https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgv3qHIgrBY
By Michael Montero: Gennady “GGG” Golovkin has remained busy since hitting the boxing scene in the United States in late 2012, averaging a fight every few months. Over that time the Kazakhstan native has delivered nothing but knockouts inside the ring, and a humble “man of the people” demeanor outside of it that has not only made him an HBO darling, but a favorite among diehard fight fans to boot.

However, there is a size-able minority of haters out there, and that community continues to grow as well. And for these folks, there seems to be no double-standard too big to eradicate their hated of the Big Drama Show.

Fresh off his win over Willie Monroe Jr in Los Angeles a couple weeks back, there were GGG haters tweeting away about how the middleweight champion had been “exposed” by the challenger. “If Quillin had landed those punches (that Monroe did), GGG would’ve been KO’d”, tweeted the haters, “if Monroe could hit him, imagine what Cotto would do”. Posts like these seemed to him social media boxing chats almost instantly.

But here’s the thing, Golovkin would not fight Quillin (or Cotto, Canelo, etc) the way he fought Monroe. It was obvious to everybody ringside on Saturday the 16th that after dominating the first two rounds, GGG just wanted to have a little fun in there and entertain the fans. After a few rounds of back and forth, Golovkin came out focused in the 6th and put his opponent down just twenty seconds in. There was no moment over the six rounds against Monroe where the champion looked worried, discouraged, or in the slightest bit of trouble. Yet some would have you believe that Golovkin was lucky to escape with the victory. “He’s overrated”, tweeted the haters, “and the Monroe fight is proof”.

These same critics calling Golovkin “overrated” often complain that he is yet to face an elite opponent. They act as if GGG has been holding the middleweight division hostage for years facing the weakest opposition possible. The truth is that his team has reached out to the top fighters at 160 pounds, but most have been unwilling (Cotto) or contractually unable (Quillin, Jacobs, etc) to sign the contract. K2 Promotions is currently negotiating with Englishman Carl “The Cobra” Froch for a possible super middleweight showdown later this year. If that fight does indeed come off it would be Golovkin’s first big name opponent and his first bout north of the middleweight limit. Would this be enough to silence the critics? Not likely. Froch hasn’t fought in a year and has been on the wall contemplating retirement. Should Golovkin fight and beat him, the haters will be quick to mention those points.

Then there’s the name Andre Ward, whom the haters want Golovkin to fight this very second. They seem to forget that Ward has fought only twice since winning Showtime’s “Super Six” tournament in 2011 (against the above mentioned Froch) and has been removed from the rankings. Furthermore, Ward is slated to make his comeback in June against the unheralded Paul Smith, a fighter coming off two straight losses, at a catchweight of 172 pounds. And lastly, the American – who was once seated at the top of many pound for pound lists – has lost nearly all marketability and brings zero economic muscle to the table. Tom Loeffler of K2 promotions has made it clear that they would move Golovkin up in weight for a one off if the money was right. This is why they’re talking to Froch right now and before him, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr (up until his career recently imploded). Regarding Andre Ward, who may never fight at 168 pounds again, what is the benefit of making that fight right now?

Plenty of middleweight champions of the past have been stuck in this same scenario. Bernard Hopkins and Marvin Hagler before him toiled at 160 pounds against all willing comers for years until finally getting their opportunities to face the big names. For Bhop it was Felix Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya, two careers welterweights. For Hagler it was Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Ray Leonard, all career welterweights. It is so inconceivable that K2 Promotions wants to push the same business model with Gennady Golovkin as the all-time great middleweight champions that preceded him? Would boxing fans rather have a champion sit on the sidelines and not fight as opposed to staying active against B-level opponents until the big names become willing and able to dance? GGG, who recently relocated with his family to Los Angeles, is still in the process of building his brand. The truth is that he is 33 years old and thus won’t have a long reign. That means the big fights will happen, but all in due time. Until then, what’s not to love? Let’s all enjoy the Big Drama Show!

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