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Gennady Golovkin VS the Very Dangerous TBA! – Boxing News

GGG PicBy “The Commissioner” Alan J. Kindred

The inside scoop is that elite middleweight (RSR #1) Gennady Golovkin, 34-0, 31 KO’s, will face one of two possible opponents, either alphabet strap holder Billy Joe Saunders, 23-0, 12 KO’s, or alphabet mandatory challenger Tureano Johnson, 19-1, 13 KO’s. Saunders is a preference of Golovkin and his team since he holds an alphabet world title belt, and Golovkin wants them all, including the lineal championship that is held by Canelo Alvarez, 46-1-1, 32 KO’s. Johnson doesn’t provide a new belt with a victory, but is a required opponent so that Golovkin can keep one of the alphabet world title belts he already owns. Which of these two will actually receive the Golovkin payday/beatdown?

Saunders appeared to kill his own deal when he reportedly turned down a multi-million dollar contract to face Golovkin, but since then sources have it that talks are ongoing as long as Golovkin is willing to come to the United Kingdom for the match. Saunders has gone on record just before defeating Andy Lee late last year, that he wasn’t quite ready for Golovkin, so he doesn’t seem to be the most eager opponent to negotiate with. He and his team, despite being offered a purse that dwarfs all others of his career, may try to walk away from the Golovkin fight, we shall see.

I think the more likely candidate will be Tureano Johnson who seems to have no qualms about calling out and fighting Golovkin. Johnson is a 2008 Olympian with an extensive amateur background, unlike most of Golovkin’s opponents. While being from the Bahamas, Johnson fights a little reminiscent of the Cuban style. In his lone loss to RSR top 20 contender Curtis Stevens, Johnson was dominating nearly the entire fight, until caught with a big shot late in the last round and stopped. Seeing as Golovkin beat the man who beat Johnson most will think it is a walk over. It may be something we haven’t seen before, with Johnson having an extensive amateur background. Maybe he can last a few rounds or even win a few?

It isn’t like either of these two will be able to defeat the high riding Golovkin, but at least they are in negotiations with him, unlike other fighters and promotional teams who want to let the fight “marinate.” I give them credit for that, although I question Saunder’s sincerity about wanting the fight, and would be surprised if he accepts the fight. Johnson will accept the fight I feel, and may provide Golovkin with the better fight anyway because of styles. Whoever lands the fight, it should be announced in an official capacity in the upcoming weeks. Golovkin plans to fight on April 23rd.

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