Why Daniel Jacobs poses a threat to Gennady Golovkin
By Peter Kahn
Daniel Jacobs is a big betting underdog against GGG, but he’s a dangerous opponent for several reasons.
This past week might have brought the final snowfall of the winter for New York City, but things are about to heat up very quickly on Saturday night as undefeated champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (36-0, 33 KOs) defends his WBC, WBA, IBF and IBO middleweight titles against WBA regular champion and mandatory challenger, Daniel Jacobs (32-1, 29 KOs).
The fight, taking place at “The Mecca of Boxing,” Madison Square Garden, is one of the most anticipated fights of 2017. Although Golovkin is the odds-on favorite to win and is seeking his unprecedented 24th knockout victory, here are the 5 reasons why Jacobs poses a threat to GGG.
Level of opposition
Although Golovkin has made easy work of his previous 36 opponents, Jacobs is his biggest challenge to date. Jacobs has size, speed, punching power and as Golovkin’s own trainer, Abel Sanchez expressed, “Danny Jacobs is probably the most intelligent fighter, the best boxing IQ as I like to say it, of the fighters that we’ve fought. He had a great amateur background, he’s on a roll — 12 knockouts in a row, or something like that — very confident, he’s beaten the hardest foe that could ever be beaten in cancer.” Sanchez added, “Jacobs is a heck of a talent and on the 18th, the first three or four rounds are going to be difficult for both guys. There might be some scary moments in those rounds because Danny is a big puncher.” Speaking of which …
A puncher’s chance
Let’s not forget that Jacobs is a big puncher. His 29 knockouts in 33 fights is an impressive 88 percent knockout percentage — right up there with Golovkin’s 91 percent knockout percentage. Jacobs is also coming off an impressive KO run with 12 in a row. The “Miracle Man” is entering the ring five years younger, two inches taller and with a four-inch reach advantage. Bottom line, Jacobs’ power keeps him in this fight from Round 1 to Round 12. If he can use his youth, height, reach and quickness to find an opening, it might be the only one he needs.
Timing
Every fighter is vulnerable at the right time. Golovkin’s most recent fight was against welterweight Kell Brook six months ago, who didn’t pose any real danger to Golovkin. As illogical as it might sound, apathy can creep up on a fighter of Golovkin’s magnitude. They can get lulled into a routine and potentially become complacent when they buy into their own invincibility. As great a trainer as Abel Sanchez is, this scenario is like carbon monoxide. By the time you realize it, it’s too late. Golovkin might already be looking at a September showdown with Canelo Alvarez as Golovkin’s promoter, Tom Loeffler, alluded to last week. Could Golovkin be looking past Jacobs?
Fast start
Although Golovkin is a very good boxer, counter-puncher and obvious power puncher, Jacobs also possesses one-punch knockout power. The longer this fight goes on, the more it will become in Golovkin’s favor. The key for Jacobs on Saturday night is to get off to a well focused fast start and catch Golovkin flat. If Jacobs can hurt or rattle Golovkin, we will see how Golovkin reacts to adversity. More importantly, Jacobs can force a chink in Golovkin’s armor, that might be the opening he needs to finish. Jacobs is a great finisher.
Heart
In boxing, we love to talk about heart. This metric cannot be measured by numbers, CompuBox or any ringside analyst. Heart is something that is shown when the opportunity presents itself. In 2012, Jacobs was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a life-threatening form of bone cancer that left him partially paralyzed with a softball-sized tumor that was wrapped around his spine. His doctor told him he would never walk again, let alone fight. But Jacobs is a fighter and so he fought. That’s what fighters do. Never underestimate a man who has nothing to lose, nothing to prove and has already overcome the odds.
Next: More on Golovkin-Jacobs: 3 keys to the fight
On Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in his hometown, Daniel Jacobs might have one more miracle left in him. To Jacobs, though, it’s just who he is: a fighter.