Gennady Golovkin meets Martin Murray in a place very familiar to each with Golovkin’s middleweight titles on the line. Most of the debate stateside for the outcome of this bout is not about who will win but how long Martin Murray can last. The majority of experts feel Murray doesn’t have the right style or enough power to keep Triple G off of him. Many believe at some point Martin’s pipes will burst under Gennady’s constant pressure.
This fight will mark the third time Martin will have challenge for a world title, the first coming in a draw to former 160 pound champ Felix Sturm. The second came against the lineal middleweight champion at the time, Sergio Martinez. Both contests were razor close decisions that could have gone Murray’s way had he not be the road fighter in the champions home country. Monte Carlo isn’t a home affair for Martin it is however somewhere he’s comfortable with and could help him if this fight goes the distance.
Gennady Golovkin’s last few fights were suppose to be measuring sticks to see how he would fair against world class middleweights. Darren Barker and Daniel Geale entered the ring with durability and both left before the bell rang for the start of the fourth round. In his last fight, Gennady was hit flush yet still managed to walk thru Marco Rubio’s power shot to deliver a knockout blow. So does Murray have what it takes to last the full 12 rounds or maybe even pull off this upset?
The short answer is yes. Murray does have underrated boxing skills that he will need to utilize fully in order to secure this victory. To start with Murray does have a tight guard to help protect clean shot from landing fully. Much like “The Machine” Lucas Matthysse, Gennady has been able to hurt his opponent with a punch that was partially blocked. A testament to how truly heavy-handed those two fighters are.
A good guard is nice and all but he can’t fall in to his bad habit of putting ear muffs on for long periods of time. Sitting on the ropes covered up will be a death wish for Murray. Murray isn’t fast per say but I wouldn’t call him slow either. His feet could be the difference and distance will no doubt play a crucial part on both offense and defense. Martin does have a decent jab and if used properly it will open up other options and angles.
Martin does use subtle movement and will need it throughout the fight. If he can get his punches off and then circle GGG, he may be able to cause some frustration. Combo punch, move, and reset should be the game plan to stay off the ropes and keep Gennady guessing offensively.
Some other weapons on Murray’s tool belt, a left hook to the body and a good uppercut he likes to use on the inside. If he does spend time on the inside it’s best he lands something and clinch. Activity will be another key to make up for his lack of punching power. Scoring points is a great way to distance yourself in a tight round.
Golovkin will take a round or two adjusting to Martins movements. After that it will be the same search and destroy from Triple G. Patients, distance, and one-punch power separates Gennady from your average come forward fighter.
Something that stands out to me in Martins two title fights was how he didn’t close the show. In both fights he clearly ran out of gas and with GGG’s break-neck pressure I do wonder how much will be left in the tank should Murray make it to the championship rounds.
His camp has detailed how Martin will be in much better shape compared to his normal camps in the past. Everything from a new Gluten-free diet to the focus he will have from a camp in South Africa as opposed to possible distractions in his hometown. Those improvements will make a difference sure, but will it change his defense and power punching issues no.
I do see this fight lasting at least until the 8th or 9th round based off Murray’s skill, heart, and experience in big fights. The biggest difference will be the style clash. Although this fight will give us some two-way action and plenty of entertainment, I just don’t see Martin Murray having enough savvy to pull an upset. Barring a badly cut eye, the GGG train will stay on the tracks in search of a big name.
My official prediction is Gennady Golovkin by late stoppage or unanimous decision.
Written By Chris Carlson
Owner & Host of Rope A Dope Radio blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio
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