Australia’s Daniel ‘Real Deal’ Geale is no stranger to championship fights, having claimed multiple titles in a career that has seen him amass a record of 30-2, 16 KO’s. On Saturday July 26th, at the Madison Square Garden, Geale faces the toughest test of his career as he battles for the IBO and WBA titles against the man who most consider to be the best middleweight on the planet, Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin (29-0, 26 KO’s).
While Geale might be relatively unknown to some American boxing fans, he is arguably the most experienced and toughest test for Golovkin, and poses a serious threat to the unbeaten champ. Unlike previous foes of Golovkin, Geale has been at this stage before and won’t be overwhelmed by the occasion. “The pressure’s not on me. I’m going to go out and win the fight my way. The pressure is on Golovkin.” stated Daniel Geale during a fighter meeting one day prior to the bout.
One interesting aspect of this fight is the fact that both fighters have met each other in the ring before, in the amateurs, back in 2001. During an interview with Robert Brown, Geale said, “I had some experience with him in the amateurs as well. He is a tough fighter and very powerful puncher as well, but I think he has opponents in the past that have been picked pretty well for him.” Although their second meeting is over a decade removed from when they first encountered one another, it will be interesting seeing how they size each other up now that they are both seasoned professionals.
Gennady Golovkin is currently an 11-1 favorite to defeat the Australian veteran, but Geale has proven to be durable — his two lone defeats coming by way of split decision — and has faced quality opposition, having been in the ring with the likes of Felix Sturm, Darren Barker and Anthony Mundine.
The world may not be giving Daniel Geale a good shot against Golovkin, but he certainly has the tools to make this fight difficult and even possibly pull off an upset. “I think his weakness is his confidence…He has that huge amount of confidence. I’m going to break it and do my thing.” Geale told the HBO analyst crew.
It remains to be seen if Geale will be the fighter to truly test Golovkin, but compared to the opposition that ‘GGG’ has faced in his reign as IBO/WBA middleweight champion, Daniel Geale is his biggest challenge and with so many people already looking at a potential Golovkin vs. Cotto bout, it would certainly be a mistake to overlook the battle tested and proven former champion from down under.
********************************************************************************************
Watch Daniel Geale face off with IBO/WBA Middleweight champ, Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin this Saturday night on HBO World Championship Boxing.
Geale has been nothing but respectful. For his sake I hope he shows up and highlights why he is a top contender, but I don’t think he has the chin to handle Golovkin’s power.
GGG too good.
Geale is going down!!
What happened Mr Geal?