This is yet another tough
middleweight fight to predict as Gennady Golovin pits his WBA “ordinary” world
title on the line against European champion Grzegorz Proksa.
Golovkin
is considered by many to be perhaps the best middleweight in the world.
Considering he has yet to make a step up to world level yet, despite holding a
title, and considering this is a division which contains the majestic Argentine
Sergio Martinez that is a very bold statement. It isn’t one I agree with but
one which I am very willing to believe could become the truth.
As an
amateur Golovkin defeated such boxers as Lucian Bute, Andre Dirrell and Andy
Lee and picked up a world championship gold as well as an Olympic silver. It is
credentials like these that make many believe he could become middleweight’s
number one star.
But,
let’s not get ahead of ourselves. As a professional, he has yet to beat a
single notable middleweight contender despite having turned pro in 2006. One
would have to think this is very slow progress for a fighter who entered the
pro ranks with superb amateur pedigree.
His
amateur pedigree is not only what has impressed fans of Golovkin but also his
style. He likes to stalk his opponents down with his orthodox style and then
unleash his power punches when the timing is right. Despite having a near 90%
KO ratio after 23 bouts, he is in no way a limited boxer with just a big punch
to his name. He has the skills as well as the power.
Grzegorz
Proksa doesn’t have anywhere near the sort of amateur pedigree as Golovkin but
as a professional he has also impressed many fans. His exciting style always
makes for interesting bouts such as his two fights with Welsh middleweight
Kerry Hope or his epic 3 round destruction of former IBF champion Sebastian
Sylvester. He can use the jab, he can counter punch and he’s more than happy to
get involved in a war.
Despite
the bookies offering short odds on Gennady Golovkin to win, I think he will have
his work cut out if he is to retain his WBA title in New York.
VERDICT: I have
spoken to a few people who think this might be Proksa’s night to shine. I think
this is more than possible. But, I am picking Golovkin to pull off a points win
after 12 rounds of superb action where both fighters will showcase their
talents to the world.
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