By Andy Clark
Gennady Golovkin’s spectacular KO percentage, the best in Middleweight history, just keeps on climbing. The majority perceived Matthew Macklin to be Golovkin’s biggest test to date, as Macklin had previously dropped Sergio Martinez & lost a close split decision to Felix Sturm. The only question mark over Golovkin was criticism from some, that he’s only fought Light-Middleweights or second tier Middleweights. Golovkin was to prove all the doubters wrong with a comprehensive one-sided KO victory over an outclassed Macklin.
Golovkin looked a class above from the very first round. Out boxing Macklin throughout the round, using superior movement whilst landing the more accurate and hurtful punches. With ten seconds remaining Golovkin caught Macklin with a left hook whilst their feet were tangled, sending Macklin stumbling back against the ropes. Macklin made it to the end of the round but that was just a taster of what was to come.
The second round got off to a flyer as Golovkin landed heavily again, forcing Macklin into full retreat. Macklin managed to see out the second round without taking substantial further punishment but looked to have no answer for Golovkin’s power and accuracy.
Macklin attempted to turn the third round into a wild slugfest and had some early but short lived success, landing a few solid shots to the head of Golovkin. They had no effect on Golovkin, as he forced Macklin back against the ropes and landed a hurtful combination of his own. As Macklin started wildly swinging, Golovkin landed some quality counter punches which had Macklin hanging on again. The end wasn’t far off as Golovkin landed a highlight reel left hook to Macklins liver, which sent Macklin crashing to the canvas in agony and Eddie Cotton waved the fight off. Macklin was unable to make it back to his feet for a few minutes, such was the ferocious power in the punch.
After the fight Golovkin spoke to Max Kellerman of HBO and stated he wanted and is ready for the Sergio Martinez fight. A humble Macklin conceded immediately that Golovkin was “without a shadow of doubt, definitely the best kid I ever fought, definitely.” Gennady Golovkin’s record rises to 27- 0 (24 KO’s) with a staggering 88.88% KO ratio. Matthew Macklin’s record falls to 29-5-0 (20 KO’s).
Watch Golovkin’s brutal KO of Lucian Bute whilst they were in the amateurs HERE.
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