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Matthew Macklin’s dream of winning the WBA and IBO Middleweight Titles on Saturday night came to an end when the Birmingham man suffered a third round knockdown at the hands of champion – Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin of Kazakhstan.
Golovkin came out of his corner looking like he ‘meant business’ – forcing Macklin on the back-foot while he dominated from centre of ring.
In the closing seconds of the first round – Golvkin’s right glove connected hard on the challenger’s nose and Macklin stumbled back against the ropes. He remained upright and the bell signalled the end of the opening frame.
Macklin is pressured again by Golovkin in the opening half minute of round two and can’t seem to escape the Champion’s accurate punching and there is already a cut to the left brow.
As instructed by trainer Buddy McGirt, Macklin starts round three – moving to the right, away from Golovkin’s right glove. He slips in the corner (slightly) and gestures that the canvas is wet.
He nips in with a neat little left to the face of the Champion before being pressured back momentarily on the ropes. Both men release a wild shot, then moments later Macklin lies crumpled in agony on the canvas.
Golovkin had crushed Macklin with a wicked left to the body while Macklin was backed on the ropes. Macklin’s face said it all – clearly distressed, he lay bent double on the canvas for more than a couple of minutes as Golovkin’s Team celebrated.
The much anticipated Championship bout at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, aired on HBO’s Boxing After Dark triple-header.
