20 little-known facts about Gennady Golovkin

11. Golovkin has a record of 18-0, with 17 knockouts, in world title fights

Gennady Golovkin’s absurd 94 percent knockout ratio in world title fights is obviously a testament to his dominance. It’s also remarkable to think that Golovkin has gone the distance more times in non-title bouts than he has when the stakes are highest. Usually the opposite is true, but Golovkin is the rare fighter who genuinely thrives under the bright lights.

Of Golovkin’s 17 stoppages in world title matches, his crippling body shot of Matthew Macklin, the counter right hand that put Daniel Geale down after the Aussie had tagged him flush, the expression of both shock and horror on Curtis Stevens’ face after the Brooklynite was floored and the literal stretching of Nobuhiro Ishida come to mind as indelible moments. Stevens’ reaction, in particular, stands as the greatest “description” of Golovkin’s power.

Golovkin’s power, though, can take on numerous forms. Fans witnessed him absorb an uncharacteristic amount of flush shots against former welterweight championship Kell Brook before he literally broke the Englishman’s orbital bone. When he fought David Lemieux, Golovkin appeared untouchable behind his jab and brutalized the Canadian’s body to both tame his power and badly hurt him. Ultimately, Golovkin has been able to score so many knockouts because of his variety and intelligence.

As Gennady Golovkin zeros in on Bernard Hopkins’ record for middleweight title defenses, his upcoming fight versus Canelo Alvarez is viewed by many as the bout that will fully legitimize a title reign that should already stand on its own merit. Golovkin has faced a diverse group of contenders since he first won the WBA title, and as Wladimir Klitschko’s time atop the heavyweight division confirmed, volume and destructive excellent count for plenty.