![\"GGG\"](\"http:\/\/ringsidereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/GGG.jpg\")
<\/a>By Dave \u201cMythical\u201d Siderski<\/strong><\/p>\nBoxing fans, let me tell you a story. Once upon a time, there was a terrific Middleweight fighter whose only fault was that he was \u201ctoo good\u201d. \u201cDestruct and Destroy\u201d was his motto. This man toiled for years against the iron of his division, only to be avoided by the champions of his era. Once he became a champion, he still struggled to gain respect and popularity in spite of annihilating challenger after challenger. The elite fighters of the time avoided him for most of his career, while the critics claimed that he\u2019d never measure up to the likes of Jake Lamotta, Tony Zale,Carlos Monzon, Mercel Cerdan, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Harry Greb. <\/p>\n
Now, \u201cGGG\u201d has a long way to go before achieving the status of a Marvelous Marvin Hagler, easily one of the five greatest Middleweights of all-time. However, there are certainly similarities between the two. Gennady Golovkin is perhaps the most talented and exciting fighter in boxing today. His record is a gaudy 33-0, 30 KO\u2019s. After capturing the WBA Middleweight title with a 1st round knockout over Milton Nunez in August 2010, \u201cGGG\u201d has easily dispatched 14 consecutive challengers, all by stoppage. His championship defenses have lasted an average of 5.2 rounds, a testament to his dominance. That said, Golovkin is not a wild slugger but rather a skilled ring tactician who methodically sets opponents up for his devastating power punches. He possesses an outstanding left jab, along with great technique and balance in the ring. Gennady is also murderous body puncher.<\/p>\n
That said, for all \u201cGGG\u2019s\u201d gifts in the ring, he still struggles to gain recognition and notoriety. Like Hagler in his heyday, the truly elite fighters in the world seem to be in no hurry to face him. Thus, at the age of 33, \u201cGGG\u201d is still in search a marquee opponent to provide him with a mega payday and the opportunity to put his stamp on greatness. Golovkin has offered to move down to 154 to face Floyd Mayweather, JR., something which would have been laughable in Hagler\u2019s day. He is on the outside looking in as Canelo Alvarez and Miguel Cotto square off in a big money PPV on November 21st. Neither of these guys seem to be in any hurry to face \u201cGGG\u201d. Golovkin may have to move up in weight to face the likes of Andre Ward or Sergey Kovalev to earn the payday he\u2019s been striving for. This is somewhat unfair. It is not \u201cGGG\u2019s\u201d fault that he\u2019s come along in an era of fragmented titles and watered down opposition. He\u2019s done everything that could be asked of him in the ring to this point in his career.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, the factors that determine a fighter\u2019s legacy are not entirely within his (or her) control. Muhammad Ali needed Sonny Liston, George Foreman and, most importantly, Joe Frazier as his dance partners. Hagler needed Thomas Hearns. Sugar Ray Leonard needed Roberto Duran, Wilfred Benitez, Thomas Hearns, and Hagler. More recently, Pernell Whitaker needed a guy like Julio Cesar Chavez to put a stamp on his career. Mayweather, JR., whether one accuses him of cherry picking or not, still holds wins over hall of fame caliber fighters like Manny Pacquaio, Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel Marquez, Miguel Cotto, and Oscar De La Hoya. Fair or unfair, until GGG finds a true dance partner that can really test him, his greatness will still remain a question mark. And please don\u2019t give me David Lemieux as an answer. Decent fighter but these guys are in entirely different leagues.<\/p>\n
As promising and impressive as \u201cGGG\u201d is, the history of boxing is replete with examples of fighters who were regarded as invincible only to have their limitations exposed at a later date. Mike Tyson is a perfect example of this. While the jury is still out on \u201cGGG\u201d, here\u2019s hoping he finds marquee opponent\/dance partner he needs soon. On the heels of the Mayweather-Pacquiao disappointment boxing needs a real marquee event involving an outstanding champion like \u201cGGG\u201d at the peak of his powers. Let\u2019s hope it happens soon! Not only is Gennady Golovkin a true professional inside the ring, he also conducts himself with class and dignity outside of it as well. He is a budding potential legend that is worth rooting for.<\/p>\n
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