Golovkin will not be the King part II

By reveriano893 - 10/17/2015 - Comments

1-GolovkinLemieuxWeighIn_Hoganphotos2By Reveriano: I recently wrote an article arguing that IBO/WBA middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (33-0, 30 KOs) will not be the PPV King. That in fact that title will belong to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

Predictably, I took some very heavy flak. Some of it valid and some of it making no sense. But due to the fact that I have plenty of free time due to the success of my businesses and apparently I have nothing else to do. I have taken the opportunity to respond.

The first and most valid point I saw was that Manny and Floyd Mayweather Jr were not PPV kings when they were 18. This is a valid argument. But I would counter by stating that from the very beginning their respective American focused Promoters were able to muscle them through as large stars. They were able to set him them in heavily watched undercards. While GGG Promotion team had him doing way to many fights in Monaco. His exposure in his early career in the US cannot be compared to that of Manny Pacquiao and Mayweather. Or more importantly to the exposure that Canelo has been enjoying.

The second valid point is that Canelo will take huge flak for avoiding GGG. This is extremely true. But lets remember that the flak will come from “true/well informed” fans. The wait and the huge numbers brought by the Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight showed that the average/casual fan does not care about such things. Living in Houston, I personally saw the shutdown that Canelo vs. Kirkland brought. Which only further reinforced that the casual fan does not know and honestly doesn’t care to know about mismatches and fighters avoiding other fighters. I agree with everyone in this regard and think that Golovkin and Canelo should fight next. But in the real world of boxing business this is not going to happen. And more importantly Canelo can offer the fight to GGG 4-5 years from now. And GGG would have no choice to take it.

YouTube video

The third point is that GGG sold out the stage this weekend. And honestly that is great news. It brings hope that some people are smart enough to see a good fight when there is one. But let’s remember that the ticket prices are quite low. And I never argued that he won’t be a start or do great things. I only argued that he will not be the NO. 1 star. And his PPV numbers in this fight will show that.

My fourth point is the argument against age. I realized that I made a mistake by stating that he was 35 when he is actually 33. But that is still pretty old. Hopkins and Mayweather were able to last so long because there style of fighting was much smarter. And obviously much more boring. Golovkin has maybe two-three good years ahead of him. And then he will start slowing down. If you disagree with me go look at the fight tapes of any fighter and compare them to when they are 35+. This for me is his biggest handicap.

The fifth and final point was the nationalism/personality point I brought up. Golovkin has been having to earn fans the hard way. The Marvelous Marvin Hagler way which is through brute force. But brute force cannot compare with charm and a whole nation backing you. Sugar Ray Leonard showed this to a large degree. But lets take the case of Chavez Jr. In all points he is a fighter that does not deserve to be a PPV. But he and his team know that it does not matter in any shape or form. If he fights the money from millions of poorly informed Mexican fans will pour in. Canelo is a younger and a bit more talented

I am extremely hyped about this fight. But lets be realistic about GGG.



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