Mythical Matchup: Rocky Graziano Vs Gennady Golovkin

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For our next Mythical match, we’ll transport the juggernaut that is “GGG” back to the 1940’s to face one of the most popular Middleweight champions who ever lived in Rocky Graziano. Golovkin has swept through the Middleweight division like a tornado after winning the WBA Interim Middleweight championship over Milton Nunez by first round knockout in August 2010. Since then, he’s stopped 16 consecutive opponents, establishing himself as, by far, the finest Middleweight in the world. “GGG” is coming off his second round destruction of Dominic Wade in April. His record is an incredible 35-0, 32 KO’s.

In Rocky Graziano, we’ve finally found a marquee opponent who isn’t afraid to face him. Rocky was among the most devastating pure punchers in boxing history and his legendary rivalry with Tony Zale established him as an all-time great. Graziano enters this fight coming off his spectacular 6th round TKO victory over Zale in their June 1948 rematch. His record is 46-7-5, 35 KO’s and also includes victories over outstanding fighters such as Marty Servo and Freddie “Red” Cochrane.

So here we go! The irresistible force meets the immovable object as two of the great destroyers in Middleweight history square off. Who takes it? Rocky or “GGG”?

Let’s Settle This in the Ring!

Over 45,000 fans have gathered at Comiskey Park in Chicago to witness this iconic Middleweight matchup. “GGG” enters this one as a slight 7-5 favorite according to the Las Vegas bookmakers. However, the crowd is overwhelmingly in favor of the beloved Graziano. Golovkin enters the ring to a chorus of boos but seems completely unaffected. “GGG” weighed in at the Middleweight limit of 160 lbs. Graziano emerges from his dressing room four minutes later and receives a booming ovation from the crowd. Rocky weighed in at a trim and ready 157 lbs. At 5’10’’, “GGG” enjoys a three-inch height and two-inch reach advantage over Graziano. Referee Arthur Donovan calls the fighters to the center of the ring to issue final instructions. The crowd awaits in eager anticipation of the opening bell.

The pace is slow over the opening minute as both men seek to take the measure of the other. “GGG”, in particular, is very respectful of the power of Graziano. Golovkin elects to patiently work behind his jab and that pays dividends over the final two minutes of the round as he scores with pinpoint combinations. A sharp right by “GGG” draws blood from Rocky’s nose as the first round comes to a close. Graziano tries to step up the pace in round two but struggles to work his way inside as Golovkin continues to pick him apart with accurate counter shots. “GGG” lands a perfect right which staggers Rocky and follows up with a vicious left hook that sends him to the canvas with seconds remaining in the round. The bell rings saving Graziano from further punishment

As the bell rings for the start of round three, Graziano is in serious trouble. In addition to a bloody nose, Rocky is now also suffering from a nasty cut over his right eye. “GGG” senses the opportunity to finish his adversary and begins to take more chances. However, this backfires as Graziano has the better of the action on the inside, pounding “GGG” with thudding body shots. Suddenly, Rocky lands a crackling left hook that sends Golovkin to the canvas for the first time in his career. “GGG” rises at the count of 8 and barely manages to survive the round. Golovkin is still on rubbery legs as he answers the bell for round four. An invigorated Rocky batters him on the inside over the first 90 seconds of the round. Graziano then lands a devastating right which sends “GGG” reeling towards the ropes. Golovkin holds on desperately as Rocky tries to move in for the finish. “GGG” fires back gamely and backs Graziano off with a perfectly timed left hook as the round comes to a close.

After four rounds of brutal warfare, both men are showing the effects of the battle. “GGG” has welts on the left side of his body and his right eye is now swollen. However, Graziano is in worse shape as his corner frantically tends to the gaping wound over his right eye. The first half of round five is fairly even as both men land hard punches on the inside. Then, suddenly, Golovkin lands a tremendous left uppercut which sends Rocky to the canvas for the second time in the fight. Graziano rises at the count of 7 but is badly hurt. “GGG” patiently pursues him to the ropes and tees off with accurate power shots. Golovkin lands an overhand right which sends Graziano to the canvas again as the round comes to a close.

Between rounds, Donovan and the ring doctor take a careful look at Rocky who is now also cut over his left eye. Graziano comes out like a man possessed in and hurts Golovkin with a looping right early in round 6. “GGG” holds on and manages to weather the storm. Golovkin backs Rocky off with a thunderous right. He follows up with a crushing left hook which sends Graziano to the canvas for the fourth time in the fight. Rocky rises at the count of 8 and Donovan reluctantly allows him to continue. As “GGG” pursues, Graziano lands a powerful right hand which snaps Golovkin’s head back. However, “GGG” responds with an overhand right of his own which sends Rocky to the canvas again. Graziano gets up at the count of 7. Arthur Donovan seems ready to stop the fight but Rocky vehemently pleads that he wants to continue and Donovan reluctantly relents. A bloodied and battered Rocky goes toe to toe with “GGG” over the final 30 seconds of the round. With 10 seconds remaining, Golovkin lands a left hook which sends Graziano to the canvas for the 6th and final time. Rocky beats the count again but his legs are utterly shot. Donovan mercifully waives off the slaughter. “GGG” wins this one by a 6th round TKO.

Don Dunphy conducts the post-fight interviews. Rocky holds a blood soaked towel to his face as he says: “I gave it all that I had but I guess it just wasn’t enough. I took this guy lightly but he’s the real deal. I thought Zale was tough but Golovkin is right there with him. I understand now why guys in his own era are avoiding him. He’s a true champion and I wish him luck.”

“GGG’s” handlers hold an ice bag to his left side as he responds: “I am grateful to Rocky Graziano for giving me this opportunity. He’s a great champion and this was the toughest fight of my life. I feel fortunate that I prevailed!”

The fighters embrace with both men leaving the ring to a deafening ovation from a wildly appreciative crowd.