It's strange and unfortunate that one of the best fighters in the world is set to defend his titles but the fight won't be aired in the United States. WBA and IBO middleweight champion Gennady "GGG" Golovkin (28-0, 25 KO) will take on 33-year-old Ghanaian Osumanu "Machine Gun" Adama (22-3, 16 KO) in Monte Carlo on Saturday.
American boxing fans will have to wait to hear the results or follow the action from an on-site reporter who is tweeting the events real time.
If you're in Australia, Deutschland, Hungary or France, you're in luck. Those four countries will have access to the broadcast via pay-per-view.
What's the big deal surrounding GGG?
The 31-year-old has mauled all of his competition as a professional. His name has been mentioned as a potential opponent for almost every fighter considered to be among the sport's elite.
The challenger isn't as celebrated or even as hot a name, but he is an experienced fighter who already had an opportunity to fight for a world title. Adama lost a unanimous decision to then IBF champion Daniel Geale in March 2012.
It'd be nice to say this bout figures to be competitive, but that may be stretching the truth. Still, it is a chance to see one of the best in the sport in action.
For those fortunate enough to have the option to order the fight, here's how you can watch.
When: Saturday, Feb. 1 at noon EST
Where: Salle des Etoiles, Monte Carlo, Monaco
TV: Main Event PPV (AUS), SAT1 (DEU), Sport1 (HUN), Ma Chaine Sport (FRA)
The Book on Golovkin
If you were to make a list of the most intimidating champions in any weight class in boxing, Golovkin would probably be at the top of it.
The crusher from Kazakhstan has knocked out 89.25 percent of his opponents in his career. His attack features a punishing assault on the body, an underrated jab and overall heavy hands. And with every fight he has, his footwork seems to get better as well.
He's yet to face a boxer with enough lateral movement and hand speed to truly test him, though. Until now, Golovkin has shown the ability to cut off the ring and wear down his opponents. But one has to wonder how he'd perform against an agile and skilled boxer such as super middleweight kingpin Andre Ward.
Ward says he's ready for Golovkin, but he's not sure the feeling is mutual. Ward told Bill Emes of Boxing Scene:
I don't really know how to feel about that fight. From a business standpoint of course we can do it. If he continues to win, and if I continue to win, a year from now it's a bigger fight. I have no problem with that, but what I do have a problem with is when you build your reputation as being this fearless guy from 160 to 175, but then backtrack and say 'oh it's about the business and we're going to wait.
I just don't understand that, it doesn't add up. And his promoter saying that he's a bigger star...I'm just scratching my head about that stuff. It is what it is. I'm not chasing anybody. I think I've earned the right to fight the biggest and the best fights and that's what we're in the process of doing.
With no disrespect intended toward Adama, that is the type of opponent the world wants to see in the ring with Golovkin. You can bet a fight with Ward wouldn't be blacked out in the United States.
If Golovkin does what most expect him to do against Adama, perhaps we will have moved one step closer to seeing him in a battle with Ward.
The Book on Adama
Adama shouldn't be overwhelmed by the moment on Saturday. He was competitive with Geale and was taking on the champion in his hometown. Against Golovkin, he will be in the ring with a fighter who has more power and is far more aggressive.
At 33 years old, this could be Adama's last chance at a world title. He'd probably like it to come against a less dominant champion, but he must seize the opportunity.
In the end, he has no pressure, as almost no one gives him a chance to go the distance—let alone win the fight. Despite the odds stacked against him, Adama sounds confident in this interview with Garnek Sports:
Prediction
This fight will be over quickly. Adama isn't an especially smooth athlete. He won't be able to avoid Golovkin's assault, and it's quite possible he's never faced a puncher as strong as the champion.
Golovkin is still proving he belongs in the same breath as Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Ward. He won't get many points for stopping Adama, but he'll demolish him all the same. Look for this to end in a third-round TKO.
Follow me. I'm addicted to the Sweet Science.
Read more Boxing news on BleacherReport.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment