Prior to Gennady Golovkin's three-round destruction of Daniel Geale, HBO commentator Max Kellerman remarked that he's constantly asked if there's any other fighter in boxing history who reminds him of the Kazakhstani bomber.
His answer was surprising.
In the past, Golovkin's style has been compared to Hall of Fame inductee Julio Cesar Chavez, Sr.
But Kellerman went back in history to the boxer who dominated his division and held the most prized title in the world for 11 years--the legendary "Brown Bomber," Joe Louis.
This man didn’t lose his belt in the ring; he retired after 25 successful defenses. His career record was a scintillating 66 wins and 3 losses, with 52 knockouts.
Initially, the comparison seemed like nothing more than hyperbole. HBO, the cable channel that sponsors Golovkin is promoting their new number-one-guy like he's a legend in the making.
The cable giant is investing money, with final payoff in pay-per-view buys.
You can’t blame them there.
Golovkin is appealing and, apparently, a quiet family man to boot.
When it’s time to box, he’s the epitome of a true professional. Golovkin has never bad- mouthed his opponents, even when they’ve been critical of him.
He did look puzzled last November when Curtis Stevens held a make-believe funeral on his behalf.
He smiled and nodded and shook his head.
But when the bell rings, everything changes. And this is where the comparison to Louis isn’t as farfetched as one might think.
Golovkin, like Louis before him, can really punch. He’s also blessed with patience.
He stalks his adversary like a hitman doing research. And then, preferably near the ropes, he pounces.
Golovkin has recorded 17 knockouts in a row.
Louis scored seven in a row and 13 out of 14 from 1940 till 1947, but here the comparisons must end.
At this point in his career, Golovkin is a very good fighter. The way he demolished Geale, a former two-champion, was impressive, but he’s got a long way to go before he can even come close to the legacy of Louis.
He also needs to defeat more top-tier fighters.
Speaking of Geale, he spoke glowingly of Golovkin after their fight.
“He’s one of the best fighters in boxing and certainly the biggest puncher in the sport,” said Geale.” I did my best to come out strong but he was the better man tonight.”
No argument there.
Golovkin is the best middleweight in the world.
Before Golovkin and Geale went at it, heavyweights Bryant Jennings and Mike Perez got together.
Jennings and Perez entered the bout undefeated. Jennings is a year older and a hair taller.
Perez has a big edge in experience, having engaged in hundreds of more amateur bouts in his Cuban homeland.
Jennings, who was born in Philadelphia, PA, took up boxing at age twenty-four.
To get to the legendary Madison Square Garden as a fighter after only five years is quite an achievement.
The guy is an athlete.
The Perez-Jennings fight was more tactical then terrific. Perez is built like a linebacker while Jennings resembles a running back. Not that he ran from Perez. He actually did pretty well on the inside.
Perez did nothing at times. He seemed to lack the necessary desire. He looked bored and worried about his conditioning. Is his tragic fight with Magomed Abdusalamov still bothering him?
Jennings was awarded a split decision victory.
A draw would have been better.
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