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GENNADY GOLOVKIN 27-0 (24 ko’s) vs CURTIS STEVENS 25-3 (18 ko’s) November 2nd, HBO, Madison Square Garden by Ricky Ray Taylor |
| Gannady “GGG” Golovkin is the hottest boxer on the planet at the moment. Since his first fight in May of ’06, of the 27 oppoenent’s he’s faced, only 3 have made it to the final bell. As an amateur, Golovkin racked up tons of valuable experience by winning the World Championships twice and earning a Silver Medal in the ’04 Olympics. Last June, Golovkin put the brakes on two-time world title challenger MATTHEW MAKLIN (29-4) at Foxwoods. Going into the fight there were questions as to whether or not GGG was ready for such an experienced contender as Macklin. Yet, from the outset it became clear who was in control. Golovkin took control from the opening bell, walking down Macklin with accurate power shots from each hand. Finally, a picture-perfect left hook to the body crumbled Macklin into fetal-position on the ropes a little over a minute into round 3. Golovkin (through an interpreter) glared into the camera’s afterwards and said, “My perfect position for body shots is what did it for me. I want to fight SERGIO MARTINEZ next. I felt great in the ring. This was such an easy fight for me and I want to fight again soon. Any top fighter, any champion, any belt holder, anywhere.”“hmm”, I say.
Golovkin ain’t lying. Evidently, he’s willing to climb into the backyard of NABF Middleweight Champion “Showtime” Curtis Stevens (unfortunately this fight will be aired live on HBO, not Showtime) to try and remove his NABF belt from him. Regardless, Stevens has been nothing short of spectacular since losing a 12 round decision (in the IBF title-eliminator bout) to JESSE BRINKLEY 3 1/2 years ago. 3 of Showtime’s last 4 opponents have been KO’d in the 1st round. The combined record of those 3 opponent’s is an astounding 74-19. Chatting with Steven’s a few days ago, he said that he feels like “swimming” has been the catalyst to his recent victories. I say hey, there could be a variety of trigger’s to make things work for fighter’s who continuously hit brick walls (like Stevens has). The secret is finding the trigger that works best and to continue firing it. At the moment, Curtis Stevens thinks he’s found it. (my brief with Curtis Stevens: http://youtu.be/ImB5NaOuuzM)
At the end of the day, neither of these fighters have stared across the ring at someone with equal or more talent than they have themselves. This will be a first for them both. -RICKY RAY TAYLOR- “Preach the Gospel at all times, use words when necessary”
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