There are often times when a boxer knows when it is time to hang up his gloves for good. Sometimes it is too late in his career. But when a fighter can control the narrative and get it right, he can leave the sport on a high note.
Will that be the case for Gennadiy Golovkin?
Golovkin, 40, faces off against Canelo Alvarez on Sept. 17. It is a trilogy bout, with the series at 1-0-1 in favor of Canelo. This will also be the first time Golovkin, the IBF, IBO, and WBA middleweight champion, will move up a weight class for super-middleweight gold. It is a tall task for the Kazakhstani, who has been through some battles over the years.
If Golovkin beats Canelo, would he be interested in a fourth fight? What about the middleweight division, which features stars like Jermall Charlo, Janibek Alimkhanuly, and Erislandy Lara?
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Will Gennadiy Golovkin retire following the Canelo Alvarez trilogy fight?
Since their second fight in 2018, Canelo has gone 8-1, winning gold at light-heavyweight and super-middleweight. Canelo became undisputed super-middleweight champion in less than 11 months.
Golovkin signed a six-fight deal with DAZN after the second Canelo fight in 2018. However, he has only competed in four bouts since then. That is due to injuries delaying bouts and the COVID-19 pandemic. His fight with Ryota Murata in April, which saw Golovkin win via TKO, was delayed multiple times. The preparation for a bout can take a toll on the body, especially if one must do it several times.
Speaking with The Sun in December 2021, Golovkin did not consider retirement. In June, he would say “not yet” when TMZ Sports asked him about retirement following the Canelo fight. However, Golovkin appears to be sending mixed messages.
The feud between Golovkin and Canelo has gotten personal, especially on the side of Canelo. Canelo has promised to retire Golovkin. In a recent interview with The Sun, Golovkin did admit he is close to calling it a career.
“I’m going to retire soon anyway. With his help or without his help,” Golovkin said. “Let’s face it, I’m 40 years old and nearing my retirement.”
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However, Golovkin recently dispelled all the rumors surrounding his career. At the pre-fight media scrum, Golovkin stated if offers were on the table for any fight, including a fourth with Canelo, he would be interested.
“I have certain plans, without any doubt, regardless of the outcome of this fight. Whether it’s going to be a draw and the fourth fight is going to be offered, I would say ‘why not?’
“You should not forget that I have three belts at 160… I retired three years ago, before the pandemic. Right now, I stay here.”
Golovkin is prepared for the fight of his life. A win would tie the series and result in him holding middleweight and super-middleweight gold. If this is the end, it wouldn’t be a bad way for Golovkin to leave the sport.
The world will be watching to see what the future holds for “GGG” following Sept. 17.
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