Gennady Golovkin is fighting Vanes Martirosyan and fans aren’t happy about it, but Golovkin shouldn’t be blamed for this poor matchup.
Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez were supposed to square off in a rematch on Cinco de Mayo. Unfortunately, that’s not happening.
The story is well known. Canelo Alvarez tested positive for trace amounts of Clenbuterol and was suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for six months. It’s likely that Golovkin and Alvarez will fight in September near Mexico’s Independence Day. This would appeal to Alvarez’s Mexican fan base and maximize earning potential.
With Alvarez out of the picture, several A-list boxers stated their desire to take his place. Demetrius Andrade and Sergiy Derevyanchenko jumped at the chance to fight Golovkin but were quickly dismissed.
Ultimately, Vanes Martirosyan succeeded in replacing Alvarez, and people aren’t happy about it.
Did Golovkin duck Andrade and Derevyanchenko? Yes, he did. However, Golovkin doesn’t deserve criticism for choosing Martirosyan.
Golovkin is nearing the end of his career. He’s 36 years old and doesn’t have much time left in the sport. His opportunities at lucrative paydays are narrowing. A fight between Golovkin and Andrade or Derevyanchenko would earn money, but they wouldn’t be blockbuster deals.
The rematch between Golokin and Alvarez is a megafight. This fight is still alive but would be dead if Golovkin took a risk against a prime opponent and lost.
Martirosyan is nothing more than a tune-up bout for Golovkin. It’s a safe fight. Andrade and Derevyanchenko are risks that Golovkin can’t afford to take at this stage in his career.
At first glance, selecting Vanes Martirosyan as his opponent is a bad look for Golovkin. It shows fear.
Two years ago, nobody wanted to fight Golovkin. He was the most avoided man in boxing. Then he fought Daniel Jacobs in 2017. Jacobs dropped a close decision to Golovkin but exposed flaws in Golovkin’s game. He destroyed Golovkin’s air of invincibility.
Three months later, Golovkin fought to a draw with Alvarez. These fights proved Golovkin is human. They also showed that age is having a negative impact on Golovkin’s boxing abilities.
Golovkin isn’t overrated, but he’s old for a boxer. Eventually, all boxers lose the fight against time, and GGG is nearing that point.
A matchup with Alvarez makes Golovkin the most money. He can’t afford to jeopardize that opportunity. Martirosyan is the smart choice for his next fight.
Martirosyan is a battle-tested veteran. He has a record of 36-3-1. He’s never been knocked out, and all of his losses have come against strong opponents. He’s not a bad boxer, but he’s not the best either. Martirosyan is a contender, not a champion.
Martirosyan is a tough boxer with a steel chin, but his boxing skills are rudimentary compared to most titleholders. He’ll hang tough against Golovkin, but he doesn’t stand much chance of winning. He has been inactive for nearly two years.
Golovkin needs this fight to stay active. He hasn’t fought in eight months. Golovkin was set to fight the best in the division, but the cancellation of his bout with Alvarez was out of his control. He’s staying active and ready for a future bout with Alvarez.
Golovkin vs. Martirosyan is a glorified sparring match. It gives Martirosyan a title shot and GGG a chance to stay busy. Staying busy gives Golovkin an edge over Alvarez.
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Golokin can’t take damage before a fight with Alvarez. Martirosyan provides him with the path of least resistance. Don’t blame Golovkin for taking this fight. It’s just business.