LONDON (17 FEB) World super-middleweight contender ‘Saint’ George Groves has experienced firsthand the quality of reigning WBA Super world middleweight champion Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin, but insists Martin Murray is the man to test the Kazakh destroyer when they meet on Saturday (February 21) in Monte Carlo.

Groves, a two-time world title challenger, spent a week in training camp with Golovkin last summer and the pair sparred a number of rounds together. It offered the Londoner the chance to see exactly why Golovkin, 31-0 (28 KOs), is the most feared fighter on the planet right now.

“Sometimes you get a quick puncher who hits hard, like Mike Tyson, but you assume they’re not going to last that long,” said Groves. “After three or four rounds, it’s likely they’ll tire. But Golovkin has a style that allows him to set his own rhythm and get into his own groove and it’s hard to knock him out of it.

“To beat him, you can’t only be good at one thing. If you’re just fast, you won’t beat him. If you just have power, you won’t beat him. He has so much time in the pocket to work you out. He’ll find the openings.

“The most impressive thing I discovered was that he’s exceptional at setting traps. He’ll have guys thinking they’ll avoid his punch power and move around the ring, yet he cuts the ring off, feints, sets traps and quickly gets them to fight his fight.

“It doesn’t take him long. Once the ring closes on them, he goes to work and he has a great variety of shots, he works the body well, and, when he sees an opening, he has so much time. He’s a wily old cat who can really bite.

“Ultimately, you’re always on a knife edge with someone like Golovkin. You’ve got to be prepared to punch with him. You’ve got to be prepared to take a shot to land a shot at times. If you’re too concerned about getting hit, you’ll panic, make a mistake and end up getting hit and hurt. You have to try and land some shots of your own and command his respect. If he’s got nothing to worry about, he’ll be in that groove and rhythm of his all day.

“And you’re not dealing with a technically poor fighter who has incredible punch power. He has incredible punch power and elite-level technical ability. This means he’s always in the right place at the right time, with perfect balance, to land some of the most hurtful shots in boxing. That’s a scary thing for most opponents.”

Groves concedes that Murray, 29-1-1 (12 KOs), isn’t the type to get scared or overawed when placed in a daunting situation. In fact, he’s shown in previous world title tilts, against Felix Sturm and Sergio Martinez, that he’s the sort of fighter who rises to the occasion.

“I think Martin Murray is certainly a world-class operator and he has looked exceptional at times, usually when asked to step up,” said Groves. “He’s proven himself to be one of the best in the division.

“Golovkin has gone through every one of his opponents like a hot knife through butter, so you wouldn’t back against him or begrudge him being the favourite, but I get the impression Murray is a very tough man to beat. He’s strong, he has a good boxing brain, he has a good variety of punches and he’s very experienced.

“I also like the fact Murray has a bit of a maverick approach to boxing. He isn’t signed to a standard UK promoter, he’s got his own ideas and I understand and appreciate that. He’s his own man. In these circumstances, that’s the best way to be. And, with the hype around Golovkin, ignorance and single-mindedness could be a real blessing.

“Also, Golovkin is so busy and has been boxing so well, it could be very easy for him to take his eye off the ball or go a little easy in training because he knows he’s scheduled for another three or four fights this year.

“Murray is not the sort of opponent you can take lightly. He can change and adapt to a certain degree; we’ve seen him fight up close with a tight guard and not give much away, and we’ve seen him box at mid-range and long-range behind a good jab and straight punches. He also looks like he’s got good physical strength, so he’ll be able to stand toe-to-toe when he needs to.

“All in all, I think it will definitely be one of Golovkin’s hardest fights. I don’t think Murray will crumble or get taken out early. We’ve seen good, durable fighters like Matthew Macklin and Daniel Geale crumble early against him, but I don’t see Murray going that way.”

*** Boxing superstar Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin defends his WBA Super world middleweight title against Britain’s Martin Murray on Saturday, February 21 in Monte Carlo, LIVE on Channel 5 ***

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Monte-Carlo (February 16, 2015) WBA/IBO and WBC “Interim” Middleweight World Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN arrived in Monte-Carlo today for his showdown with top rated challenger MARTIN MURRAY set for this Saturday night, February 21 at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo and telecast worldwide including Live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 5:45 p.m. ET/PT in the United States.

Golovkin was accompanied by TOM LOEFFLER of K2 Promotions and renowned longtime trainer ABEL SANCHEZ.

GOLOVKIN vs. MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte Carlo along with Monte Carlo SBM.

Boxing’s Fastest Rising Superstar, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, 31-0-0 with 28 KO’s, scored his 18th straight stoppage and 12th defense of his WBA/IBO titles on Saturday, October 18th with a devastating second round knockout of WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion, Marco Antonio Rubio in front of a standing room only crowd of 9,323 at the StubHub! Center in Carson, California, USA. The attendance was record setting, far surpassing any other previous boxing events held at the acclaimed West Coast venue including those featuring Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andre Ward.

A native of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, now residing in Los Angeles, California, Golovkin has fought twice previously in Monte-Carlo. In March 2012, Golovkin knocked out former world champion Nobuhiro Ishida in the third stanza, which earned him numerous “Knockout of the Year” awards from the international boxing media and scored a sixth round stoppage of former world title challenger Osumanu Adama in February 2013, also taking place at the Salle des Etoiles.

On October 25, Martin Murray stopped Dominic Spada in the fifth round also at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo. Golovkin was ringside for the Murray/Spada bout and came away impressed by his performance. With the victory, Murray of Merseyside, United Kingdom improved his record to 29-1-1 (13KO’s).

In April 2012, Murray traveled to Buenos Aries, Argentina and battled hometown world champion Sergio Martinez. Despite dropping Martinez in the eighth round, he lost a controversial decision in a bout many in the media and ringside observers believe he was victorious in.

Three fights earlier, Murray headed to Mannheim, Germany in December 2011 to challenge also hometown champion Felix Sturm. Outlanding Sturm throughout the fight with blistering power punches, most ringside observers and media members also thought he won this fight despite settling for a highly controversial split decision draw.

Monte-Carlo, New York, Johannesburg (February 16, 2015) — Any doubts about Martin Murray’s mental state ahead of this weekend’s middleweight championship fight against Gennady Golovkin, boxing’s biggest puncher, can be laid to rest.

“This is going to be a war and I’m willing to do anything it takes,” the WBC number one contender has told promoter Rodney Berman.
The pair square off for Golovkin’s WBA Super World middleweight, interim WBC World middleweight and IBO middleweight titles at the Salle des Étoiles concert hall in Monte-Carlo on Saturday.
Berman is one of a number of boxing figureheads who believe that, like with Mike Tyson before, Golovkin’s opponents are out-psyched by his reputation long before they start trading punches. With 18 consecutive knockouts to his name, Golovkin is statistically the biggest puncher among boxing’s world champions.
“After I carry you on my shoulders, will you come visit me in hospital with my broken back?” Berman asked Murray.
The South African promoter says Murray has exhibited none of the anxiety so many of Golovkin’s other challengers have.
Murray’s response was straight out of Merseyside: “Might even be in the bed at the side of you because this is going to be a war and I’m willing to do anything it takes to become world champion.”
Berman, meanwhile, is attempting to push Friday’s weigh-in out to midday to accommodate the Murray “Barmy Army”. Murray’s family is also on a flight that is due to arrive in France around 11am and have chartered helicopters from Nice to Monaco to get to the weigh-in venue as fast as possible.
Golovkin’s camp has kindly agreed to the extension, although the Casino de Monte-Carlo, venue of the weigh-in, needs to be cleared out by 2pm, which requires a tight turnaround.
“It’s a good problem to have,” said Berman, who arrived in Monte-Carlo on Monday morning. “There’s already a great sense of excitement five days out. The boxers and their camps are streaming in, as is the press corps and boxing officials. We’re in for a massive weekend.”

GOLOVKIN vs MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte-Carlo along with Monte-Carlo SBM.

The fight will be broadcast internationally from the beautiful Salle des Etoiles venue in Monte-Carlo.

The international broadcast and transmission rights to this world class event are being exclusively distributed by leading boxing rights distributor and sports marketing firm Protocol Sports Marketing Ltd., an Octapixx company.

Media Contacts
Bernie Bahrmasel, K2 Promotions, BernieBahrmasel@yahoo.com, + 773 592-2986
Clinton van der Berg, Golden Gloves of South Africa, Clinton.vanderBerg@SuperSport.com, + 27 83 297 4677
Eric Bessone, Monte Carlo SBM, E.Bessone@sbm.mc
Kevin Flaherty, HBO, Kevin.Flaherty@hbo.com, + 212 512-5052

LONDON (16 FEB) Newly-crowned WBO world middleweight champion Andy Lee will be in Monte Carlo on February 21 to oversee the WBA Super world middleweight title fight between Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin and Martin Murray and is keen to face the winner at some point in the next twelve months.

Ireland’s Lee picked up his world championship with a stunning sixth-round knockout of Matt Korobov in December, but knows a future title unification fight could finally crown a true number one at 160lbs.

“Golovkin and Murray are nice guys and good fighters, and I hope to fight both of them some day,” he said. “I’ll be ringside in Monte Carlo watching as both a fan and a fighter. It’s a genuinely interesting fight – one I’d be interested in even if I wasn’t at their weight – and it also carries relevance to me and my career.

“I’ll be looking to see certain things in both fighters. I’ve seen Golovkin fight at least once before in the flesh, but I’ve never seen Murray fight in the flesh. It will be nice to see them up close and get a sense of what they’re like around a big fight.

“I think about a unification fight all the time. And, even though I’m now a world champion, Golovkin is still The Man in the division. He is rightly considered the number one middleweight in the world.

“Maybe this time next year we’ll be fighting for all the marbles. Though I’m sure Martin Murray will have something to say about that.”

A fan of both, Lee expects Golovkin to retain his title but is quick to shoot down any idea that Murray might be out of his depth on February 21.

“I think Murray is the best opponent Golovkin has faced,” said the southpaw. “I’d probably say Daniel Geale was the best up to this point, but Murray is a bit better than him. He’s more solid, stronger and he’s a big middleweight.

“Saying that, though, I don’t know if Martin will be able to do as much with Golovkin as even guys like (Gabriel) Rosado and (Curtis) Stevens did. From what we’ve seen of his past fights, Martin tends to be in front of you, he stands square and you don’t have to go looking for him. That might suit Golovkin.

“Stevens nullified him a bit because he took a negative approach and moved around the ring with a high guard for a few rounds. He didn’t really try to engage. He just picked his spots when he could.

“I could see Murray doing that for the first half of the fight and then hoping to come on strong at the end. Then he can use his bigger size and his strength. I think that would be Martin’s best approach; don’t try to win the first few rounds, just get through them without taking much punishment and land when you can. He just has to hope to find cracks in the second half of the fight.

“Remember, Murray has experience at this level. He’s gone twelve rounds with both (Sergio) Martinez and (Felix) Sturm. He’s definitely world-class. He also has belief. I don’t think he will be in awe of Golovkin. He won’t think he’s going to lose. Most people who face Golovkin are beaten before they’ve even stepped in the ring with him.”

Before turning pro in 2006, Lee boxed Golovkin as an amateur at the 2003 World Championships. He lost a decision and Golovkin went on to win the entire tournament. Suffice to say, Lee knew the steely-eyed Kazakh was special even back then.

“His footwork, feints and ability to cut off the ring are second to none,” he said. “He always has his opponent on edge. You’re in a constant state of panic, thinking he’s going to attack you at any moment, but he’s totally relaxed. It’s no big deal to him. He puts pressure on you with his feet all the time. And it’s mental pressure. Then, when you step to him, he’ll take a quick step away. He’s always on his toes, ready to fire.

“Murray will find he has to pick his spots wisely. You don’t get many of them and you have to be absolutely certain when they arrive. If you get it wrong, you could leave yourself exposed and end up in trouble.

“Martin knows this, though. He’s a clever, seasoned fighter. In some ways, he’s more experienced than me. He’s as ready as he’ll ever be.”

*** Boxing superstar Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin defends his WBA Super world middleweight title against Britain’s Martin Murray on Saturday, February 21 in Monte Carlo, LIVE on Channel 5 ***

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Monte-Carlo (February 14, 2015) Seven days out from their highly anticipated World Middleweight Championship, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN and MARTIN MURRAY have both weighed in within the World Boxing Council’s (‘WBC’) required limits heading into their February 21 clash in Monte-Carlo.

From his training camp in Big Bear Lake, California, Golovkin, the WBA/IBO and WBC ‘Interim’ Middleweight Champion weighed in at 163lbs. while top rated challenger Murray hit the scale at 165lbs. on Saturday morning in Johannesburg, South Africa.

For middleweight world title fights, the WBC mandates that fighters must be no more than 168lbs. seven days prior to the fight.

GOLOVKIN vs. MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte Carlo along with Monte Carlo SBM.

The fight from the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo will be telecast worldwide including Live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 5:45 p.m. ET/PT in the United States

Monte-Carlo, New York, Johannesburg (February 11, 2015) — Having spent time with MARTIN MURRAY in Johannesburg at the weekend, South African promoter RODNEY BERMAN says he expects a fierce contest when Murray and GENNADY GOLOVKIN square off in Monte Carlo for Golovkin’s WBA Super World middleweight, interim WBC World middleweight and IBO middleweight titles next weekend.

Berman’s Golden Gloves is promoting the Monte-Carlo “Thunderbolt” show in association with K2 Promotions and GGG Promotions.

Golovkin (31-0, 28 KOs) is on a record 18 consecutive knockouts and will be seeking another against Murray (29-1-1, 12 KOs), the highly-regarded WBC number one contender

“Obviously Martin is in the best shape he’s ever been, having worked incredibly hard in the summer heat down here. He’s pretty much in a no-lose situation because of the aura around Golovkin. If he goes the distance and doesn’t get the decision, that’s okay based on the reputation of Golovkin. But if Martin wins the world will be his oyster.”

Berman added that Murray’s camp has a plan and is very confident of executing it on February 21.

But he also expects a very determined Golovkin, knowing full well the intensity he brings to the action given that he has twice promoted him in the recent past, both times in Monaco.

“Golovkin has super fights down the road, against guys like Miguel Cotto and Andre Ward, so he can’t afford to slip up now, he can’t afford not to have a good showing.”
With major international broadcast coverage guaranteed – the fight is being broadcast on HBO in the US and throughout Europe and elsewhere – Berman says the crescendo in and around Monte Carlo is building.

“There is a realisation that this is Golovkin’s first real test. He’s fighting a guy who, to all intents and purposes, is unbeaten. He’s bigger and he can handle himself. Murray also won’t freeze. He’s known dark times and dealt with trauma; fighting a man with two arms, like him, holds no fears.”

GOLOVKIN vs MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte-Carlo along with Monte-Carlo SBM.
The fight will be broadcast internationally from the beautiful Salle des Etoiles venue in Monte-Carlo.

LONDON (6 FEB) Former world middleweight title challenger Matthew Macklin believes old adversary Gennady Golovkin will successfully defend his WBA Super world middleweight title against Martin Murray on February 21, LIVE on Channel 5, but is hoping the British challenger can pull off an almighty upset against all odds.

Thirty-two-year-old Macklin challenged Golovkin in June 2013 and came up short, losing via stoppage in round three. Since then he has watched the man known as ‘GGG’ go from strength to strength, defending his belt a further four times, and now awaits the challenge of Murray in Monte Carlo.

“I think Martin’s a solid all-rounder with a good defence,” said Macklin. “He’s not a massive puncher, but he looks physically strong, and he’s technically sound and very well-schooled. He doesn’t telegraph his shots. He’s tough and seems to have a decent chin.

“Murray has never really been bashed up before, either. He drew with (Felix) Sturm and he lost a close one with (Sergio) Martinez. Both fights were very competitive and Murray didn’t take a lot. He knows how to look after himself at the top level.

“Still, I don’t think Murray can beat Golovkin and I don’t want to romanticise his chances; I’d be surprised if he lasted the distance. But, having said that, Martin has a very tight defence and is a solid enough fighter. If anybody can go rounds with Golovkin, you’d think it would be someone like Murray.”

Of course, going rounds with a fearsome puncher like Golovkin is easier said than done. Macklin has firsthand experience of this. So do 30 other beaten opponents.

“Golovkin is so aggressive and has so much variety,” explained Macklin. “He also hits very hard. He can open up even the tightest of defences.

“In boxing, it’s easy to be relaxed when someone can’t hurt you. But, when they can, it’s a different story. You burn up a lot more nervous energy and you’re panicked into making mistakes. It’s a different ball game with Golovkin.

“Ultimately, I think Golovkin’s composure will shock Murray. That’s what shocked me. He’s very relaxed, with brilliant footwork, and he’s always balanced to throw punches. He judges distance extremely well and can cut off the ring better than anybody.

“It’s not even so much about the power. Obviously, he caught me with a corker of a shot and badly hurt my ribs, but, up to that point, I felt his power was solid but not enough to shake me up. It was more about his all-round ability, his composure and his confidence. Nothing fazes him and he’s able to exert a lot of pressure very quickly.

“I guess a lot will depend on Martin’s ambition. He’ll go into the ring looking to win, but that can quickly change once Golovkin goes to work. You see some guys just looking to survive after a certain point. If you try to win from round one to twelve, it’s unlikely you’ll last the distance with someone like Golovkin.”

No man has lasted the distance with Golovkin since 2008.

Though a fan of the Kazakh destroyer, Macklin hopes countryman Murray can go one better and hand ‘GGG’ his first career defeat.

“I’m a big fan of Golovkin and was a big fan before I fought him,” Macklin admitted. “He’s a fantastic fighter and a lovely guy. I’ll be following his career and supporting him in the future.

“But it would be great for Martin Murray and for British boxing if we could get that world title over here. I think Martin will give a great account of himself. I just don’t think he has enough to beat Golovkin. Then again, this is boxing and big upsets happen. Who would’ve thought ‘Buster’ Douglas could beat Mike Tyson in 1990?”

*** Boxing superstar Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin defends his WBA Super world middleweight title against Britain’s Martin Murray on Saturday, February 21 in Monte Carlo, LIVE on Channel 5 ***

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www.maxinutrition.com
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www.goldengloves.co.za
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Monte-Carlo (January 21, 2015) Thirty days out from their highly anticipated World Middleweight Championship, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN and MARTIN MURRAY have both weighed in within the World Boxing Council’s (‘WBC’) required limits heading into their February 21 clash in Monte-Carlo.

From his training camp in Big Bear Lake, California, Golovkin, the WBA/IBO and WBC ‘Interim’ Middleweight Champion weighed in at 172lbs. while top rated challenger Murray hit the scale at 169lbs. on Wednesday morning in Johannesburg, South Africa.

For middleweight world title fights, the WBC mandates that fighters must be no more than 176lbs. thirty days prior to the fight.

Said TOM LOEFFLER of K2 Promotions, “The interest from the fans and media worldwide has been extraordinary for this event. Golovkin and Murray are exceptionally well conditioned athletes and each will be ready on February 21 to prove who the best middleweight in the world is.”

“Both of these fighters are in excellent shape and boxing fans around the world will be in for an outstanding battle in boxing’s most glamorous division on February 21, “ said RODNEY BERMAN of Golden Gloves of South Africa.

GOLOVKIN vs. MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte Carlo along with Monte Carlo SBM.

The fight from the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo will be telecast worldwide including Live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 5:45 p.m. ET/PT in the United States.

Boxing’s Fastest Rising Superstar, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, 31-0-0 with 28 KO’s, scored his 18th straight KO victory and 12th defense of his WBA/IBO titles on Saturday, October 18th with a devastating second round knockout of WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion, Marco Antonio Rubio in front of a standing room only crowd of 9,323 at the StubHub! Center in Carson, California, USA. The attendance was record setting, far surpassing any other previous boxing events held at the acclaimed West Coast venue where many world champions have fought including Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andre Ward.

Golovkin holds the highest knockout percentage in world title fights of any active champion with a perfect 100%.

A native of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, now residing in Los Angeles, California, Golovkin has fought twice previously in Monte Carlo. In March 2012, Golovkin knocked out former world champion Nobuhiro Ishida in the third stanza, which earned him numerous “Knockout of the Year” awards from the international boxing media and scored a sixth round stoppage of former world title challenger Osumanu Adama in February 2013, both fights taking place at the Salle des Etoiles.

On October 25th, Martin Murray stopped Dominico Spada in the fifth round also at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo. Golovkin was ringside for the Murray/Spada bout and came away impressed by his performance. With the victory, Murray of Merseyside, United Kingdom improved his record to 29-1-1 (13KO’s).

In April 2012, Murray traveled to Buenos Aries, Argentina and battled hometown world champion Sergio Martinez. Despite dropping Martinez in the eighth round, he lost a highly controversial decision in a bout many in the media and ringside observers believe he was victorious in.

Three fights earlier, Murray headed to Mannheim, Germany in December 2011 to challenge also hometown world champion Felix Sturm. Outlanding Sturm throughout the fight with blistering power punches, most ringside observers and media members also thought he won this fight despite the scoring of a highly controversial split decision draw.

By Norm Frauenheim–

Gennady Golovkin’s stop in Los Angeles Wednesday at the end of an international tour for his Feb. 21 bout with Martin Murray in Monaco was an anti-dote, timely relief from speculation about what’s happening or not happening in negotiations for Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Canelo Alvarez-Miguel Cotto.

Boxing is stuck in never-never land these days, but at least there’s Golovkin, who brings a clear sense of purpose and direction to what he’s doing.

Some of the best-known names continue to avoid him with a litany of tired excuses. The latest, Peter Quillin, said Golovkin just isn’t a draw. Huh? Didn’t he just sell out the Stub Hub Center in Carson, Calif., for his quick stoppage of Marco Antonio Rubio? Quillin wishes he could draw crowds like GGG.

But with that unflappable, what-me-worry grin, Golovkin moves forward, telling a news conference that he plans to fight four times in 2015. The Murray bout is intriguing and perhaps Golovkin’s toughest to date.

Murray knocked down Sergio Martinez and lost a 12-round decision to the then middleweight champ in Buenos Aires. The durable Murray promises to test GGG. But the guess here is that Golovkin wins in the late rounds for a 19th successive stoppage.

Then what? Some familiar names were mentioned Wednesday. Golovkin trainer Abel Sanchez continues to talk about Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Chavez, he says, has a style that would produce a dynamically dramatic bout with Golovkin. But Chavez’ contract problems with Top Rank could put him on the legal shelf for a while.

Here’s another idea: Go straight to Canelo Alvarez, the popular Mexican who is moving up weight for a shot at Cotto’s 160-pound title. Canelo has said he’s willing to fight Golovkin. Representatives for Canelo and Cotto are reportedly close to a deal for a May 2 bout, another potential classic in the great Mexican-Puerto Rican rivalry.

There was talk that the agreement would be announced Tuesday. Tuesday came and went with no news. As of Thursday, there was still nothing. A snag? Breakdown? Maybe not. But you never know.

If talks stall, Golovkin should let Golden Boy Promotions know that he’s willing and available for the May 2 date that Canelo wants, no matter happens with Mayweather-Pacquiao and Mayyweather’s attempt to take ownership of the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Mayweather, who calls the prized date Cinco de Mayweather, showed up at a Pacer-Lakers game on Jan. 5 at Staples Center in Los Angeles decked out in Mexican colors.

It was his way of courting Mexican fans. But it could backfire. Mayweather in the green, white and red might be seen as trespassing on Mexico’s historical turf. Meanwhile, Mexican fans already have begun to embrace Golovkin. Before GGG’s victory over Rubio in October, some of those same fans arrived at the Stub Hub Center wearing T-shirts that said: “Mexicans for Golovkin.’’

If Canelo-Golovkin gets done and Canelo wins, then a Golovkin bout could be negotiated for the September date that celebrates Mexican Independence. Mayweather wants to own that date, too. Golovkin could help Canelo in his fight to re-claim it.

Monte-Carlo, New York, Johannesburg (January 8, 2015) — Martin Murray arrives in South Africa this weekend to set up camp ahead of his February 21 clash with WBC Interim and WBA and IBO middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin in Monte-Carlo on February 21.

The Englishman is in the middle of a 12-week training programme his advisor Andrew Mikhail describes as “pure hell” in anticipation of the toughest fight of his 31-bout career.
With no family in tow, Murray intends leading a Spartan training existence, going out only to former welterweight contender Harold Volbrecht’s nearby gym on the eastern side of Johannesburg for workouts. He will have trainer Oliver Harrison, two UK sparring partners and his chef alongside, leaving nothing to chance in his third championship crack.
Murray respects Golovkin, but cares little for the prediction that he will be yet another lamb to the slaughter next month.
“This is once in a lifetime, a massive fight. I’m up for it, I really am. Golovkin is favourite, but I’ve been in this position before, against Sergio Martinez. I don’t focus on what people say. I’m doing what I do. The more people who think he beats me, the better.”
The warm African conditions, Johannesburg’s 1700m (5577 feet) altitude and excellent training facilities appealed to Murray (29-1-1, 12 KOs) despite having to leave his family behind.
“It’s painful,” he said, “but I’m giving myself every possibility. It’s all business.”
Speaking while working up a sweat on his stationary bike at home in St Helens, Murray said that he had spent a lot of time watching Golovkin (31-0, 28 KOs) on tape. “I like watching the best of my opponents. It switches me on more.”
He sees what we all do, chiefly power and speed, but he also sees chinks in the champion’s armour.
“I’m big for a middleweight and have a lot of advantages in size and defence.”
His sparring partners, who will be supplemented by South African fighters, will be expected to mimic Golovkin. “I want them throwing bombs, that’s what I’m looking for,” Murray says excitedly.
Mikhail is one of the few expecting an upset from the WBC # 1 contender. “Martin is putting himself through the pain barrier like I’ve never seen before. It’s on a different level. His mind is so powerful, it’s unbelievable.
“Things could hardly be worse than fighting in Argentina, as he did in 2013, when he had 50 000 Argentines baying for him, spitting on him. In Monte-Carlo three-quarters of the arena will be full of Englishmen.”
He says that Golovkin cannot afford to be complacent. “We recently watched all his fights. Martin is far and away the best he will have fought. Martin would have beaten all the guys Golovkin has. Golovkin is unbelievable, but he has faults as well. If he can KO Martin, he’s very special. I would then rate him the greatest middleweight of them all, like a Hagler or a Sugar Ray. I really mean that.”
Murray himself is counting the days to his big fight date. “I want this more than anything. This is my time. I must keep cracking on.”

GOLOVKIN vs MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte-Carlo along with Monte-Carlo SBM.

The fight will be broadcast internationally from the beautiful Salle des Etoiles venue in Monte-Carlo.

Big Bear Lake, CA (December 25, 2014) While wishing his fans across the globe a “Merry Christmas”, WBA/IBO and WBC ‘Interim’ Middleweight World Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN spent the holiday training for his upcoming world title defense against two-time world title challenger MARTIN MURRAY, the WBC’s #1 ranked middleweight set for Saturday, February 21 at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo.

Golovkin is training at The Summit High Altitude Training Center in Big Bear Lake, California under longtime trainer ABEL SANCHEZ. The duo has worked together at the Southern California camp since June 2010.

“It feels great to be back in camp,” said Golovkin. “We’re working hard with my Coach Abel Sanchez to put on another exciting show in Monte-Carlo against Martin Murray.”

“Gennady was looking forward to starting his training,” said TOM LOEFFLER of K2 Promotions. “This is an excellent matchup between the best middleweight and the #1 rated challenger and Gennady will be well prepared to defend his titles against Murray on February 21.”

Prior to the start of training camp, Golovkin traveled the globe for press conferences in front of huge crowds of media in Monte Carlo, Astana, London and Mexico City. He also attended the WBC Convention in Las Vegas.

“Gennady is one of the most internationally marketable fighters in the world. At every stop the attention we received was overwhelming from the media and fans,” continued Loeffler.

Boxing’s Fastest Rising Superstar, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, 31-0-0 with 28 KO’s, scored his 18th straight stoppage and 12th defense of his WBA title on Saturday, October 18th with a devastating second round knockout of WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion, Marco Antonio Rubio in front of a standing room crowd of 9,323 at the StubHub! Center in Carson, California, USA. The attendance was record setting, far surpassing any other previous boxing events held at the acclaimed West Coast venue including those featuring Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andre Ward.

A native of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, now residing in Stuttgart, Germany, Golovkin has fought twice previously in Monte Carlo. In March 2012, Golovkin knocked out former world champion Nobuhiro Ishida in the third stanza, which earned him numerous “Knockout of the Year” awards from the international boxing media and scored a sixth round stoppage of former world title challenger Osumanu Adama in February 2013, also taking place at the Salle des Etoiles.

On October 25, Martin Murray stopped Dominic Spada in the fifth round also at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo. Golovkin was ringside for the Murray/Spada bout and came away impressed by his performance. With the victory, Murray of Merseyside, United Kingdom improved his record to 29-1-1 (13KO’s).

In April 2012, Murray traveled to Buenos Aries, Argentina and battled hometown world champion Sergio Martinez. Despite dropping Martinez in the eighth round, he lost a controversial decision in a bout many in the media and ringside observers believe he was victorious in.

Three fights earlier, Murray headed to Mannheim, Germany in December 2011 to challenge also hometown champion Felix Sturm. Outlanding Sturm throughout the fight with blistering power punches, most ringside observers and media members also thought he won this fight despite settling for a highly controversial split decision draw.

GOLOVKIN vs. MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte Carlo along with Monte Carlo SBM.

Monte-Carlo (December 17, 2014) Advance ticket information has been released for the highly anticipated World Middleweight Championship between WBA/IBO and WBC ‘Interim’ Middleweight World Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN and WBC #1 ranked, two-time world title challenger MARTIN MURRAY set for Saturday, February 21st at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo.

Advance tickets starting at 200€ can be purchased by calling the Monte-Carlo SBM Ticket Office at + 377 98 06 36 36 (Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CET) or by email at TicketOffice@SBM.mc.

Tickets are also available online through www.FNACTickets.com and www.DigiTick.com.

Boxing fans are also eligible to receive a 10% special rate discount at the beautiful Monte-Carlo Bay & Resort located adjacent to the Salle des Etoiles venue. Using the code ‘Bonanza’, reservations can be made online through www.MonteCarloBay.com.

Boxing’s Fastest Rising Superstar, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, 31-0-0 with 28 KO’s, scored his 18th straight stoppage and 12th defense of his WBA/IBO titles on Saturday, October 18th with a devastating second round knockout of WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion, Marco Antonio Rubio in front of a standing room only crowd of 9,323 at the StubHub! Center in Carson, California, USA. The attendance was record setting, far surpassing any other previous boxing events held at the acclaimed West Coast venue including those featuring Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andre Ward.

A native of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, now residing in Stuttgart, Germany, Golovkin has fought twice previously in Monte-Carlo. In March 2012, Golovkin knocked out former world champion Nobuhiro Ishida in the third stanza, which earned him numerous “Knockout of the Year” awards from the international boxing media and scored a sixth round stoppage of former world title challenger Osumanu Adama in February 2013, also taking place at the Salle des Etoiles.

On October 25, Martin Murray stopped Dominic Spada in the fifth round also at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo. Golovkin was ringside for the Murray/Spada bout and came away impressed by his performance. With the victory, Murray of Merseyside, United Kingdom improved his record to 29-1-1 (13KO’s).

In April 2012, Murray traveled to Buenos Aries, Argentina and battled hometown world champion Sergio Martinez. Despite dropping Martinez in the eighth round, he lost a controversial decision in a bout many in the media and ringside observers believe he was victorious in.

Three fights earlier, Murray headed to Mannheim, Germany in December 2011 to challenge also hometown champion Felix Sturm. Outlanding Sturm throughout the fight with blistering power punches, most ringside observers and media members also thought he won this fight despite settling for a highly controversial split decision draw.

GOLOVKIN vs. MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte-Carlo along with Monte-Carlo SBM.

Big Bear Lake, CA (December 16, 2014) Following a world wind International Press Tour with stops in Monte Carlo, Astana, London and Mexico City, WBA/IBO and WBC ‘Interim’ Middleweight World Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN has opened training camp in Big Bear Lake, California for his upcoming world title defense against two-time world title challenger MARTIN MURRAY, the WBC’s #1 ranked middleweight.

Under the watchful eye of longtime trainer ABEL SANCHEZ, Golovkin is slated to defend his titles on Saturday, February 21st at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo.

“It was a very busy time these last few weeks but I liked spending time with the media and fans all over the world,” said Golovkin on Monday, speaking from the World Boxing Council Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. “I look forward to starting training camp with my coach and putting on another great show in Monte Carlo.”

Stated TOM LOEFFLER of K2 Promotions, “The response Gennady has received all over the world these last few weeks has been extraordinary. From both media and fans it’s clear that he’s the fastest rising international star in boxing.”

“Gennady is also anxious to start training and looks forward to the biggest test of his career facing Martin Murray who is rated at the top of the middleweight division.”

The Five-City International Press Tour for Golovkin will culminate in Los Angeles with details of a January press conference to be announced shortly.

Boxing’s Fastest Rising Superstar, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, 31-0-0 with 28 KO’s, scored his 18th straight stoppage and 12th defense of his WBA/IBO titles on Saturday, October 18th with a devastating second round knockout of WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion, Marco Antonio Rubio in front of a standing room only crowd of 9,323 at the StubHub! Center in Carson, California, USA. The attendance was record setting, far surpassing any other previous boxing events held at the acclaimed West Coast venue including those featuring Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andre Ward.

A native of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, now residing in Stuttgart, Germany, Golovkin has fought twice previously in Monte Carlo. In March 2012, Golovkin knocked out former world champion Nobuhiro Ishida in the third stanza, which earned him numerous “Knockout of the Year” awards from the international boxing media and scored a sixth round stoppage of former world title challenger Osumanu Adama in February 2013, also taking place at the Salle des Etoiles.

On October 25, Martin Murray stopped Dominic Spada in the fifth round also at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo. Golovkin was ringside for the Murray/Spada bout and came away impressed by his performance. With the victory, Murray of Merseyside, United Kingdom improved his record to 29-1-1 (13KO’s).

In April 2012, Murray traveled to Buenos Aries, Argentina and battled hometown world champion Sergio Martinez. Despite dropping Martinez in the eighth round, he lost a controversial decision in a bout many in the media and ringside observers believe he was victorious in.

Three fights earlier, Murray headed to Mannheim, Germany in December 2011 to challenge also hometown champion Felix Sturm. Outlanding Sturm throughout the fight with blistering power punches, most ringside observers and media members also thought he won this fight despite settling for a highly controversial split decision draw.

GOLOVKIN vs. MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte Carlo along with Monte Carlo SBM.

Astana, Kazahkstan (November 22, 2014) Boxing Fastest Rising International Star, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN hosted a greeting for his fans on Friday, November 21st at Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Joined by his manager, OLEG HERMANN, Golovkin answered numerous questions from the massive crowd of supporters in attendance.

“The turnout was sensational and Gennady was thrilled to meet with his many supporters in Astana”, said Hermann. Golovkin is a native of nearby Karaganda.

On Saturday, Golovkin was scheduled to hold a formal press conference in Astana to further discuss with the local media his upcoming world title defense against MARTIN MURRAY slated for Saturday, February 21st in Monte Carlo.

Holder of the WBA/IBO and WBC Interim Middleweight World Titles, Golovkin, 31-0-0 with 28 KO’s, will be making his 13th world championship defense and be looking for his 19th straight stoppage against Murray. His knockout ratio of 90.32% is the highest among all active world champions and the highest in the history of the middleweight division.

GOLOVKIN vs. MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank along with Monte Carlo SBM.

Venice, CA (November 17, 2014) Boxing’s fastest rising star, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN was honored by the World Boxing Council (‘WBC’) this past week being named their “Fighter of the Month” for October 2014.

On October 18th, Golovkin added the WBC Interim Middleweight Title to his collection of world titles with a second round stoppage of MARCO ANTONIO RUBIO in front of a standing-room-only record crowd of 9,323 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. He is now the mandatory challenger to full champion MIGUEL COTTO.

The knockout of Rubio improved Golovkin’s record to 31-0-0 (28KO’s), while serving as his 18th straight knockout. His knockout ratio of 90.32 is the highest among all active champions and the highest in the history of the middleweight division.

“I’m honored to win the WBC interim title and very thankful to be named the ‘Fighter of the Month’,” said Golovkin who is planning to soon visit the WBC’s Mexico City headquarters for the official presentation of his new belt.

Said WBC President MAURICIO SULAIMAN, “We are glad to have Gennady in the ranks of world champions of the Council. He told me at the end of the fight with Rubio that his dream was to have the green belt and he did it and now wants to be the overall champion.”

“He is an attraction in the business, besides being a great person and fighter.”

Stated TOM LOEFFLER, Managing Director of K2 PROMOTIONS; “This is a tremendous honor from the WBC for Gennady. With the huge crowd on hand and Gennady’s sensational performance, October 18th was a special night and we look forward to many more in the future.”

“He continues to distinguish himself as the most exciting and most internationally marketable star in boxing.”

Golovkin is slated to defend his world titles against former world title challenger MARTIN MURRAY on February 21st in Monaco, his third world title defense in the world’s most glamorous tourist location.

Congratulations. Your recent tournament in Monte Carlo delivered high-quality match-ups. Presumably your partners in Monaco were very satisfied?
I would hope so. The objective is gaining publicity for the principality, encouraging tourism, that sort of thing. It was very well received internationally.
The reality is we have been moving towards Gennady Golovkin against Martin Murray, which will be a mega-event.

You are now promoting Martin Murray and have co-promoted a number of Gennady Golovkin’s fights in Monaco. How difficult was it to put together Murray versus Golovkin for next February?
It was relatively easy. It was a very unique situation: both Golovkin and Murray are thorough gentlemen and [K2 Promotions’] Tom Loeffler, on Golovkin’s side, is one of the most honourable guys I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with. Andrew Mikhail, Murray’s advisor, is of the same ilk. They understand the logistics. Outside of a Miguel Cotto or Canelo Alvarez fight, Murray against Golovkin was an obvious choice for international television and a great fans’ fight.

Are you torn? It is well-known that you have an excellent relationship with each.
Yes, it’s very difficult. Golovkin has done a helluva lot for Golden Gloves. It has been a privilege promoting him and it’s fair to say part of his stature has grown from his past fights in Monte Carlo.
And we promote Murray. As I said when it was announced, this is a very hard fight for me . . . both guys are very dear to me. As long as it’s a good, competitive fight, neither fighter truly “loses”. I can assure you Murray is not going to be another Marco Antonio Rubio.

What qualities do they each bring to the fight and what do you think will be critical in determining a winner?
The jury is still out to some extent on GGG’s super status. He hasn’t fought the superstars as yet. From what I’ve seen, all of his opponents, perhaps with the exception of Curtis Stevens, were defeated before they stepped foot in the ring.
Murray, though, comes from a tough background. I will venture to say that he will be the first challenger who won’t be overwhelmed. He has true boxing skills and will also be the biggest middleweight Golovkin will have fought.
Remember, Murray is probably a two-time uncrowned champion who gave a peak Sergio Martinez a very good fight.
One of the reasons I give Murray a chance is that Golden Gloves has been involved in some of the biggest upsets in recent years – Hasim Rahman beating Lennox Lewis, Corrie Sanders knocking out Wladimir Klitschko, Harry Simon beating Winky Wright and Vuyani Bungu handling Kennedy McKinney. The list is uncanny.

What has the appetite been from the international broadcast community for February’s big fight?
Outstanding. There has been much competition in various countries for the rights because it is seen as a proper fight. HBO in the US, Channel 5 in the UK, Chinese television and SuperSport across Africa will all be taking the fight, plus many more regions.

The venue in Monte Carlo is a small, intimate one. Given the scale of the fight, how do you plan on satisfying the fans, media, dignitaries and VIP’s?
It’s great because the demand will exceed the supply 100-fold. It’s virtually sold out already. The pressure for tickets doubles the value for television.
The truth is we can’t ensure everyone who wants a ticket will get one. We have to be very selective, it’s one of those things. When we ventured into Monte Carlo, this is what we knew.

Golden Gloves has been around a long time and promoted many big names, among them Shane Mosley, Lennox Lewis, Gennady Golovkin, Corrie Sanders and Brian Mitchell. You have made big headway in Europe and are planning to promote in the UK. Tell us more about your business model and ambitions.
I’m a front man. I have a lot of support from top drawer partners, from our driver to the matchmaker, who are all a part of Golden Gloves’ success.
The reason for our success is we run on corporate lines and don’t let emotions get in the way. We are fortunate that SuperSport Television in South Africa were very much part of our success, as was [hotel group] Sun International and more latterly Peermont.
We have also been blessed with very good fighters. We are probably getting stronger and stronger promotionally. We are getting requests from a lot of international boxers to join us. We will soon promote in England and have been approached by another country in Europe.
My one ambition, probably unattainable, is to promote a black world heavyweight champion born and bred in South Africa.

You have a tremendous little fighter in the shape of WBA and IBO minimumweight champion Hekkie Budler, fresh off a win against former WBC champion Xiong Zhao Zhong. What are your plans with him?
I’m hoping Hekkie won’t be deprived of his true greatness. Zhong refused to fight him when he was WBC champion, and Hekkie beat him convincingly last month.
[WBC champion] Oswaldo Novoa similarly rejected an offer to fight him in a unification. It’s extremely difficult to make those fights.
I’m almost certain that we will soon feature him on a K2 Promotions undercard in the United States where Hekkie can become just as marketable as guys like Chiquita Gonzalez and Michael Carbajal. That’s what we’re aiming for.

Unbeaten Tommy Oosthuizen also makes his return after a year’s layoff against Denis Grachev this weekend. He’s had a few issues with indiscipline in the past. What does the future hold for Tommy?
Tommy is the captain of his own soul. He has unlimited ability, but it’s up to him. There are opportunities if he satisfies us and knuckles down. Depending how he goes against Grachev, I will push for him at the WBC convention to get suitable recognition in the light-heavyweight division.

There was the recent death of a female boxer in a South African ring and there have been tremendous issues with Boxing South Africa. What is your view on the state of SA boxing?
I would rather not comment.

Big Bear Lake, CA:Guantanamo Bay, Cuba native Sullivan Barrera (13-0, 8 KOs) defected to the United States to become a world champion boxer and now, in his second straight training camp with world-renowned trainer Abel Sanchez (trainer to WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin), the undefeated light heavyweight feels he is getting closer to realizing that dream.

On Nov. 8 Barrera will face Rowland Bryant (18-4, 12 KOs) of Altamonte Springs, Florida, who is coming off an eight round unanimous decision loss to Pawel Glazewski in Poland. The two will meet for eight rounds of action on the stacked undercard of the Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins vs. Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.

Since defecting from Cuba prior to his professional debut in 2009, Barrera has resided in Miami, FL but, now in his second training camp with Sanchez, Sullivan has all but made Big Bear Lake his home. According to his co-manager, Luis Molina, “Sullivan is focused. He’s basically moved to Big Bear which shows how dedicated he is to becoming a world champion.”

Training with Sanchez in Big Bear has allowed Sullivan access to camps of the other great fighters that Sanchez trains such as Golovkin. The 32-year old said, “I’ve been training very hard. Training camp has been great. We have had excellent sparring.”

In Sullivan’s first fight with Sanchez, he faced Eric Watkins and knocked him out in the sixth round last month at Foxwoods in Connecticut. According to Abel, things have continued to improve for Barrera since that first camp together.

“In our second training camp together things and system are making more sense to Sullivan, he is understanding his part a lot better,” explained Sanchez. “Our style here at The Summit Gym is to make sure we work towards a world championship and provide entertainment along the way.”

When asked about his upcoming fight with Bryant, Barrera said, “I came to America to seek, not only a better future for my family, but to become world champion. This is my dream. I LOVE AMERICA!” To which Molina added, “The future is bright for Sullivan and we are looking forward to Nov. 8.”

Promoter Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events, said, “As a light heavyweight prospect, this is a big opportunity for Sullivan Barrera to appear on the undercard of such an exciting and highly anticipated light heavyweight unification fight. At 13-0, it’s also perfect timing. I expect Sullivan to capitalize on this chance and impress the fans, media and network executives who will all be at Boardwalk Hall on November 8th so that he can take the next step in his career in 2015.”

# # #

Alien vs. Krusher: Hopkins vs. Kovalev” is a 12-round unification bout for the IBF, WBA and WBO Light Heavyweight World titles, presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events in association with Caesars Atlantic City, Corona Extra, AT&T, Hortitsia Vodka and Mexico, Live it To Believe It!. Ali vs. Abregu is a 10-round bout for the WBO Intercontinental Welterweight Title promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Venice, CA (October 28, 2014) Boxing’s fastest rising star, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN will be interviewed Tonight on the latest edition of HBO’s THE FIGHT GAME WITH JIM LAMPLEY.

Airing at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT, Golovkin will be interviewed by Lampley from Stuttgart, Germany.

Golovkin, 31-0-0 with 28 KO’s, scored his 18th straight stoppage and 12th defense of his WBA/IBO middleweight world titles on Saturday, October 18th with a devastating second round knockout of WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion, Marco Antonio Rubio in front of a standing room only crowd of 9,323 at the StubHub! Center in Carson, California.

The Golovkin/Rubio bout was a hit with television viewers as well and watched in the United States by 1,304,000 viewers on HBO making it the second most watched premium cable boxing event of 2014.

Golovkin is slated to make a quick return to the ring on Saturday, February 21st against top rated challenger MARTIN MURRAY in Monte Carlo, the world’s premier tourist destination.

By Bart Barry-

HOUSTON – Saturday this city’s largest art museum previewed for its members a fall exhibition, “Monet and the Seine,” that is unimpressive. Composed of middling efforts by the French Impressionist master, canvases from sundry places, some painted in cottoncandy hues and some deeply indebted to others’ influences and one so pedestrian Monet himself misdated it, this exhibition is wisely hidden across the street from Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s impressive permanent collection and the much better exhibition space and exhibition, “The Age of Impressionism,” through which the museum began its year.

Very much can be gathered about a master on a bad day, and seeing Monet’s lesser interpretations of his favorite French river serves to emphasize the transcendence of his best treatments of water, and water lilies – confirming his mastery absolutely. The disappointing exhibition and what mood it spawned, though, did, as it happened, mark an appropriate place for contemplating the coverage of Gennady “GGG” Golovkin’s recent victory over Marco Antonio Rubio and inevitable February victory over Martin Murray.

My colleague and friend Norm Frauenheim once wrote: Undefeated is untested. This evaluative approach appealed then and appeals still for a couple reasons: First, it delays declarations of greatness about modern fighters for a very long time indeed, and second, it encourages prizefighters to take increasingly larger risks before they can be called great.

In many senses this city, largest in Texas and fourth-largest in the country, was undefeated in my mind going into the weekend. But with the disappointment of its Monet exhibition, other disappointments began to arrive in the form of questions: Why does such a wealthy metropolis have grass growing in the middle of its surface streets and roads patchy enough to make a drive to its Museum District akin to off-roading? Why do bearded 130-pound boys who drive expensive German automobiles on those unkempt roads initiate collisions with much larger men in supermarkets? How can so many people in the Gulf’s velvety October air be so plainly miserable? Why is nearly every good downtown restaurant closed on Sundays?

Challenges beget defeats. Defeats beget more challenges.

While a heavyweight prizefighter, conceivably, could run through all competition and remain undefeated through a great career – one in particular springs to mind – it is nearly impossible for any smaller man. By remaining in weight classes long since scrubbed by himself or others, a prizefighter may have a profitable career, he may even make it in the hall of fame, but he will not be invited in conversations about all-timers by historians from generations after his own.

This thought came to mind a couple Saturdays ago while watching the Kazakh middleweight titlist Golovkin, whose entire career has happened at 160 pounds, dismantle another challenger, the Mexican Rubio this time, without a prayer of beating him. The straining by Golovkin’s print and television publicists to crown GGG a ticketseller was unseemly. HBO viewers were told of Golovkin’s record sales – in excess of 9,000! – at the former Home Depot Center tennis stadium in Carson, Calif., now named StubHub Center, and incredibly enough, Oscar De La Hoya was trotted out as an also-ran in the breathless comparisons. A little perspective: De La Hoya did not fight in the tennis stadium but rather the immense soccer stadium beside it – you may have seen it as an absence during the telecast, when HBO’s aerial view of the tennis stadium’s beacon revealed a sizable black hole on the left that made the tennis stadium a sparkly boutonniere on the lapel of a dark suit jacket – a venue at which, immediately after his loss to Floyd Mayweather, De La Hoya sold 300-percent as many tickets as Golovkin just did.

While we’re on the subject of De La Hoya, let’s treat briefly the “Golden Boy’s” career as a range of weightclasses to which he’d migrated by the time he was Golovkin’s age: lightweight, junior welterweight, welterweight, junior middleweight, middleweight – representing a 25-pound increase. Say what you will of De La Hoya’s sincerity and business acumen, but he challenged himself a hell of a lot more by his 32nd birthday than Golovkin has. Other comparisons? Sure. Roy Jones Jr. had covered three weight classes by the time he was Golovkin’s age: middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight – representing 15 pounds – and fans were so disgusted by Jones’ cashing HBO checks without challenging himself they staged a “Roycott.” Floyd Mayweather Jr., before his 32nd birthday, had gone from junior lightweight to junior middleweight, representing 24 pounds, and aficionados remain furious about the fights he did not make.

It says here if GGG were a flashy black prizefighter or pretty Latino, and not a Central Asian with a face easily confused for a suburban schoolboy’s in America, yesterday’s Roycotters would demand his next match be with the winner of November’s Bernard Hopkins-Sergey Kovalev match, not Martin Murray.

How dare you, sir, imply any of this Golovkin media mania has ethnic underpinnings!

You must be kidding.

Golovkin appears to be an exceptional talent, yes, but his promoters are beginning to protest too much about a dearth of viable opponents. While most of the men who spent their careers at welterweight and junior middleweight are understandably hesitant about being bludgeoned by a larger man for short money, one increasingly wonders what precludes Golovkin from moving to higher weight classes, what precludes his making an exceptional match with, say, super middleweight Carl Froch?

Because Froch, too, is afraid of . . . don’t even complete that sentence. Froch’s willingness to fight is beyond doubt, and if he becomes unwilling to make a match with Golovkin it will be for one reason only: money. This is the sort of problem HBO is uniquely empowered to solve. Instead of showing 1 1/2-percent of American households a 60-to-one mismatch wrapped in a hyperbolic banner about bringing 9,000 (of 16 million) folks in Greater Los Angeles to a tennis stadium, within months of Froch putting nearly nine times that many fans in a London soccer stadium, HBO ought to use what leverage it still has to make Froch an offer he likes, and show us how Golovkin acquits himself in a test.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Monaco, October 25 — The deal has been signed – unbeaten WBA, IBO and WBC Interim middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (31-0, 28 KOs) of Kazakhstan will fight top-rated Martin Murray (28-1-1, 12 KOs) of the UK in Monte Carlo on February 21.

Golden Gloves and K2 Promotions announced the bout minutes after Murray’s successful WBC Silver belt defence against Domenico Spada in Monaco on Saturday.
Golovkin will go in search of his record 19th straight stoppage while Murray will be hoping it is third time lucky after two previous title bids were rebuffed by the judges.
“Murray is generally regarded as the best middleweight outside the world champions,” said promoter Rodney Berman. “As we all know, he’s a world champion without a belt. He won’t be intimidated for one second fighting ‘GGG’, unlike all of Golovkin’s challengers.”
Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions agreed. “Arguably, Martin Murray will be the toughest opponent Gennady has ever faced. It’s a great way to follow up the Marco Antonio Rubio win: coming back to Europe and Monte Carlo against a top-rated middleweight contender.
“It fits in perfectly as Murray has shown he is world class and Gennady wants to continue to prove himself the most exciting fighter out there. Gennady is making big inroads in the US, but it’s also important for the fight to be in primetime in Europe where he has so many fans.”
Murray has won four fights since dropping a narrow decision to then-WBC champion Sergio Martinez in 2013, the last two of which were in Monte Carlo.
Golovkin has won 13 straight world championship fights – all by stoppage – on his way to confirming his status as the world’s most exciting boxer.
He has also fought twice before in Monte Carlo, beating Nobuhiro Ishida in 2013 and Osumanu Adama in February.
He was ringside in Monte Carlo on Saturday and said: “It feels great to get this fight. Murray is a great fighter, very strong. I remember the Sergio Martinez bout; it was an amazing fight. Along with Matthew Macklin and Daniel Geale, Murray is one of the best pure boxers in the division.
“I like to test myself. I’m giving him a chance and for Europe this is the biggest fight in the middleweight division. It is important to fight here, where many of my fans and followers are
Said Murray: “I think he’s a top fighter. He’s crushed everybody he’s been in with, but I’ve got the tools to beat any middleweight out there. I wouldn’t be taking the fight if I didn’t think I could win. A lot of his opponents have gone into the fight already beat. You won’t get that with me. I’m gonna go in there and stand up to him.”
Berman rates Golovkin highly, but believes that Murray has a chance of an upset.
“I have the highest regard for Golovkin, but the truth is his opponents have been sitting ducks. Out of fear, they lose the fight before they step into the ring; they’re intimidated and scared. You look at Murray’s background and just know he won’t be cowered. He’s the first guy I’ve seen who will create angles, who won’t stand in front of Golovkin waiting to be hit. Murray will make Golovkin work. He has the ability to outhustle him,” said the man who has famously promoted a number of major upsets over the years.
These include Hasim Rahman’s KO of heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, Corrie Sanders’ blowout of Wladimir Klitschko and Vuyani Bungu’s shock win over unbeaten Kennedy McKinney.
“It doesn’t get better than coming back to Monte Carlo,” added Loeffler. “The atmosphere is electric and Gennady enjoys it. He makes every fight an exciting fight because of his style. Every opponent has a plan . . . until they feel Gennady’s first punch.”
The undercard, Berman assured, would be top rate.

LONDON (24 OCT) St. Helens middleweight Martin Murray knows victory on Saturday night (October 25) against Italian Domencio Spada could set him up for a February date with WBA world middleweight champion Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin.

He is reminded of this in every interview and conversation and will be reminded further when the fearsome Golovkin takes his seat at ringside in Monte Carlo and watches Murray and Spada do battle for the WBC Silver middleweight title.

“It’s been a motivation thing for me,” said Murray, 28-1-1 (12 KOs). “People talk about Golovkin and you’ve got to answer questions about it, but the more people I get asking me about it, the more I get motivated to do a proper job on Spada this Saturday night.

“I knew I had a world title shot against Sergio Martinez back in 2013, but I still had to go out there and beat Jorge Navarro to get it. It’s the same tomorrow. If I don’t beat Spada, there’s no world title fight.

“For that reason, I’m completely focused on Spada and am not thinking about Golovkin one bit. In fact, I didn’t even watch his fight against Marco Antonio Rubio at the weekend. I just completely ignored it. Instead, I stuck on a DVD of Spada that morning to keep me focused.

“I want the Golovkin fight and it’s one I’ve always wanted. It’s one I look forward to. But, in order to get the fight I want, I have to beat Spada on Saturday night.”

Since losing a contentious decision in Argentina to then WBC world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, Murray has gone from strength to strength, beating the likes of Max Bursak and Sergey Khomitsky in distance fights and picking up the WBC Silver title.

Spada, his first challenger, hails from Roma and is a former WBC International champion and European title challenger. Now 34, Spada, 39-5 (19 KOs), remains robust and durable at a world-class level.

“He’s experienced,” said Murray. “His style is horrible and awkward but it works for him. You look at videos of him and think he looks very beatable. He looks like he’s got nothing about him. But then you look at his record and look at the people he has fought and beat and you start to realise that he makes his style work for him.

“He’s got a good record. He pushed Darren Barker close and then Darren went on to win a world middleweight title.

“His style isn’t the prettiest and he can be quite dirty at times, but that’s not to say he isn’t dangerous. If you overlook someone like Spada, he’ll make you regret it.”

The 32-year-old continued: “I think he’s going to come out fast. He’s smaller than me in height and in build and he’ll probably look to get inside on me early. I’m expecting him to start fast and look to work me over with big shots. He’ll try to rough me up. He’ll be physical.

“But we’ve worked on picking clean shots as he’s coming in – working shots around the sides and bringing them up through the middle. I’ll be landing on him whenever he opens up and slowing him down. I want to control the first half of the fight and then completely take over in the second. I want to get the stoppage if I can.

“First and foremost, though, I have to just get the job done. I need to go in there and execute the game plan. But, of course, we’ve been working on finishing shots and I’m looking to take him out when the opportunity comes. I want to go in there and make a statement.”

Murray’s scheduled 12-rounder with Spada will be televised on Channel 5 this Saturday night (October 25) alongside the vacant IBF world bantamweight title fight between Darlington’s Stuart Hall and the unbeaten American Randy Caballero.

The action gets underway at 8.30pm and continues right on through to 11pm, meaning fight fans will be treated to some two-and-a-half hours of world-class boxing. Murray couldn’t be happier.

“It’s absolutely unbelievable to be fighting on Channel 5,” he said. “It’s brilliant for me and my team and it’s brilliant for everyone at home. I get some great exposure out of it and all my friends and family at home can watch me on terrestrial television. That’s priceless for a boxer.

“Since the Felix Sturm fight (in December 2011), I’ve suffered from inactivity and have been in the shadows a little bit. My profile then dipped after the Martinez fight and not a lot of people have been able to see me fight recently. This changes everything, though. It feels like everything I had to put up with in the past has now been worth it.”

*** Hall vs. Caballero, Murray vs. Spada and Blackwell vs. Khomitsky will all be televised this Saturday night (October 25) on Channel 5, 8.30pm – 11pm ***

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Los Angeles, CA (October 21, 2014) In addition to breaking all attendance records this Saturday night at the StubHub Center in Carson, the acclaimed outdoor Southern California boxing venue, boxing fastest rising star, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN also scored big in the TV ratings. His HBO televised second round knockout of MARCO ANTONIO RUBIO earned a 1.3 rating, making it the second highest viewed premium cable-boxing event of 2014.

This marks a 33% increase for Golovkin from his extraordinary third round stoppage of Daniel Geale on July 26th at Madison Square Garden, also telecast on HBO.

“We’re very pleased with the TV ratings from this past Saturday night,” said TOM LOEFFLER, Managing Director of K2 Promotions. “Selling this many tickets in both NY and LA, combined with the TV ratings, it’s clear that Gennady is one of the top stars in the sport.”

Continued Loeffler, “This past Saturday night’s atmosphere at the StubHub Center truly captured the passion that Gennady’s fans have for him. In two years Gennady has become boxing’s biggest must-see attraction and we expect 2015 to catapult him to even greater heights. The best is yet to come for GGG.”

Scoring his 18th consecutive knockout, Golovkin raised his stellar record to 31-0-0 (28KO’s), increasing the highest KO percentage of any active world champion, while adding the WBC Interim Middleweight Title to his WBA and IBO Middleweight belts.

Gennady Golovkin thrilled a sold out StubHub Center in Carson, California in the 2nd round of their scheduled 12 round Middleweight championship bout.

Golovkin rocked Rubio at the end of the opening frame from a right. In round two, Golovkin landed a thudding uppercut that drove Rubio to the ropes. A follow up barrage that was finished off by a looping left to the head sent Rubio down for the ten count at

Golovkin, 159 lbs of Kazakhstan is now 31-0 with 28 knockouts. Rubio weighed in 1.8 lbs over the Middleweight limit is now 59-7-1.

Nicholas Walters announced his presence as a top flight Featherweight as Nicholas Walters scored a 6th round stoppage over Nonito Donaire to capture the WBA “Super” Featherweight title.

Donaire struck first as he rocked Walters with a left hook at the end of round two. In round three, Walters landed his own left hook that sent Donaire to the canvas. In round four, Dinaire suffered a cut over his right eye. In roud six, a cut formed over Donaire’s left eye. At the end of the sixth round, Walters landed two thudding right hands with the latter pouncing off the top of Donaire’s head that sent the former Fighter of the Year to the canvas again. Donaire was barely able to get to his feet but referee Raul Caiz stopped the fight at 2:59 of round six.

Walters, 125 1/w lbs of Montigo Bay, JAM is now 25-0 with 21 knockouts. Donaire, 125 1/2 lbs of Philippines is now 33-3.

Edwin Rodriguez scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Azea Augustama in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Scores were 100-90 twice and 99-91 for Rodriguez, 174 3/4 lbs of Worcester, MA and is now 24-1. Augustama. 175 3/4 lbs is now 17-2.

Abraham Han scored a 10-round majority decision over Marcos Reyes in a Super Middleweight bout.

Reyes Dropped Han in round eight but was deducted a point in round for a low blow.

Han, 160 1/2 lbs won by scores of 97-91 twice and 94-94 and is now 23-1. Reyes, 160 3/4 lbs is 32-2.

CARSON, Calif. – Going ga-ga for Triple-G continued Saturday in Gennady Golovkin’s campaign to discard the most-avoided title for a shot at Miguel Cotto or anybody else with credentials that would prove his pound-for-pound potential.

Golovkin (31-0, 28 KOs) did it quickly, did it definitively, in a second-round stoppage of Marco Antonio Rubio in front of capacity crowd at Stub Center.

Rubio never had a chance. As it turns out, neither did Nonito Donaire, whom Nicolas Walters knocked out in a sixth-round stunner. For Donaire, it might have been more than a loss. It could have been the end. More on that later.

The card, dubbed Mexican Style, was staged for Golovkin. He was in Los Angeles for his first bout in the West almost as if it were a campaign stop. The job was to win over Mexican fans. He did. His trunks were Dodger blue. Many in a crowd of more than 9,000 wore T-shirts that said “Mexicans For Golovkin.’’ Rubio, a Mexican, was just a prop, a piece in setting up Golovkin’s future.

“I think, first Miguel Cotto,’’ he said when asked what and who was at the top of his wish list. “First, Miguel
Cotto. I respect him.’’

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Canelo Alvarez and UK light heavyweight Carl Froch are also on the list. But Cotto is called the lineal middleweight champ. He beat the man who beat the man. Golovkin wants to be in that line. But he might have to wait on a Canelo-Cotto fight, perhaps in early May.

Whatever happens, Golovkin wipeout of Rubio (59-7-1, 51 KOs) won’t do anything to lessen the fear of fighting
him. Rubio was supposed to be a dangerous puncher. In the opening round, however, Golovkin walked through whatever Rubio threw at him. In the second, it was over.

First, Golovkin landed a beautiful right uppercut that traveled between Rubio’s upraised hands and landed onto the Mexican’s chin with chilling precision. Rubio, who was 1.8 pounds over the 160-pound limit at the weigh-in, stumbled into the ropes. That’s when Golovkin threw a left that traveled like a baseball bat. It bounced off Rubio’s head and sent him bouncing off the canvas. At 1:19 of the round, referee Jack Reiss waved it off .

Moments later, Golovkin waved to the fans who chanted his trademark initials, GGG.

Mission accomplished.

Another mission was accomplished by Walters, (25-0, 20 KOs), who took the WBA’s Super featherweight title from Donaire (33-3. 21 KOs). Walters crushed him with a winging right hook that bounced off the side of his head.

“A wonderful man,’’ Walters said of Donaire, who was left with swollen and bloodied eyes.

For a few seconds, an unconscious one too.

Donaire had no excuses. Not much of a chance, either.

“He beat the shit out of me,’’ Donaire said.

But honesty was still there. Donaire left the ring with all of that intact. He’ll need it. He stepped through the ropes and into an uncertain future after a loss that left him face down for the first time in his career. When he awakened, Walters was dancing to Reggae.

The Jamaican was taking his first steps into the stardom that once belonged to Donaire. In the exchange, Donaire was left to think about retirement.

“We’ll decide,’’ said Donaire, who plans to speak to his wife and review options that include a possible move down in weight, from feather to bantam, or to some place out of harm’s way.

On The Undercard

· It was a unanimous decision. A unanimous snoozer, too. Light-heavyweight Edwin Rodriguez (25-1, 16 KOs) nearly scored a shutout in taking a 100-90, 99-91, 100-90 decision over Azea Augustama (17-2, 9KOs) of Hollywood, Fla. But the crowd reacted as if there were no winners. They only cheered when the plodding 1-rounder was over.

· Middleweight Abraham Han (23-1, 14 KOs) of El Paso was on the canvas once, was on his knees in apparent exhaustion at the end of one round and yet managed to beat Mexican Marcos Reyes (32-2, 24 KOs) in a 97-91, 94-94, 97-91 majority decision. A mystifying one, too.

· Sacramento junior-welterweight Moris Rodriguez (8-3-1, 4 KOs) scored a fifth-round knockdown and applied the finishing touch with a right hand that knocked out Jaime Oceguda (8-1, 5 KOs) of Los Angeles early in the sixth.

· Kazakhstan lightweight Ruslan Madiyev (1-0) got the canvas ready for Golovkin, a fellow Kazak, with a punishing decision over Oscar Rojas (0-1) of Salinas, Calif.

· Neither a low blow nor a hot Southern California sun could slow down Los Angeles featherweight Walter Sarnoi (16-4, 10 KOs), who outworked Mexican Sergio Najera (8-16-2, 2 KO) to win a unanimous decision.

By Norm Frauenheim

CARSON, Calif. – Marco Antonio Rubio lost money instead of weight in failing to make the 160-pound limit Friday for his attempt to upset favored Gennady Golovkin Saturday at sold-out StubHub Center.

Rubio forfeited $100,000 when he chose not to step on the scale for a second time two hours after he was 1.8 pounds heavier than the middleweight mandatory. It was no sweat for Golvkin, who came in one pound light at 159.

According to contracts filed with the California State Athletic Commission, the $100,000 price for being over-weight will be subtracted from Rubio’s $450,000 purse, which had ranked among the biggest in the Mexican’s long career. Golovkin (30-0, 27 KOs) will collect $900,000. If he loses, his title will be vacated, according to the re-done deal negotiated after the weigh-in.

Rubio trainer Robert Garcia was disappointed, yet not surprised. Despite several attempts at shedding the excess weight, Rubio (59-6-1, 27 KOs) couldn’t do it, said Garcia, who told reporters that his body “just shut down.’’

It’s hard to know what that might mean for Rubio’s chances against the heavy-handed, heavily favored Golovkin in an HBO-televised bout (10 p.m. ET/PT).

In the undercard’s featured bout, featherweights Nonito Donaire (33-2, 21 KOs) and challenger Nicolas Walters (24-0, 20 KOs) made weight, 125.6 pounds apiece.

Gennady Golovkin 159 – Marco Antonio Rubio 161.8
Nonito Donaire 125.6 – Nicholas Walters 125.6

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