Marc T. (Athens, GA):
I’m tired of hearing all of the talk about Golovkin and how he’s “the most feared man in Boxing”. Andre Ward’s team sent HBO a direct statement saying that he wants the fight, & Golovkin responded in saying he’s basically “not ready” for Ward. What are your thoughts about GGG and this whole “most feared” reputation being built around him?
Vivek W. (ESB):
For starters, I think there’s a slight hint of truth to it. Strong promotion and network support can be credited for this growing cult following, slash, bootleg version of an almost Tyson-like mystique. When we look back at Tyson, many of us were young enough to buy into the ‘Boogeyman’ persona that he embodied; but as adults when you look back, it’s very easy to note that most of the men he destroyed had no chance against you and I on two weeks training, let alone him! Our entire perception of Tyson – (one of my personal favorites) – vanished when he faced someone who couldn’t be intimidated and wouldn’t be denied. There lies both my question and answer relative to GGG.
One of the most compelling arguments to support your position on GGG is the fact that this is the second year in a row where his team has promised that we’ll see “a huge year” to follow the one being closed out. In December of 2013 we heard them say that the PPV events and big names would be part of 2014. As we close out 2014, we’re hearing them say the same thing for 2015. If his own team has to promise this two years in a row, is there any way to dispel the reality that he’s clearly not there yet? It’s not about hate or deceit, it’s about reality, and as I often say, I’d rather be hated for being honest, than loved for lying! Bottom line, GGG hasn’t totally proven to be what HBO and the media suggest.
I can understand HBO pushing him as an up and coming fighter trying to rise to the top. But that’s quite a difference from being “feared” or claiming that this particular talent is already there. Late 2012, we heard that Team GGG was “putting everyone on notice from 154-175″. This is important to note, because supporters will say “he’s cleaning out the competition at ’60, and shouldn’t be rushed up to face someone at ’68”. Those same supporters will say Ward or Mayweather “should go up in weight to challenge themselves”, yet never identify this irony, despite those men being proven talents. This is where I draw problems with the drastic promotion of GGG.
If these statements aren’t going to be applied across the board, they should remain under the table and never spoken. I’m very skeptical about using the word “hype”, and I feel that Golovkin is beyond that term; however, when you have an entire network enabling your decision to face a lower tier of opposition, I have to co-sign that statement. HBO forced fighters like Ward and Rigondeaux to face a certain level of opposition, in the case of Ward, totally discounting the fact that he was coming off a lengthy injury lay off. I’ve seen none of that pressure on GGG to face better opposition, despite their staunch support of him. Are they enabling this ‘hype machine’ for personal benefit?
How is this any different from Deontay Wilder, or the pre-mega fight versions of Canelo and Chavez Jr? I have an issue with the sport building Golovkin into a mega-fight, PPV level fighter on the strength of this very weak level of opposition. Fans will say “Quillin, Ward, and guys like Anthony Dirrell aren’t big enough draws to face him”. Well, those guys are certainly a cut above those the “C” lister’s he has faced, yet a notch below the mega money fighters of the world. He can’t get to that mega-money level without passing that level. Ward is a totally different level, and Golovkin was proper in saying he’s “not ready”. Either way, he needs bigger names on the resume. Anything less fails the test.
http://www.boxing247.com/top-story-...waltersdonaire-khanalexander/35485#more-35485
talking bout potential fight of the year against 60-1 underdog
link?
status and took a payday over a tough fight against the top contender in his division.
