Gennady "GGG" Golovkin doesn't have the mainstream recognition of Floyd Mayweather Jr., but to hardcore boxing fans Golovkin is the top draw in the sport right now. Golovkin has knocked out 19 straight opponents, and appears to be on the cusp of finally getting the big fight that makes him a star.
First, though, he must defeat a crafty southpaw named Willie Monroe Jr. Few people, even boxing diehards, are familiar with him but Golovkin's trainer Abel Sanchez believes he's one of the three best opponents Golovkin has faced.
"I think as far as skills and as far as ability in the ring, he's got to be in the top three, and maybe the top two," Sanchez said.
"Experience, maybe not quite as experienced as the other guys, but Willie has proven in bigger fights, the Boxcino Tournament for instance, that he can handle himself in the ring, so he's up there, like I said, one, two, or three. A very, very, very good fighter."
Golovkin has handled superior competition well lately. Daniel Geale was supposed to be his most difficult test as a former champion, but Golovkin knocked him out in three rounds. Marco Antonio Rubio had never been stopped, but Golovkin KO'd him in Round 2. Then Martin Murray entered a fight with questionable losses on his resume-he could have easily been undefeated-but even he couldn't withstand Golovkin's power.
What Monroe possesses is defensive chops, and an awkward, left-handed style. Golovkin's previous opponents haven't been as focused as Monroe on hitting without being hit, so his ability to cut off the ring will be put to the test. Golovkin said he's excited to experience this awkward fighter.
"I want to fight a southpaw because I want to show everybody that I can beat any style, it doesn't matter," Golovkin said.
"Anybody, strong guy, tall guy, short guy, just anybody. I'm very anxious. This is a big test for me. I remember a lot of fighters, like Canelo, Cotto, and a lot of great champions have have problems with southpaws. So why not test myself."
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