WBA middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin, who was last seen giving Curtis Stevens an old-fashioned whipping, returns to the ring for the first time in 2014 to face Osamanu Adama (22-3, 16 KOs) at the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco.
Osamano who?
Adama, 33, was born in Ghana and now lives and trains out of Chicago, Illinois. He turned professional in 2001. His resume includes losses to Dyah Davis and Don “Da Bomb” George. Almost two years ago, he traveled to Australia to face defending middleweight champion Daniel Geale. Adama had pockets of success, but still lost by unanimous decision.
Last July he stopped Doel Carrasquillo (17-24-1, 14 KOs) in six rounds.
Adama recognizes that his shot at Golovkin is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to challenge boxing’s best,” said Adama during a press conference last month.
Golovkin, 31, a native of Kazakhstan, who trains out of Big Bear, Calif., fought four times in 2013, scoring all his wins by stoppage. His consecutive knockout streak has reached 15. Prior to halting Stevens, he paralyzed contender Matthew Macklin with a perfect left hook to the liver. Golovkin (28-0, 25 KOs) fought in Monte Carlo as well, starching Nobuhiro Ishida with a perfect right hand.
“I’m very happy to return to Monte Carlo and excited to face Adama,” said Golovkin at the same press conference.
Some have asked why Golovkin hasn't faced a top tier opponent. Many big names have been bandied about, but it appears the risk outweighs the reward. Martin Murray and Geale have talked themselves out of a fight with Golovkin. Sergio Martinez will be in New York this summer facing Miguel Cotto.
Golovkin's fight this Saturday is nothing more than a stay-busy bout. Adama’s sixteen knockouts suggest some power, but not against anyone near the caliber of Golovkin. Adama will use his jab to try and keep the aggressive champion off him. This tactic might work for a few minutes, or until Golovkin warms up.
The thinking here is that the Golovkin motor will be revving by round three.
Golovkin is scheduled to be back in the ring April 26 against an opponent yet to be determined.
Rumors are circulating that junior middleweight James Kirkland is the leading candidate. The heavy-handed but limited Kirkland won't be afraid to mix it up with Golovkin.
