by Kirk Jackson
Gennady Golovkin 33-0 (30 KO’s) is thought of by many, as boxing’s current Boogeyman.
Terrorizing the middleweight division with ravaging punching power, demolishing all that lay in his path, some fighters are reluctant to face Golovkin.
Golovkin reigns as the consensus king of the middleweight division with many fighters in the middleweight division and junior middleweight division supposedly fearful of facing his power.
It may actually seem strange to think there would be an opponent Golovkin isn’t too keen on fighting.
Enter Andre Ward 28-0 (15 KO’s).
Ward in recent times, actually dating back to last year, has called out Golovkin and stated he would be willing to fight boxing’s boogeyman.
For the hardcore boxing fan, this is a sensational match-up, pitting two decorated fighters with extensive amateur backgrounds (both fighters Olympic Medalists) and two fighters’ thus far, possessing prestige and status as undefeated, elite world champions.
Golovkin’s trainer Abel Sanchez however has other plans. As reported by BoxingScene.com, Sanchez was quoted as saying, “[Ward] is not relevant.”
Golovkin’s promoter Tom Loeffler echoed the same sentiment, seemingly dodging the possibly of matching his prized fighter against Ward.
As reported by BoxingScene.com, Loeffler said, “Ward-Golovkin is not a realistic fight at this point.”
“It just doesn’t make sense to fight Andre because he’s not that relevant. There’s no guarantee Golovkin fights at 168.”
Maybe Sanchez and Loeffler are correct. Maybe Ward isn’t relevant enough for the likes of Golovkin.
Ward is only the reigning super middleweight champion of the world, winner of the “Super Six” super middleweight tournament and undefeated as a professional fighter.
Surely guys such as Willie Monroe Jr. and Martin Murray were more relevant fighters right?
I’m certain Golovkin’s next opponent David Lemieux, is a much more popular figure and much more relevant than Ward right?
Honest and accurate assessment from middleweight contender Gabriel Rosado courtesy of FightHype.com.
Instead of a showdown with Ward, Team Golovkin is eying the winner of Miguel Cotto vs. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. It’s a big money fight, who can blame them?
Just like Team Golovkin desperately wants to fight Floyd Mayweather, because of the financial implications. Nothing wrong with that.
With the Ward situation, it seems Gennady’s team is weighing out the risk vs. reward factor.
The lack of criticism for pursuing riches (Cotto/Canelo/Mayeather) rather than the most challenging opponent (Ward) is convenient.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnfUExzL79g
When you’re an “Exciting fighter,” certain blemishes can be forgiven or overlooked.
It’s fair to say Golovkin has faced limited opposition. Lost in the mix of it is the “Excitement Factor,” which is subjective.
Although his recent string of knockouts and overall punching power is amazing, the list of competition leaves much to be desired.
When you’re 33 years-old, a nine year veteran in the professional ranks and the most decorated and arguably best opponent faced thus far is Daniel Geale, that’s a problem.
Especially if Golovkin is being heralded as one of boxing’s biggest stars and is thought of as a top five or top ten fighter across various pound for pound lists.
With all of the criticism Danny Garcia faces, he virtually cleaned out the junior welterweight division and recently moved up to welterweight in search of bigger fights.
Yet he can’t even crack the top ten pound for pound list, at least according to Ring Magazine.
Despite the depth of his resume, because he appears to be out of favor with some boxing audiences his true value as a fighter and what he has accomplished thus far is undervalued.
Golovkin’s next fight will be against the newly crowned IBF middleweight champion David Lemieux in a unification match.
This is a match that will be Golovkin’s biggest test up to date and if triumphant, aims to face the winner of Cotto-Alvarez. With all indications of Golovkin-Ward being placed on the back burner; remember risk vs. reward.
Many media outlets and various fans have dubbed Golovkin as “The most feared man” in boxing. Is it fair to say his handlers are fearful of what may happen if he ever fights Andre Ward?