By Jake Donovan
Gennady Golovkin is deep into the heart of his training camp for his upcoming showdown with Willie Monroe, Jr., but still managed to take time to check out the biggest event of the 21st Century. The unbeaten middleweight titlist briefly broke camp to witness Floyd Mayweather cement his status as an all-time great with a clear-cut 12-round win over Manny Pacquiao on May 2 in Las Vegas.
While most were left disappointed in the lack of entertainment value that came with the pricy event, Golovkin saw the main event for what it was – a virtuoso performance by Mayweather.
“Floyd is too smart. He’s amazing. He’s a great boxer and #1 fighter in the world,” confessed Golovkin (32-0, 29KOs). “Pacquiao, I think he lost control of the fight. Floyd was too ready to fight his fight. He’s very good at moving (around the ring). It was a beautiful fight for Floyd.”
Most boxing fans’ idea of beauty as it pertains to Golovkin is seeing the fiery knockout artist will his opponents into submission. That much is expected when he faces Monroe Jr. in their May 16 battle, which airs live on HBO from The Forum in Inglewood, Calif.
The selection of Monroe Jr. (19-1, 6KOs) wasn’t Golovkin’s first choice as an opponent. However, it’s a chance to prove what he can accomplish against a slick southpaw, while waiting out the rest of the division to eventually step his way. From there, the top entry on his wish list is his own shot at the sport’s pound-for-pound and box office king.
“Right now my focus is on 160 and getting all of the belts. I hope for a big fight with Miguel (Cotto) in the future,” Golovkin reveals. “Of course I want unification fight with Andy Lee, who has the WBO title.
“And then my big dream, a fight with Floyd Mayweather at 154.”
Golovkin has scored 19 straight knockouts dating back to 2008. The upcoming bout with Monroe Jr. marks his 14th defense of his middleweight belt.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
