Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin annihilates Daniel Geale in just 3 rounds. Will Miguel Cotto step up to his challenge?

This past Saturday night at the Madison Square Garden in New York, Rising star, IBO/WBA Middleweight champion Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin (30-0, 27 KO’s) made his return to the ring for the second time in 2014 to face what most considered to be his toughest test to date — former IBO/IBF/WBA middleweight champion, Daniel ‘Real Deal’ Geale (30-3, 16 KO’s).

Geale came in with a wealth of experience, having squared off with many of the top level fighters in the middleweight division, and had never been stopped before as a professional. On his behalf, Gennady Golovkin was riding an impressive 29 fight win streak — having finished his last 16 bouts before the scheduled distance — and had garnered a reputation in the boxing world as being one of the hardest punchers in the sport.

As round 1 started, both fighters were working to establish their jabs. Golovkin took to the center of the ring and was looking to pin the Australian fighter up against the ropes. Geale was staying very mobile, trying to avoid the power shots from Golovkin. A controlled round, as both men were looking to feel each other out. As the round ended, a trickle of blood could be seen coming from the corner of Geale’s right eye which was caused by an accidental headbutt.

‘GGG’ wasted no time coming out to round number 2, as he immediately commenced his attack on Daniel Geale. Early in the round, Gennady got Geale up against the ropes and clubbed him with a right hook slightly behind the head which sent the 33 year old Geale to the canvas. The knockdown did not seem to hinder Geale too much, but the relentless pressure of Golovkin did. ‘Real Deal’ rode out the remainder of the round looking to keep Golovkin at bay, while attempting to land meaningful shots of his own.

Daniel Geale came out with some confidence early in round 3, showing off good defensive skills by avoiding a series of shots from the Kazakhstan native. Unfortunately, the success was short lived, as Golovkin went back to work and unleashed some hard shots when he managed to close the distance.

Golovkin continued to press the pace, and during an exchange, Gennady took a right cross from Geale and countered with a looping right hand of his own which sent the Aussie fighter down to the ground for the second time in the fight. Daniel Geale made it to his feet before the 10 count but he was clearly on unsteady legs, forcing the referee to wave off the fight off at 2:47 of round 3. Gennady Golovkin TKO 3.

In the post fight interview, Golovkin stated that he was ready for anyone in the division, but made special note of one fighter. When asked who he wanted next, he made his choice clear, as he called out reigning Middleweight champion of the world, Miguel Cotto.

Golovkin vs. Cotto would certainly be a PPV attraction, pitting the two best middleweights against each other to end any doubt as to who is the best in the weight class. With Cotto having beaten Sergio Martinez so easily in his last bout, this fight would be very intriguing to see, but with Golovkin looking so devastating with his power, you have to wonder if Cotto will take the risk. Gennady Golovkin again showed why he is one of the most avoided fighters in the sport, but with his star continuing to rise, they might not be able to avoid him much longer.

Photo Source: AFP