Gennady G. Golovkin has been arguably, one of the best stories fight fans have had the opportunity to watch evolve over the past three years. A male friendly bravado and a female friendly smile have only enabled the pure star that he is to shine brighter and brighter with each fight. His power, his vintage ‘stalk-til-they-can’t-walk’ aggression, his shot selection; nearly everything about him seems picture perfect. Well, almost. That being said, we have a slight problem.
In two weeks (May 6th), Golovkin will celebrate a full decade in the ring as a professional. Has it occurred to Team Golovkin, or Golvokin himself that during that span he has yet to face one P4P quality opponent to validate the hype surrounding him? To take it a step further, of the 3 straps around his waist, only one came from an actual victory over a standing Champion (Lemieux)? HBO has built a legacy on being the premiere netword of the sport, showcasing more legendary talent than any other network in the business. Due to a fragile relationship with key promoters and certain talents in the sport, that reputation is at jeopardy. Sadly, so is the reputation of the fighter they now boast the most in this vastly changing era of the sport.
In September of 2012, trainer Abel Sanchez declared that Golovkin was “putting everyone from 154 to 168 on notice”. That same year and the year to follow, Abel Sanchez gave year ending interviews with major Boxing publications citing “next year is gonna be a big/huge year for Golvokin”. Mid way through 2016 we’re still waiting for that “big night”, and we’re begging to get it from an Olympic Silver Medalist, age 34, with 35 victories and 32 knockouts. Hard to believe when we hear the praise associated with his name. Are we waiting until you can say that he was “older and no longer the same talent” to soften the blow of defeat? I couldn’t co-sign that possibility when I realize you’re comparing him to a man who has performed at a high level through the age of 50 (Hopkins).
When asked why you’ve remained in the Middleweight division, Team Golovkin collectively responded in saying “we’d like to clean out the division”. When faced with criticism for being there, Team Golovkin collectively responded in saying “there’s no one to face in the division”. If there’s “no one to face in the division”, what exactly are you trying to “clean out”? Please respect the fact that fight fans on both the critical, and non-critical side of this argument love Golovkin as a talent the same. The issue for the critical contingent lies in the fact that we, as hardcore fans and media of the sport have witnessed the likes of other fighters with far less sparkle take greater risk while receiving far less acclaim.
Adrien Broner is no where near the talent of Gennady G. Golovkin; however, without prompt or pause, he took it upon himself to take the challenge of going up in weight to test himself. It didn’t work out, but he took the challenge. Prior to his career ending injury, Paul Williams went through 3 weight divisions without prompt or pause and took on Antonio Margarito, Erislandy Lara, Sergio Martinez, and Winky Wright during a 4 year span. He never received half the network/promotional push, or fan appreciation. You know why? Because he didn’t have what Golovkin has. Which is perennial power (in the ring), and the support of his network to back him up outside of it.
Every legendary fighter in the history of the sport has taken this next step to achieve greatness. Manny Pacquiao was the last legendary name to serve as the flagship talent of HBO. Small in stature, with HUGE shoes to fill. Golovkin now has the spotlight and the opportunity, not to mention the talent to take that mantle. Our open request is that you allow him to do so, without prompt or pause. Remove the training wheels and let go of the handle bar. He’s headed in the direction of greatness. Let us see, once and for all if he can reach that grand altitude. So far, we believe he can. But what we believe doesn’t parallel what he has achieved. As we say in the U.S. Marine Corp: Let him “lead…follow…or get the hell out of the way”! But the time has come to do one. Step up….or step off.
Respectfully Presented,
Vivek “Vito” Wallace (And millions of fight fans worldwide)
(Vivek “Vito” Wallace can be reached at 754.307.7747, wallace@boxing247.com, and Facebook. He can also be heard on LeftHook Lounge Radio)