly. Golovkin is highly skilled, but he also fights in a grinding fashion. He wears his opponents down. He takes shots, sometimes very solid ones. He’s willing to engage in wars of attrition. None of this bodes well for any potential longevity. On the other hand, Golovkin has never, not once, bored boxing’s fan base. Nor has he looked anything other than excellent in the ring. His disappointments are only disappointments in the most relevant sense. They’re disappointments for Golovkin. For most other fighters, they’d be very impressive performances.

It’s being said that Canelo, who clearly dislikes Golovkin, will be more likely to face his rival a third time after seeing Golovkin’s performance on Saturday night. This may be true, but it’s worth noting that Canelo himself isn’t keen on creating a career full of soft touches, either. Names like Golovkin, Mayweather, and Lara pop up on his resume. His next opponent is the aging, but still very dangerous light heavyweight Sergey Kovalev. He may still be under thirty, but Canelo’s chosen a path similar to Golovkin’s. Things may well play out in similar fashion for boxing’s current top star.

Posted on 10/07/2019

By: Hans Themistode

Following a brutal knockout win earlier in June, it wasn’t exactly the kind of performance that many were expecting from Gennadiy Golovkin (40-1-1, 35 KOs) the second time around. In front of a jam packed crowd in Madison Square Garden, in New York, Golovkin took on former title challenger Sergiy Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10 KOs).

This contest was supposed to be a statement to his long time rival Canelo Alvarez.

Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing Twitter Account

His message? Fight me next.

In order for the fans to demand a third fight between the two, the former unified champion needed to win in devastating fashion.

He didn’t.

Golovkin managed to win a close unanimous decision against Derevyanchenko to win back his IBF world Middleweight title but their were many who believed he didn’t deserve the nod from the judges. It’s becoming clear that at age 37 he is slowing down.

Who should he take on next? Keep reading to find out.

Sergiy Derevyanchenko

Sergiy Derevyanchenko left everything in the ring this past Saturday night. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. At least according to the judges. Many of the fans in the arena felt that he did more than enough to warrant a decision win over the long time champion. He forced Golovkin to fight at a much faster pace than normal. He also did a great job of picking himself up off the deck and fought to the bitter end.

Golovkin has been adamant about getting a rematch with Canelo following two of their matches. However it wouldn’t seem right if Golovkin bypassed Derevyanchenko. The first fight was a classic. Give the fans what they want and allow them to fight each other one more time.

Canelo Alvarez

With two great fights already in the books between the two, fans would love to see a third. Golovkin might not be what he once was but he is still formidable against anyone. Both Golovkin and Alvarez have been linked to each other for several years now. It’s time that they put an end to their rivalry and face each other one more final time.

Demetrius Andrade

The WBO Middleweight champion is still in search of a big fight. Andrade is currently in negations with his mandatory challenger Steven Butler. That isn’t the fight that he wants or deserves. As it currently stands he possesses an undefeated record and an energetic personality to match. He has been calling for a shot at Golovkin for quite sometime. Give it to him.

Too long has he been waiting for his big moment. With both men possessing a world title, now would be a perfect time for a unification matchup.

Posted on 10/06/2019

By: Sean Crose

People thought Gennadiy Golovkin would face Canelo Alvarez for a third time in 2019. Then people thought Canelo would face notable middleweight Sergiy Derevyanchenko in 2019. Instead, the Mexican star decided to rise up in weight to challenge Sergey Kovalev for a light heavyweight belt. That IBF middleweight belt was open. Hence, Golovkin faced off against Derevyanchenko at Madison Square Garden Saturday night (in a bout that was aired live on DAZN) for the IBF belt. Madison Square Garden had become something like a home for Golovkin, who had fought numerous major fights there against the likes of David Lemieux and Daniel Jacobs.

Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing Twitter Account

First off, though, there was a scheduled 10 rounder in the junior middleweight division. The 3-0 Israil Madrimov battled the 29-5 veteran Alejandro Barrera. Madrimov sent his man to the mat in the first. Although Barrera got up, it was an ominous beginning. A very fluid fighter, Madrimov floated about the ring and flinged off powerful shots for round after round. Although Barrera may have had a few moments early on, Madrimov was simply too much for the veteran fighter. The bout was wisely stopped in the fifth round. Although Madrimov has a few wrinkles to iron out, like perhaps keeping his hands from hanging low, the man is truly on the rise, with whispers of a title shot already being heard.

It was time for the main event. Golovkin started in grand fashion, by sending his man to the mat in the first. Derevyanchenko got to his feet, but it was an impressive opening for the 37 year old Golovkin. Derevyanchenko performed better in the second, but he was cut and still appeared to be considerably impacted by Golovkin’s power. The third round proved effective for Derevyanchenko, as he engaged in effective agression and landed on Golovkin well. Derevyanchenko continued to do well in the fourth, but it was a close chapter of the fight. The jab of Derevyanchenko was very sharp in the fifth. Derevyanchenko’s impressive body work paid off, as well, as Golovkin was starting to look considerably less than his best. Still, Golovkin began landing well again in the sixth.

Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing Twitter Account

Golovkin came on strong at the end of the seventh, but Derevyanchenko had done well throughout the round. The eighth saw Golovkin fire well, though – like virtually every round – it was a blistering affair. Golovkin looked like he might have been hurt in the ninth. Derevyanchenko’s heart and aggression may well have been telling the tale. The tenth was all out war. The eleventh was a bit slower, one which Golovkin may have edged with sharp punching. Golovkin smothered well in the twelfth. The round, like the entire fight, was very hard to call.

The judges ruled it for Golovkin by a close UD improving his record to 40-1-1. Derevyanchenko moved on to a record of 13-2.

Posted on 10/04/2019

By: Sean Crose

Gennadiy Golovkin returns to Madison Square Garden on Saturday night to face the dangerous Sergiy Derevyanchenko for the vacant IBF world middleweight title. The belt was held by Canelo Alvarez, the man who bested and drew with Golovkin in highly controversial fashion in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Since abandoning the IBF title and moving up in weight to face light heavyweight titlist Sergey Kovalev, however, Canelo has left a golden opportunity for Golovkin and Derevyanchenko – a chance to gain a major world title. The bout will be aired live on the DAZN streaming service. Many expected Golovkin to face Canelo a third time, but Canelo – who appears to deeply dislike Golovkin – is unwilling (for the time being, at least) to fight Golovkin again.

For his own part, Golovkin has a rather laid back attitude regarding Canelo. Feeling he’s already bested the red haired star, the thirty seven year old believes Canelo simply doesn’t want to get in the ring with him again for what would promise to be another grueling affair. Hence, this weekend’s bout with Derevyanchenko – who himself looked to be Canelo’s next opponent before Canelo decided to move up to challenge Kovalev at light heavyweight. Although Golovkin is the more well known of the two fighters, Derevyanchenko will be bringing his own impressive pedigree into the ring Saturday night.

Boasting a record of 13-1, Derevynachenko has a single loss on his resume, and that was to Daniel Jacobs, who bested the 33 year old Ukrainian in controversial fashion back last October. It was a fight some believe Derevyanchenko won, and the loss didn’t take away from his reputation as a fighter to be reckoned with. Having won all but three of his fights by knockout, the man can obviously hit. He also has the ability to go a full twelve rounds – an important ability in a championship bout.

As for Golovkin, at 37 years of age, the 39-1-1 former world titlist might be aging, but he’s still arguably the best middleweight on earth. The man can cut off the ring and hit with the best of them. Golovkin also carries himself with an icy patience in the ring that can intimidate and break down an opponent. Those who write him off simply because it’s no longer 2013 do so at their own expense. No one is expecting Derevyanchenko to make that mistake. This is the chance of a lifetime for the 33 year old contender.

Posted on 10/04/2019

By: Hans Themistode

Former unified Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (GGG) returns to the ring this Saturday night in New York City, at Madison Square Garden. His opponent, Sergiy Derevyanchenko, will be one of the biggest test of his hall of fame career.

The eyes of the public will be fixated on this contest for several reasons. For one, GGG enjoyed success at the highest levels with former trainer Abel Sanchez. From 2010 until just last year, he captured every Middleweight title outside of the WBO belt. He successfully defended his crowns 20 times to tie the record with Bernard Hopkins for the most defenses in Middleweight history.

Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/DAZN

In the biggest fights of his career he always rose to the occasion. His record may indicate that he no longer has a perfect record but that shouldn’t be the case. In two matchups against Canelo Alvarez, GGG, to most observers, should have been awarded the victory in both contests. GGG has defeated challenger after challenger and he has looked dominating in doing so. In short, it was a historical run that GGG and Abel Sanchez went on.

With the accomplishments that they managed to achieve, it came to the surprise of many that the two decided that they were better off without each other. GGG began a new adventure with head trainer Jonathan Banks. So far so good, as GGG destroyed Steve Rolls in the fourth round in his last ring appearance earlier this year.

GGG didn’t look any different to be honest. It’s understandable. The relationship between a fighter and trainer is not one can not be an impetuous one. Those assumptions are erroneous. For this contest, GGG feels more comfortable with his new head trainer. That comfortably, he believes, will lead to a great performance as he is looking forward to unveiling a few new wrinkles in his game.

“We have new ideas to show you guys,” said Golovkin after his public workout. “I want to show Saturday night not right now. I’m just a little bit excited.”

As for his opponent Derevyanchenko, he has a plethora of experience at his disposal. Compiling a list consisting of 390 wins against just 20 defeats, Derevyanchenko has faced just about every style imaginable. GGG is very familiar with the work his opponent has done in the amateurs.

“He represented the national Kazakhstan team, national Ukraine team. He looks good.”

Even with the success that Derevyanchenko has enjoyed in both his amateur and pro career, GGG won’t hesitate to put an end to the contest early.

“I want to stay with my style. Big drama show. If he gives me a chance first round, second round, it’s finished so don’t blink.”

Whenever the former unified Middleweight champion enters the ring, the world is always watching. Questions about the pairing between GGG and his trainer will soon be answered. It won’t be enough that these two just win, but it will be more important that they do so in a way that looks different than how GGG has normally performed with his former trainer. With a possible showdown with Canelo Alvarez still possible in 2020, GGG has to put on a great performance in order to warrant it.

Posted on 10/02/2019

By: Hans Themistode

He’s old.

He isn’t a champion anymore.

He lost a few steps.

Retirement is just around the corner.

The words that are spoken about former unified Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (39-1-1, 35 KOs) are not kind.

Photo Credit: Tom Hogan -Hoganphotos/ GGG Promotions

Since losing his titles to Canelo Alvarez last year on September 15th, at the T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas Nevada, Golovkin has fielded questions regarded his status in the world of boxing. At the age 37, he isn’t towards the beginning of his career anymore. Nor is he as dominant as he once was. Or is he?

If you are listening to everyone else regarding his career then they would lead you to believe that he is in fact near the end of his rope.

His dominance isn’t quite what it used to be. These words however, lack any true merit.

Following his first and lone defeat, Golovkin returned to the ring this past June where he easily dispatched of Steve Rolls in the fourth round.

It looked easy from the outside looking in, but observers believe that they saw slippage. Rolls, who was an absolute obscure opponent, had a surprisingly decent second round. One that saw him land a few big shots which snapped back the head of Golovkin. In vintage form, he simply shook the blows, came forward forward and finished the match in the fourth round.

It is always difficult to determine whether a fighter is at the end of his rope. Age 37 is an advanced one no matter what sport is being played. The question is however, has Golovkin showed any true age as of late? The answer is an emphatic no.

Just take a look at the track record of Golovkin. The overwhelming thought process is that he defeated Canelo Alvarez in their first contest. Although the second was a much more difficult contest, Golovkin did more than enough to win that one as well. Before those contest Golovkin won a unanimous decision over former two time champion Daniel Jacobs.

If we take it step further, Golovkin looked fantastic in his 2015 knockout victory against David Lemiuex. In short, Golovkin still experiences plenty of success even at an age where he shouldn’t.

So what does he face this upcoming Saturday? He’ll be taking on former Middleweight title challenger Sergiy Derevyanchenko (13-1, 10 KOs). The aforementioned Derevyanchenko may have just 14 fights under his belt but he is an accomplished boxer. In the amateurs he won nearly 400 fights against a hand full of defeats. His lone defeat at the hands of Jacobs was a close one. To sum it up, Golovkin is in for a real fight.

Golovkin is still viewed as the favorite but the thought of him losing isn’t a farfetched one.

“He’s a real fighter,” said Golovkin. “A very good opponent. I have to be ready for a real fight Saturday.”

For all of his accolades, Golovkin isn’t overlooking his opponent. For years he has been a world champion. At the moment, he shares the Middleweight record with Bernard Hopkins for the most Middleweight title defenses with 20.

It seems almost unbelievable that Golovkin still has something to prove at this stage in his career, but he does. Not only is he looking to prove that he still belongs amongst the elite in the division but he also has the opportunity to call himself a champion once again as this contest will have the IBF title at stake.

This contest won’t be an easy one, but Golovkin wouldn’t want it to be. He’ll be looking to make a statement to everyone that he still has plenty left in the tank.

Posted on 10/01/2019

By: Sean Crose

There once was a time, not all that long ago, when any fighter aged thirty or above was considered over the hill. Back in 1987, for instance, when Ray Leonard challenged Marvin Hagler in a battle known solely as “The Superfight,” both men were considered a bit past their best selves. Leonard was thirty years old at the time, Hagler 32. There was good reason to consider ages 30 years and up “old” for a fighter, though. After all, John L Sullivan was 34 when the younger James Corbett knocked him out in what is regarded as the first modern heavyweight title bout. Larry Holmes was 38 when he tried unsuccessfully to best a prime Mike Tyson. Joe Louis was 37 when up and comer Rocky Marciano sent him into crashing defeat. The list of such tales could go on and on.

There’s little doubt, however that this is a new era. Ever since George Foreman won the heavyweight crown back by besting Michael Moorer via stunning knockout in 1994 at the age of 45, the idea of what an “old” fighter is has been steadily moving back further and further. Today, top fighters thirty years of age and upwards abound in the sport of boxing. Manny Pacquiao, Sergey Kovalev, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and seemingly countless other “big names” now fight at ages which were considered unfortunately advanced less than a generation ago. Still, there’s no denying that time can have an impact. That’s something Gennady Golovkin, at the age of thirty-seven, is willing to admit.

“I work as hard and as diligently as I can at this age,” he said to me during a recent conference call to promote this Saturday’s middleweight title bout against Sergiy Derevyanchenko at Madison Square Garden. I found those last three words of Golovklin’s: “at this age,” to be quite telling. Here is a man who is openly admitting that the years are taking their toll. That’s odd – and refreshing – for someone who makes a living always being in peak physical condition. Although he may not be the fighter of old, the terrifying Kazakh warrior who was essentially avoided by all, Golovkin still aims to do his best with the gas he has in his tank.

He can take a lesson from Bernard Hopkins, who made the needed alterations in and out of the ring to keep him performing into his sixth decade. Although Hopkins perhaps went one fight too far – as so many greats eventually seem to – there’s little doubt the man redefined what it means to grow older in the ring. While Golovkin is his own man (“I don’t specifically take an example form someone else,” he said in response to my bringing up Hopkins), it’s obvious that he, too, plans to remain at the top of the fight game.

Hence this weekend’s battle with the skilled Derevyanchenko. Not that Derevyanchenko himself is any spring chicken. Although he has a considerable age advantage over the venerable Golovkin, the Brooklyn based fighter will still be stepping into the ring on Saturday and the ripe age of 33.

Posted on 09/27/2019

By: Sean Crose

“It’s the biggest fight of the year for us,” said Gennady Golovkin during a Thursday conference call to promote his October fifth middleweight title battle against Sergiy Derevyanchenko at Madison Square Garden. “I feel great. I feel like champion.” The fight, which will be aired live on the DAZN streaming service, is seen as something of a question mark for the now 37 year Kazakh warrior. Having been the top fighter at middleweight for years, Golovkin went on to come up empty in two highly controversial bouts against superstar Canelo Alvarez. A third fight between the two men was expected, but Canelo has made it clear he wants nothing to do with his arch rival, opting instead to move up to light heavyweight to battle WBO world titlist Sergey Kovalev.

That leaves the 39-1-1 Golovkin to face to the 13-1 Derevyanchenko for the IBF world middleweight title Canelo gave up in order to face Kovlaev. “The only choice he had was to go to a choice with Kovalev,” Golovkin said on the call. “He did this on purpose to not fight me.” Golovkin has always presented himself as a consummate professional, giving off an air he still maintains to this day. “How can I be disappointed looking at these people?” he asked, referring to those around him like trainer Jonathan Banks and promoters Tom Loeffler and Eddie Hearn. “I feel great.”

It’s important for Golovkin, who was last seen in the ring defeating Steve Rolls this past June, to keep feeling great as he works his way into his forties. The consensus around much of the fight world is that Golovkin has missed a beat due to toll Father Time has taken. “At this point in his career,” Derevyanchenko promoter Lou DiBella said of Golovkin on the call, “he’s not getting younger, he’s not getting faster, he’s not getting better…Sergiy Derevyanchenko is an incredible risk to GGG.” It can rightly be pointed out that DiBella was merely pumping up his fighter on the call at the expense of Golovkin. Still, I found it worth asking Golovkin whether or not he was changing his training or fight plan due to his age, the way – say – Bernard Hopkins made adjustments as he grew older.

“I don’t specifically take an example form someone else,” he responded. “I work as hard and as diligently as I can at this age.” The question fans and analysts have now is whether or not that hard work and diligence is enough. My biggest opponent,” Golovkin said, “is not a specific person. My biggest opponent is my age and desire.” Still, it appeared on the call that Golovkin was excited to return to Madison Square Garden, home of some of his most memorable fights. “I’m so excited for this fight, he claimed. “I like atmosphere. I like the people.” New York has been known to love Golovkin, as well.

Still, there’s the matter of Derevyanchenko to consider. “You hear people say it often,” said Andre Rozier, Derevyanchenko’s trainer, “but this has been one of the best training camps ever.” Rozier, one of the top trainers in the sport, wasn’t afraid to call it like he saw it on Thursday’s call. “This is not Steve rolls he’s facing on the fifteenth,” he said of Golovkin, “this is Sergiy ‘The Technician’ Derevyanchenko.”

Posted on 09/24/2019

By: Hans Themistode

Former unified Middleweight Gennady Golovkin (39-1-1, 35 KOs) and three division champion Canelo Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 KOs) are two of the very best fighters in the world today. It wouldn’t be a stretch to place them amongst the best fighters in the entire history of boxing. These two have faced each other twice. Once in 2017 where Golovkin unjustly settled for a draw. Golovkin looked like the much better fighter throughout the night. That’s not to say that Canelo didn’t have his moments because he did, but Golovkin controlled the fight for long stretches.

Their 2018 rematch was another classic. This time around Canelo fought a much more complete fight. The result ended in Golovkin losing all of his middleweight titles and receiving his first career loss.

Both contest had just about everything that a fan could want. Back and forth action, tons of punches and plenty of drama in between. Although they have shared the ring twice already, many have anticipated that they will once again step into the ring against one another at least one more time. 2019 was thought to be that year. Instead, Golovkin has spent the first half of the year facing Steve Rolls and will soon be standing across the ring from Sergey Derevyanchenko. Canelo on the other hand has already defeated former two time Middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs and he is slated to move up two divisions to take on WBO Light Heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev.

Hopes of these two great fighters battling one more time was restored as Canelo’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya revealed that Golovkin will certainly be in line to take on Canelo in 2020.

“You will absolutely see Canelo and GGG fight next year,” said De La Hoya.

With two great fights under their belt, there is no doubt that third will be just as scintillating.

There is only one issue with their supposed third fight. Canelo isn’t interested. It isn’t that he is scared, he just feels that the Golovkin chapter in his career is over.

“For me, yes, we are finished,” said Canelo. “Golovkin doesn’t “represent a challenge that I haven’t had.”

It’s an interesting stance by Canelo. Sure these two have faced each other twice before but both fights could have gone either way. With technically one win to go along with one draw as the results in both contest, Canelo believes that he has done more than enough to put an end to their rivalry. In fact, Canelo believes that he has won both contest. This just isn’t true. From the opinion of the fans it seems more likely that they would side with Golovkin in terms of who they believe won both contest.

Still, there seems to be bad blood and a lack of respect coming from both sides. Most notably from Canelo. Hopefully both fighters can end their back and forth battle through the media and settle the score once and for all.

Posted on 09/19/2019

By: Hans Themistode

Canelo Alvarez has a date with one of the biggest names in boxing in Sergey Kovalev on November 2nd, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Alvarez will be looking to become a four weight world champion as he attempts to capture Kovalev’s WBO Light Heavyweight belt.

Although it is a great fight, Alvarez, no matter who he fights going forward will always be linked to former unified Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (GGG).

These two have shared the ring on two separate occasions. In 2017 many believed that their first encounter should have resulted in GGG getting his hand raised. Instead, he was forced to settle for a highly disputed draw. When they met once more one year later, the result was still a bit erroneous to some as Alvarez walked away with the win.

When GGG signed a six fight agreement earlier this year to fight on the streaming app DAZN, just months after Alvarez signed his own historic deal, the belief was that these two would meet in the ring once again this calendar year.

Instead of facing each other, the two have decided to go in separate directions. Alvarez is, as previously mentioned moving up to the Light Heavyweight division to take on Sergey Kovalev. While GGG will be taking on former title challenger and highly rated contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko.

Thoughts of these two all-time great fighters sharing the ring once again we’re fading. That is until Alvarez’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya announced that the plan is indeed for these two to share the ring in 2020.

“Well, he (Golovkin) will be one of the opponents for next year,” said De La Hoya. “He has to be. Obviously, the people want to see it. The world wants to see it, and Golovkin deserves it. You will absolutely see Canelo and GGG fight next year.”

First things first however. Both men must come out of their respective matches unscathed. No matter how big a fight between Canelo and GGG will be the third time around, De La Hoya holds firm to the belief that Canelo’s upcoming contest against Kovalev is even bigger.

“The GGG fight could happen in May or September next year, but that fight will happen. But Canelo’s fight against Kovalev is huge. I think it’s bigger than a fight against GGG. It’s a mega-fight. Kovalev has a real shot to knock him out and beat him and people know that.”

Canelo Alvarez is having himself one heck of a 2019. He began his year with a win over former two times champion Daniel Jacobs, which resulted in him unifying the Middleweight titles. His contest against Sergey Kovalev in November is yet another huge test for him. The early signs seem to show that 2020 will be another blockbuster year for Alvarez.

Posted on 08/30/2019

By: Hans Themistode

He’s a knockout puncher, an all-time great fighter and a first ballot hall of famer, but former unified Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (GGG) is also 37 years old.

To be fair to GGG he has never looked old inside of the ring. His record may indicate that he has one loss and one draw but the boxing world knows that both of decisions are highly debatable.

As it currently stands GGG should still be a unified champion while standing alone for the most defenses in the history of the division. Unfortunately, he does not.

After GGG suffered the first defeat of his career to Canelo Alvarez, he took some time off. The reality of not only his first defeat but also losing his titles must have been a nightmare. The loss to Canelo may have been unwarranted, but many believe that the former champion was showing signs of slippage.

GGG proved his doubters wrong this past June when he knocked out Steve Rolls in the fourth round of their contest at Madison Square Garden. It was a dominant performance by the man once known as the best fighter in the Middleweight division. It may have been a great showing by GGG but did it actually prove anything? No.

Steve Rolls was an obscure opponent who fought absolutely no one of note. What took place on June 8th, at Madison Square Garden was expected. Golovkin proved nothing in his dismantling of Rolls. The question still remains, is Golovkin still as good as he once was? Or is he past his prime?

Fighting the likes of Steve Rolls won’t answer that question. Golovkin’s October 5th showdown with Sergiy Derevyanchenko (13-1, 10 KOs) however will give us all the answers that we need.

Derevyanchenko may have just 14 pro fights under his belt but he has fought very good competition. He currently holds a knockout win over Tureano Johnson and another impressive win over former interim WBA Jr Middleweight champion Jack Culcay. His lone defeat came against two time Middleweight belt holder Daniel Jacobs.

Experience as a pro is important, but so is the experience you pick up in amateurs as well. During his time in the unpaid ranks, Derevyanchenko managed to win 390 of his bouts against only 20 defeats. It isn’t hyperbole to consider him one of the best amateurs of this era.

Boxing promoter Lou Di Bella made a bold claim about the matchup between the two.

“Sergiy is a decorated amateur. He will be one of the three toughest fights for Golovkin in his entire career.”

It may have seemed like an audacious choice of words but taking a look at the resume of Golovkin and you would be hard pressed to disagree with that statement.

With Golovkin getting up there in age one has to assume that he will show true signs of detoriation soon. Steve Rolls was never and could never be the fighter to test that theory. Sergiy Derevyanchenko on the other hand, will answer everything we need to know about Gennady Golovkin.

Posted on 08/23/2019

By: Sean Crose

“I have the best opponent, Sergey,” says the 39-1-1 Gennady Golovkin, who will be battling Sergey Derevyanchenko for the IBF world middleweight title on October 5th at Madison Square Garden. “I’ve known him for a long time and he’s a very good fighter. This is a real fight. I’m a little bit scared because he’s good. I know his team is very strong. And I’m scared because he looks good. He looks strong. He feels it’s his time right now. Maybe – this is boxing, nobody knows. So if you want to watch a real show, a real fight, come to MSG on October 5 or watch live on DAZN.”

For the 13-1 Derevyanchenko, the Golovkin fight offers a chance of a lifetime, after having dropped a close decision to Daniel Jacobs for the IBF crown last year. “I’m really excited and happy,” he says, “to be at Madison Square Garden…thank you to my team, and I want to give thanks to Gennady Golovkin for the opportunity as well. I know exactly who I’m getting in the ring with. He’s the former middleweight champion of the world, one of the best fighters in the world, but his time is coming to an end and I want to be the one that makes that time come to an end.”

It had been assumed throughout the fight world at different times that both Golovkin and Derevyanchenko would be facing Canelo Alvarez this year. While neither man is set to face the Mexican star (who Golovkin has already fought in two highly controversial bouts), the October 5th throwdown between Golovkin and Derevyanchenko has been well received within the fight world. Golovkin is one of the most well known fighters in the sport, which Derevyanchenko is well respected.

“There’s been a lot of speculation recently about who he’s (Golovkin’s) going to fight,” says promoter Eddie Hearn. “Is it going to be Canelo? The thing that’s most important in a fighter’s career is to take control of your career. Have a strategy, have a plan, don’t worry about other people. And right now, we have a plan with Gennady’s career that’s extremely exciting to dominate the division and it starts on October 5 at the Mecca of boxing.”

With neither Golovkin nor Derevyanchenko relying on Canelo to dictate their futures for them, the focus is on the New York City fall matchup. “I’m so excited,” Golovkin says. “First of all, I’m happy to be back home, my second home. Thank you to my family at MSG for always supporting me. Of course, I’m very excited right now. Right now, I work with the best people from boxing.” This will be the Kazakh warrior’s seventh appearance at Madison Square Garden, while it will be Derevanchenko’s second appearance at the “Mecca of boxing.” The Golovkin-Derevyanchenko match will be aired live on the DAZN streaming service. Other fights on the card have yet to be made or announced to the public.

Posted on 08/22/2019

By: Sean Crose

“It is an absolute honour to announce I am now working with @gggboxing to promote his fights worldwide. Great man, great fighter – we look forward to bringing you the drama and excitement in arenas all over the world. #Oct5 @DAZN_USA”

The above tweet, which came courtesy of Matchroom honcho Eddie Hearn, let the world know on Thursday morning that Hearn has now teamed up with middleweight superstar Gennady “GGG” Golovkin. It’s a significant development in a middleweight saga that currently spans across numerous promotional outlets.

Golovkin, who had been the dominant figure in the division for years, was dethroned by Golden Boy Promotion’s Canelo Alvarez in highly controversial fashion over the course of two bouts during the past two years. With Canelo reportedly refusing to once again face the man most feel he still hasn’t proven himself against, Golovkin is currently set to face Sergey Derevyanchenko for the IBF middleweight title on October 5th at Madison Square Garden.

“My promotion company and I are happy to partner up with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom,” said Golovkin in a press release, “to bring the fans what they want – the best boxing and the best events. By teaming up with Matchroom, we stress that GGG Promotions is committed to presenting the biggest events in the most important arenas. I’m always happy to work with the best in business, and I’m looking forward to what this collaboration will bring to the boxing fans.”

Hearn was equally effusive.

“It’s an absolute honor to be involved with Gennady Golovkin’s career moving forward,” he claimed. “I’ve long admired Gennady as a fan and how he conducts his business and we team up at a very exciting moment. Gennady is one of the most recognizable and entertaining fighters on the planet and I can’t wait to get started to work together on the upcoming world title challenge against Derevyanchenko at MSG on October 5.”

Hearn also addressed the fact that a third fight with Canelo is the match most fans would like to see Golovkin engaged in. “We know the world wants to see the Canelo trilogy,” he claimed, “but there are so many opportunities out there for Gennady all over the world and we look forward to working together on them.

First things first is for Gennady to win the title on October 5.

Golovkin has long been promoted by K2 honcho Tom Loeffler. Today’s announcement doesn’t appear to have had a noticeable impact on that relationship (at least of yet), as Loeffler’s Twitter feed is still actively promoting the October 5th bout. Golovkin now joins fellow powerhouses Demetrius Andrade and Billy Joe Saunders as part of Hearn’s lineup in or around the middleweight division. With all three men fighting on DAZN, along with the aforementioned Canelo, it seems logical that a series of matchups will bring clarity to the middleweight division. The chaos of modern boxing, however, unfortunately offers no guarantees.

Posted on 08/22/2019

By: Sean Crose

Canelo Alvaraez may be avoiding him (perhaps out of personal disdain rather than fear), but former middleweight kingpin Gennady Golovkin has a chance to be a major titlist once more, as it’s been announced the Kazakh warrior will be facing Sergey Derevyanchenko for the IBF middleweight crown on October 5th at Madison Square Garden. “Everyone knows that I consider Madison Square Garden as my home away from home,” Golovkin says, “and there is nothing better than fighting there again. It is old school.” Although the 13-1 Derevyanchenko isn’t as well regarded as Canelo, who the 39-1-1 Golovkin fought in two highly controversial bouts, Derevyanchenko isn’t seen as an opponent to be regarded lightly, either.

“On October 5,” Golovkin says, “it’s going to be a good fight. Every time I enter the ring I try to give my fans the fight they want to see, the show they deserve. This will be such a fight. We will bring back Big Drama Show to the ring of The Garden and to DAZN (which will be airing the broadcast live). Don’t miss it. You will see everything you love in the sport of boxing. See you in New York.” Although Golovkin, who recently signed with DAZN for a ton of money, was expected to face Canelo on the streaming service, Canelo, who most feel has yet to convincingly best Golovkin, has apparently shown little interest in giving the fighter known as GGG another chance (the judges ruled their first fight a draw, and the second a Canelo win). Although Canelo-GGG III would unquestionably be lucrative, the bad blood between Canelo and Golovkin is apparently so intense that Canleo (at least for the time being) would rather forfeit millions rather than face Golovkin again. All of which leaves Derevyanchenko, who was originally supposed to face Canelo, in a position to best the feared Golovkin.

“I’m very excited that my team has secured another opportunity for me to fight for the Middleweight championship of the world,” Derevyanchenko says. “I have a great deal of respect for ‘GGG’ and am looking forward to proving in the ring that I will be up to challenge and fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a World champion.” Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, who is promoting the October 5th throwdown, is eager to showcase the fact Golovkin-Derevyanchenko is a high quality matchup.

“They call it the Big Drama Show,” he says, “and that’s exactly what the fans will enjoy at MSG on October 5, live on DAZN.” Hearn is also quick to bring up the fact that the fight has the makings of a high octane affair. “Gennady has a chance to regain his World Middleweight crown and Sergey will bring the fire – the styles should gel brilliantly for a brutal battle. We look forward to a fantastic event with a stacked card at the iconic Mecca of boxing.”

Golovkin last fought in June, where he predictably destroyed Steve Rolls at the Garden. Derevyancheno last fought in April, when he bested Jack Culcay by unanimous decision in Minneapolis. He previously fought for the IBF middleweight crown against Daniel Jacobs last October, where he ended up losing by split decision on the judge’s cards.