I hope Miguel Cotto, because he’s WBC champion… — GOLOVKIN ON HIS NEXT OPPONENT
WBA middleweight titlist Gennady Golovkin extended his knockout streak to 19 with a patient and brutal beating of Martin Murray yesterday afternoon at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo.
Golovkin had to earn this victory against an opponent that was not intimidated. Murray arguably won two of the first four rounds through a higher output of combination punching and locking Golovkin up in quick clinches. The fight turned with a slashing Golovkin right hook to the body in round four. The shot caught Murray unaware as he tried to turn off the ropes, producing a delayed reaction and knockdown. Another right hand downstairs, with Murray pinned on the ropes, put Murray down again before the bell.
For the remainder of the fight, Murray would have short pockets of success where he’d landed 3-4 punch combinations to the body and right hands upstairs. But due to his lack of KO power, Golovkin would accept these shots without pause for the opportunity to punish Murray with his own short hooks around the guard. Murray had a solid ninth where he outworked Golovkin, but had any hopes of a late rally dashed when he tasted the canvas for a third time via a Golovkin right hook. The referee only needed to see Golovkin land two flush rights in the opening minute of the 11th to call off the fight.
When asked how it felt to reach the 11th round for the first time in his career, Golovkin cited his game plan over Murray’s toughness as the main reason.
“He’s very good fighter,” said Golovkin. “My plan is my plan, doesn’t matter what he’s doing.”
Golovkin is the mandatory challenger for WBC and linear champion Miguel Cotto, who has not fought since defeating Sergio Martinez for the title last June.
“I hope Miguel Cotto, because he’s WBC champion,” Golovkin explained. “I need a unification fight.”
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EVERYONE IS NOT IMPRESSED: Count Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. as one fighter who wasn’t gushing over GGG’s performance. As you’ll remember, the two were close to fighting last year until Chavez refused to sign a contract, citing money issues with his promoter Bob Arum. Considering the amount of body shots Murray landed, it is intriguing to think how GGG would handle hooks like that from a bigger and stronger foe in Chavez.
Without his power he’s not that good of a boxer, I’ll bet you GGG a million dollar of the purse that I’ll knock you out if we fight ..
— Julio Cesar Chavez (@jcchavezjr1) February 22, 2015
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Andre Ward was more subtle in his dismissal, opting for the below alternative to watching Golovkin-Murray.
About to enjoy this good nap💤💤💤💤
— Andre S.O.G. Ward (@andreward) February 21, 2015
FULL FIGHT
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 