If Golovkin Were Younger, Could He Beat Canelo in Sept?

[Graz]

Great question, actually.
Personally, I think Golovkin's experience in the last couple fights makes up for anything he lost in age. The garbage fighters he was fighting before would have left him unprepared for Canelo.

I'm not even entirely decided on who wins right now but I'm leaning toward Canelo a bit. I think he has the tools win this, so long as he stays off the ropes. I just don't know if we can trust him to do that.

I think Canelo's MO is rope a dope fighting. He is not a stalker. He's a counterpuncher who likes to hang on the ropes. Golovkin is one of the best in the business at cutting off the ring and he won't have any trouble doing so with Canelo.

[Mukuro]

I don't think there is a huge difference, but I would say GGG started to peak about 5 years ago.

I think he is a better middleweight than Canelo and matches up well enough to make him my favorite, even at 35. His main problem will be dealing with Canelo's speed advantage and movement. Canelo can move well when he wants to (even though it is not his natural inclination).

[Mukuro]

I think Canelo's MO is rope a dope fighting. He is not a stalker. He's a counterpuncher who likes to hang on the ropes. Golovkin is one of the best in the business at cutting off the ring and he won't have any trouble doing so with Canelo.

He can move well when he wants to, but I agree with you that his programming is as a counter-puncher who is confident with his inside game. I think that will cost him against GGG.

[Sugar Adam Ali]

Yes, without a doubt, they golovkin that fought proska and Mack Lin would destroy canelo...

Golovkin might still destroy canelo, but he looks a lot more older and vulnerable than he did 5 years ago when he first came to America/hbo

[Rudiamonds]

A couple of months ago he wouldn't last 4 rounds

[Lester Tutor]

But Pirog exposed Jacobs' chin...

[OnePunch]

its kind of like asking if you hadnt been deprived of oxygen as an infant would you still be this ******ed?

Truth is nobody knows......

[Chuckguy]

If ggg was 2-3 younger he would literally kill canelo the fact he is 35 is what makes this a far more interesting fight. A least canelo has a real shot at beating him now. I still think ggg knocks him out late but it won't be easy

[Chuckguy]

But Pirog exposed Jacobs' chin...

And Jose cotto exposed canelos

[HarvardBlue]

Golovkin at 35 is not too old, but he is old. There's nothing to dispute. Matthysse is 35. Cotto is retiring at 35. Floyd at 36 was old, but his style made him not age as quick. Defense first fighters always last longer than brawlers or guys that rely on speed.

Mayweather did not take advantage of green Canelo, but Canelo was not ready since he was 22 at the time. 22 is a growing, inexperienced man. 26 is a fighter entering his prime. Comparing ggg/Canelo to Floyd/Canelo is silly.

And yes, I've always made fun of people talking up Kovalev's resume since his best win was 48 years old. It never made sense to me.

Is it styles or is it taking care of your body. The one thing people cannot dispute is Mayweather pretty much stays in the gym. You can't tell me Bernard Hopkins lasted as long as he did because he was a defense first fighter. The reason no one said Mayweather was too old or Bernard for that matter was no one was making or would buy that excuse. However, for some reason people are already making that excuse for Golovkin.

As far as Canelo not being ready, who has he fought since to prepare him for this fight or a potential rematch with Mayweather? Is it Angulo, Kirkland, Smith, Khan, or Chavez Jr? Cotto was already old (as you said) and Lara refused to engage so please don't say those two.