What: WBA and IBO Middleweight World Title Fight
Who: Gennady Golovkin v Daniel Geale
When: Sunday, July 27 – from 11am (AEST)
Where: Madison Square Garden
I Can Watch It On: Fox Sports Main Event
Form Guide
Golovkin: 29-0 (26 KOs)
Geale: 30-2 (16 KOs)
Last time
These two have actually met in the ring as amateurs way back in 2001. Golovkin won a points decision. Geale reckons he 'boxed terribly' against the former Olympic silver medallist Golovkin that day.
Things You Need To Know
Golovkin, 32, has knocked out or stopped his last 16 opponents. He is 32-years-old and one of the best pound-for-pound punchers in boxing. He stopped Osumanu Adama in the seventh round in his last outing in February. The veteran of 300-plus amateur fights has never been taken past the eighth round as a pro – he's gone into the eighth on five occasions.
Geale, 33, is coming off a sixth-round stoppage of countryman Garth Wood in February. That win followed just the second defeat of his pro career – a controversial split-decision loss to Englishman Darren Barker in his debut fight in America last August. 'The Real Deal' had won nine straight fights before the Barker fight. In just two more pro fights than Golovkin he has amassed 237 rounds, a whopping 113 more than the champ.
Reason To Watch
Golovkin has ended all-but three of his fights prematurely, so protect yourselves at all times. On the other hand, Geale has never been stopped in 32 pro fights. Neither man can afford a loss and the atmosphere created by the 20,000 fight fans on hand at 'The Garden' should make for a cracking fight.
Reason To Turn Away
This is Geale's toughest test and if Golovkin connects properly the Tasmanian will be knocked into next week.
Say What
"Daniel is a heavy underdog but he has the skills to beat Golovkin. He has to box and avoid standing toe to toe. In recent fights Daniel has planted his feet and become more of a puncher but if he reverts to a hit and run style I can see Golovkin getting very frustrated. Daniel is always at his best when he fights from a distance and turns boxing into a game of chess," - legendary trainer Johnny Lewis on Geale's chances of an upset win.
Final Word
Golovkin is the heavy favourite having never been beaten, but he has also never fought someone of Geale's calibre. To state the obvious, if the Kazakhstan fighter connects it'll be goodnight Daniel Geale – but he's got to catch him first. If Geale can survive the early rounds Golovkin could become frustrated, and if it goes into the ninth round and beyond the Kazakhstani will be in unfamiliar territory. The bookies can't go past the champion and he is a deserved favourite but Geale is most dangerous when he has been written off, and he has everything to fight for. Don't underestimate Golovkin but we sniff a major upset here. It's Geale to win by split decision.
Ladbrokes Odds
Golovkin - $1.06
Geale - $9.00
Draw: $34.00
Geale vs Golovkin: WBA middleweight title fight preview
