The Big Drama Show is back. Gennadiy "GGG" Golovkin returned to the ring on Friday night in historic fashion. The two-time world champion not only closed the show, he earned a division-record 21st successful defense of his IBF and IBO world middleweight titles.
Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs), from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, who has worn a world championship belt every year since 2010, extended that streak with a dominant seventh-round TKO in a mandatory title defense victory against previously-undefeated top-rated contender KamilSzeremeta (21-1, 5 KOs), from Biaylstok, Poland.
The fight took place behind closed doors at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL.
Golovkin, wearing trunks trimmed in the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers colors, gave a vintage performance connecting on 56% of his devastating power punches to the body and the head all set up by his workmanlike jab, all 317 of them, from the moment the opening bell sounded.
A variety of power punches and even a jab produced four knockdowns in rounds one, two, four and seven. At the conclusion of the seventh round, Szeremeta's corner ended the fight.
"I had a lot of fun tonight. I am so happy. It was a great atmosphere, great people, great show, great event. I'm very happy because I got to go back to boxing. I told everyone after the Canelo fight that I would come back. I'm still smart. Right now I show you. I needed time. I'm very quiet. I needed smart work. I'm not surprised how I won. I worked hard in training camp. I feel very comfortable. I am very proud of my team," Golovkin said
"I respect Kamil's trainer and his corner. Very smart for them to stop the fight. He was done. In the fight I feel my jab. I feel my power. I feel my timing. I needed more time in this fight because I wanted to bring more people to the TV to watch the fight and enjoy. For my next fight I am open for anybody. Best opponent for me, for business, for DAZN, for fans. I hope tomorrow [between Canelo and Callum Smith] is a great event. Best against the best. Who wins? The fans! Absolutely the fans. We will bring the best fight next time," said Golovkin.