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Golovkin v Murray - Preview and Videos
Looking forward to this one
On 21st February 2014 at the plush Salles des Etoiles, Monte Carlo, fans and boxing hacks alike get to ask the same set of questions that has followed the build-up of every Gennady Golovkin fight since Grzegorz Proska in 2012; is there a fighter out there right now more feared than Golovkin? More touted than Golovkin? More of a jukebox of catchy yet confused idioms as Golovkin?
It’s completely understandable why the boxing media have taken to Golovkin; he’s a baby-faced assassin that speaks passable English and obliterates opponents with savage power masked as politeness. And he’s a nice guy. What more can you ask for?
The answer to that question and the first that is usually asked by those not entirely convinced by the Kazakh is “Who has he fought, really? He doesn’t have a legitimate, world-class name on this résumé.” That may be a fair point of criticism but who are we kidding? The politics of boxing today are such that shifting power bases and alliances means everyone is focused on self-interest rather than the betterment of the sport and pleasing the fanbase. Golovkin, Tom Loeffler and the rest of the roster at K2 are closer to neutral territory than Golden Boy and Top Rank and (in this writer’s humble opinion) outside the poisonous grip of Al Haymon. Despite all of this, Golovkin still hasn’t managed to bag a marquee name and this fight is another stepping stone to that eventual goal.
And that’s not to take anything away from Martin Murray. The St. Helens, UK native is a durable opponent, where one could argue he was robbed against Sergio Martinez (in Martinez’s own backyard) and Felix Sturm (again, in Sturm’s own backyard). Despite only recording 12 KOs in 29 wins, he’s a solid puncher and although may not trouble Golovkin in that area, may prove to be closer to Osumanu Adama and Curtis Stevens, rather than Daniel Geale. That is, someone who could take Golovkin closer to the middle and late rounds by being stubborn and workmanlike rather than trying to trade blows or out-manoeuvre Golovkin’s suffocating pressure.
It’s also telling that Golovkin has stated to ESPN that he “needs a decision fight.” Does he? I’m not sure if this is a ploy to catch the ears of potential opponents or to communicate to the fans and media that this is a closer fight than most think in order to boost its profile. Whatever the case, it signals a slight shift in tone; before it was all about KO stats and records, now its decisions and rounds in the bank. Personally, I think it’s wise as he can’t continue to scare off opposition at this rate whilst being unable to offer suitable financial compensation (or a team of medics).
But for Murray, this is another bite at the cherry and he’s got enough fight in him to put on a great show. He’s been consistently proving himself at an international level, even if it is just short of the elite class. So if Adama and Stevens both got a shot, why not him? He has a better record than both although not as many KOs as Stevens (Stevens has clocked up 20 to Murray’s 12) so on paper, the argument could be made that he’s a touch above those guys.
So what lies in store in Monaco?
Murray will need to feed off the crowd’s energy, but it won’t be there.
And that’s not because the fans that will travel to see him won’t be in good voice. It will be because a fight between sips of vintage Chateaux Margaux is wildly opulent and the shouts of encouragement will be absorbed gracefully by the velvet upholstery. But such is the Salles des Etoiles, where boxing form is perhaps not as deeply scrutinized as the menu. So if this wasn’t already an uphill battle for Murray, he will have to focus in what will be unfamiliar surroundings for most boxers. Partisan chants and abuse is one thing, but the clinking of wine glasses and silver cutlery? Golovkin will be comfortable as he’s been here before, so it will immediately play to his advantage and it will be up to the St. Helens faithful to provide as much support as possible for their man.
Golovkin will need to decide early whether to go for the KO.
All the talk is well and good but when the two fighters step into the ring, each will have to quickly assess how their pre-fight plan stacks up against the real thing. In Golovkin’s case, he will have to feel Murray out quickly and decide whether or not to end it early or bank in some rounds, which have been hard to come by. In my opinion, Murray will be more stubborn and so going for the KO early may not be a good idea but as Golovkin showed against Daniel Geale, the right punch may be enough to end the night early.
Murray on the other hand, will have to show that he’s not going to be just a spectator and highlight reel material for the Kazakh destroyer. I believe Murray will be preparing for a long night, to absorb lots of punishment and prove that he can be a factor at the elite level. So it may all be one-way traffic, but if Murray can find a way to push back, stay off the ropes and maintain the fight in the center of the ring, he may go as far as or further than GGG’s previous victims.
Prediction
I’m hopeful that this is a more action packed fight and that Murray can hold his own against Golovkin. I see the same pattern that follows most of Golovkin’s fights in the early rounds; the constant pressure and strong jab set the tone, at which point we will see if Murray can withstand it or crumble. I feel that as it goes into the middle rounds, Murray will find his way back a bit and even catch Golovkin, who despite his monstrous power remains a hittable target. But past this, the accumulation of punishment will take its toll on Murray and his corner may pull him out or the referee may have to step in.
Golovkin to win via TKO (Round 9-10)
Bet on Red: Golovkin vs. Murray Preview - Boxing.com
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Originally Posted by smashup
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