Quote Originally Posted by X View Post
Well, I am getting quite excited about this fight.

It's true that Brooke is not only taking the toughest assignment in boxing today, but also doing it never having fought at the weight before. I understand why GGG is the prohibitive favourite as he has now reached the stage in his career when he becomes a 'crossover' fighter and attains almost mythical status within the sport while still fighting. Floyd was the same, so was Tyson, Leonard, Chavez, Curry and others.

BUT .... I've always rated Brooke as a fighter. He has elements of that very confusing Wincobank style but can also really dig with his punches. Carson Jones apart, which I think was a training aberration, he has never been really pushed in the ring and I don't think we've seen the best of him yet. He has never been outboxed or physically bullied and doesn't know what it's like to lose. He has a proven chin, proven stamina and proven skills.

Undeniably the best welterweight in the world at the moment, I believe he has always been a middleweight starving down to welter. I wouldn't be surprised if he is heavier that GGG when the bell rings. He is more heavyset that Golovkin and (not that it matters) he is more muscle bound and looks like a boxer whereas GGG is gangly and - in today's terms - a small middleweight. People are also not mentioning that GGG is not a young man anymore.

Brooke will be the best opponent that Golovkin has ever fought, fighting at home and without much pressure on him to win.

I do think GGG should be the favourite, and I am a fan of the guy .... but it's possible that Brooke is being underestimated by everyone.

I think the key will be whether Brooke can keep Golovkin respectful of him. Kel will land on GGG, no question about it. If Golovkin finds he can walk through Brooke's offence then it's all over. Conversely, everyone thinks Brooke's only chance is to outbox Golovkin .... 350 amateur fights with great Khazak trainers (his style was that of a back foot counterpuncher at the time)world and Olympic medals etc ... I would love Brooke to really stun GGG and the fight to turn into a boxing match. Casual fans would moan, but I would love to see If GGG can also win with his skills.
Great post. I am gutted because I will be working and probably miss this whole card. Golovkin will engage and I think be quite surprised when Brook walks him on to a few. I don't think the GGG camp are bluffing when they say they say they are not underestimating Brook though and will have prepared the Khazak not to have things all his own way. With cute timing you can tag Golovkin but Brook has to be wary of hanging in that pocket throwing combinations that would slow down a lesser fighter, if he does that then he could be in for an early knee or worse. Can the Ingles pull the leash just enough to keep Brook keen but controlled? Despite all his seeming lack of obvious flaws GGG's weakness may well prove to be his desire for Drama and the big finish. Can Brook lure him onto something whilst he is going for that finish? I think Brook will hit and move, hit and move, rinse and repeat, Golovkin will not find it as easy to cut the ring off as against many of the other fighters he has faced.