Canelo vs. GGG: 5 keys for Gennady Golovkin

1. Balance (body and mind)

On a literally level, Gennady Golovkin is a fighter who leans forward and carries his weight on his front foot. This obviously works perfectly for Golovkin, who harnesses tremendous power and accuracy in his jab, which then sets up his vaunted left hook to the liver or parabolic right hook upstairs. What Golovkin needs to avoid, however, is leaning into Canelo Alvarez uppercuts. Kell Brook showed that Golovkin is perhaps susceptible to this punch.

As mentioned earlier, Canelo is highly effective when he forces foes to hesitate for split seconds in the pocket or right after he slips punches. While Golovkin never swings wildly or misses badly, he could find himself bent forward as a Canelo right uppercut lands flush if he fails to employ enough head movement. Moreover, Golovkin will need his characteristic solid base to move forward and laterally to cut off the ring while steadily working his jab.

The other part of this category relates to Golovkin’s mental approach and psychological state of mind. From a physical and boxing skills standpoint, Golovkin has been ready for this fight longer than Canelo’s been a world champion. But the problem with being so primed for a bout is that it can lead to overzealousness. This is not to say that Golovkin is remotely in danger of falling victim to the paralyzing glare of the brightest lights; rather, it’s just a reminder that the most essential key to Golovkin-Canelo could simply be Golovkin being Golovkin.

Next: 20 little-known facts about Gennady Golovkin

There’s absolutely no major tactical or stylistic shift Gennady Golovkin needs to make for Canelo Alvarez. In fact, all he must do is enter the ring with a clear tactical plan and the ominous sense of calm he typically exudes. From this, the rest — his battering ram jab, rib-splintering left hook, suffocating pressure and offensive variety — will follow.