Can IBO and WBA middle middleweight champion, Gennady "GGG" Golovkin, surpass his own legend and become something extraordinary? Can 15-2 underdog, Daniel Geale, enhance his legacy by slaying the middleweight Goliath? On July 26, at the Madison Square Garden, New York, one man will realize his wish real at the expense of the other's. With so much at stake neither man is going to back down-they will have to be made to.
This is not the first time Golovkin and Geale have met in the ring. Golovkin beat Geale 15-3 in an amateur bout at the 2001 East Asian Games in Osaka, Japan. That was a long time ago, but in the amateurs boxing skill is valued over power and Golovkin still won by a large margin. As a professional, Golovkin has an astonishing knockout ratio of almost 90%, while Geale has gone the distance in six of his last seven fights. Golovkin, born in Kazakhstan but now living in Stuttgart, Germany, appears to have equal or superior boxing ability along with a much more devastating punch, while Geale has an edge in speed and quickness. But it is stamina that could decide the fight. Golovkin has shown good endurance thus far, but has yet to be in a high-paced, back and forth fight. Geale’s motor is more than proven, having used his stamina and heart to close the show and win several close victories, including an impressive decision nod over Felix Strum in Germany. Even in his recent split decision loss to Darren Barker, Geale, Mt. Annan , Australia, was barely outworked by an inspired opponent.
The fight will turn out to be a blend of Golovkin's fights with Matthew Macklin and Curtis Stevens. The result will be the same, with Golovkin winning by knockout. Daniel Geale will try to box Golovkin, and stay on the outside. Macklin attempted this strategy but was forced to change his game plan when he first felt Golovkin's power. Instead of becoming even more cautious, Geale will try to earn Golovkin's respect by backing him up. This will cause Golovkin to feel uncomfortable, but without Curtis Steven's power and explosiveness Geale will be forced to play the prey once again. The power jab of Golovkin will be the most significant weapon early in the fight. As the fight ventures into the middle rounds Golovkin will trap Geale on the ropes, landing thudding shots to the body and uppercuts to the head. Geale will try to answer back but his shots will be met with carefully placed counters. He will have to deal with several cuts as the fight goes on, making Geale commit even more to defense. With less return fire coming at him, Golovkin will focus entirely on the attack. Entering the later part of the fight Geale will be dropped with a combination in the middle of the ring. He will rise unsteadily, only to be backed into the corner. After a series of unanswered blows the referee will halt the contest, giving the Golovkin another stoppage win.
This is not the first time Golovkin and Geale have met in the ring. Golovkin beat Geale 15-3 in an amateur bout at the 2001 East Asian Games in Osaka, Japan. That was a long time ago, but in the amateurs boxing skill is valued over power and Golovkin still won by a large margin. As a professional, Golovkin has an astonishing knockout ratio of almost 90%, while Geale has gone the distance in six of his last seven fights. Golovkin, born in Kazakhstan but now living in Stuttgart, Germany, appears to have equal or superior boxing ability along with a much more devastating punch, while Geale has an edge in speed and quickness. But it is stamina that could decide the fight. Golovkin has shown good endurance thus far, but has yet to be in a high-paced, back and forth fight. Geale’s motor is more than proven, having used his stamina and heart to close the show and win several close victories, including an impressive decision nod over Felix Strum in Germany. Even in his recent split decision loss to Darren Barker, Geale, Mt. Annan , Australia, was barely outworked by an inspired opponent.
The fight will turn out to be a blend of Golovkin's fights with Matthew Macklin and Curtis Stevens. The result will be the same, with Golovkin winning by knockout. Daniel Geale will try to box Golovkin, and stay on the outside. Macklin attempted this strategy but was forced to change his game plan when he first felt Golovkin's power. Instead of becoming even more cautious, Geale will try to earn Golovkin's respect by backing him up. This will cause Golovkin to feel uncomfortable, but without Curtis Steven's power and explosiveness Geale will be forced to play the prey once again. The power jab of Golovkin will be the most significant weapon early in the fight. As the fight ventures into the middle rounds Golovkin will trap Geale on the ropes, landing thudding shots to the body and uppercuts to the head. Geale will try to answer back but his shots will be met with carefully placed counters. He will have to deal with several cuts as the fight goes on, making Geale commit even more to defense. With less return fire coming at him, Golovkin will focus entirely on the attack. Entering the later part of the fight Geale will be dropped with a combination in the middle of the ring. He will rise unsteadily, only to be backed into the corner. After a series of unanswered blows the referee will halt the contest, giving the Golovkin another stoppage win.