By Daniel Hughes: IBO/WBA middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (30-0, 27 KOs) certainly showed last night against Daniel Geale (30-3, 16ko’s) why he is now widely recognized as the best 160lb fighter on the planet with his dismantling of the durable, experienced ex-champion, Geale.
The Australian challenger for me by a level, the best opponent Golovkin has faced in the pro ranks. Golovkin to many hadn’t faced a real genuine contender yet in the middleweight division, Geale was certainly that.
The Australian ex-world champion had never been stopped previously and being on the end of two split decision losses only in his career, many expected him to certainly pose a test to Golovkin. Geale had two major traits for me that were meant to at least extend some questions of Golovkin and his come forward, exciting style. The first being his constant movement, secondly his ability to slip a punch. Those were the questions that Golovkin certainly answered with aplomb at Madison Square Garden, New York.
The economy of the work displayed by Golovkin was the outstanding aspect of his performance that has been widely overlooked. The power aspect of Golovkin has been well documented, recognized and respected by almost anyone that has a fair opinion of his pro career so far. To get into range, to set up and execute the attacking traps he lays he displays subtle skills to work his way inside as highlighted last night. Geale has always been a high octane opponent for any fighter, good movement and hard to pin down, he wasn’t last night it was due to the high quality work from Golovkin.
Golovkin showed again last night an ability to cut the ring off easily against a slippery opponent and he seems to do it so effortlessly. It almost gives other potential opponents another puzzle to solve when facing such a dangerous, heavy handed opponent in Golovkin. When he gets close he certainly doesn’t waste the opportunities he makes for himself.
Power, timing and a high level boxing brain it will certainly take something special to upset him at this moment in time at middleweight, he looks a class apart. It won’t now be about asking questions of Golovkin, it will more be about who at 160lb could really extend him at this point?
The finish actually coming off the back of Geale’s best punch of the night, connecting with a right that Golovkin exchanged a split second after actually going slightly backwards shows the power he possesses, impressive and a warning shot to future suitors. Geale indicating distress signals before the finish, there was little point trying to go on and he knew it. The interview on HBO last night showed a modest man, aware of his abilities and the type of fights he wants.
No trash talking, asked a question he replied by wanting the fights TV, writers and most importantly what the fans wish to see. The natural call for unification fights or a fight in Cotto’s house Madison Square Garden? The money will have to be right as well for opponents of Golovkin because the brutal economy he shows in the ring, you will want to be well rewarded for.
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