Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (36-0, 33 KOs) is widely recognized as one of the greatest talents in the entire boxing world. On the other hand, he is also largely regarded as the most untested elite talents in the sport. During his reign of utter dominance, Golovkin has had trouble securing meaningful fights with worthwhile opponents. 2016 was an especially disappointing year for Golovkin. He fought just two times beating unknown mandatory challenger Dominic Wade in April, and defeating career welterweight titlist Kell Brook in September. Neither fight was particularly intriguing, and both turned out to be mismatches as expected.
With recent news that Golovkin is signed to face Danny Jacobs (32-1, 29 KOs) on March 18 at Madison Square Garden, 2017 is already looking to be a better year for Golovkin than was the case in 2016. A fight against Jacobs is a far more meaningful bout than either of Golovkin’s 2016 mismatches against inferior opposition. Jacobs is a solid opponent for Golovkin, and arguably represents his toughest challenge currently in the unimpressive 160 pound land scape.
Golovkin is still hoping to land a fight with superstar Canelo Alvarez, who poses little risk to Golovkin, but would almost assuredly provide him with a career high payday. A fight against Canelo represents a win-win situation for the aging Golovkin. It also provides him with the potential to raise his own star power if he could impressively dispatch of the Mexican boxer who is proven as one of the biggest draws in boxing. Most industry experts feel that Golovkin is too big, too skilled, and too talented for the younger Canelo, who to date has seemed reluctant about the prospects of rushing into a matchup against Gennady Golovkin.
If Golovkin can impressively defeat Jacobs, and if the fight between Golovkin and Jacobs is a financial success – it is, after all, a bout that will be featured on HBO Pay Per View – then perhaps Alvarez might become more apt to taking the risk of facing a powerhouse middleweight like Golovkin. On the other hand, perhaps it would make him even more reluctant to do so. This edition of Rummy’s Corner attempts to provide a brief preview into the interesting bout between Golovkin and Jacobs – a bout that is arguably the best that can be made in the entire division at this time. Please watch and enjoy the video.
