Gennadiy Golovkin’s recent remarks about his interest in returning to the ring have many fans looking forward to seeing the former unified middleweight champion in action.
If Golovkin (42-2-1, 37 KOs) does come back, there are several marketable fights that fans would enjoy seeing, starting with Terence Crawford. That’s a fight that people would want to see. With Golovkin’s ability to stalk his opponents, he would force Crawford to fight him if he chose to use his run-oriented style to win a decision.
Why Golovkin Beats Crawford
- GGG’s devastating power
- Superior jab
- Relentless pressure and stamina
- Experience and size
The Blueprint to Beat Bud
We already witnessed how Golovkin would deal with a runner when he knocked out former welterweight champion Kell Brook in the fifth round in September 2016. Brook tried staying on the move, hoping to use a hit-and-run style to get a victory.
Gennadiy wasn’t having it, as he repeatedly cut off the avenues of retreat, forcing Kell into exchanges and battering him. By the fifth round, Brook’s right eye socket was broken, his legs gone, and he was forced to stand and trade with Golovkin. The end came quickly, as Kell was overwhelmed with punches from Gennady, forcing his trainer to throw in the towel.
So, this was essentially a rehearsal for how Golovkin would deal with Crawford if he chooses to run against him, as he’d gone all night against Canelo Alvarez in their ‘Fight of the Century,’ which failed to live up to expectations.
A More Dangerous Foe for Crawford
GGG’s power and relentlessness would make him a dangerous foe for Bud. He would be an upgrade from the abysmal performance Canelo turned in against Crawford last week. There was no fire in the belly of Alvarez. It looked extinguished by age and too many wars against the Kazakhstan knockout artist.
Now 43, Golovkin still appears young for his age and likely still possesses the same power he displayed in the past. The punching power that GGG still possessed in his last fight in 2022 could be more than enough for him to defeat Terence Crawford or what’s left of the 35-year-old Canelo Alvarez if they were to fight.
Golvokin scored a ninth-round knockout win three years ago against Ryota Murata on April 9, 2022. Although GGG lost five months later against Canelo in September, the pace of the fight resembled an exhibition between old friends rather than a serious one.
“Yes, Why Not?” Comeback Talk
The shots that Golovkin landed in that fight would likely be too much for Crawford or what’s left of Canelo. What’s interesting is that Canelo is now the same age, 35, that GGG was when he first fought Canelo. Golovkin was still in the zenith of his career at that age, whereas Alvarez looks faded beyond belief. It’s weird how different fighters wear out at various levels.
GGG recently told BoxingScene, “Yes, why not?” when asked about a comeback.