Saturday evening hosts possibly the biggest fight of the year. Two undefeated world champions clashing, in what will be an action packed night at the O2 Arena.
The IBF welterweight world champion, Kell Brook, takes on the unified WBA, WBC and IBF middleweight champion of the world, Gennady Golovkin. So how will Brook fare against the most feared fighter in the world?
Stepping into the ring with Golovkin takes bravery, but to step up two weight divisions to take on the KO king is something else. Brook is of course the overwhelming underdog, but a Kell Brook victory should not be overlooked. With an impressive record of 36 fights, 36 wins and 25 knockouts, he certainly has the tools to trouble Golovkin.
Although Golovkin has a slight height and reach advantage, Brook will hope his precise and compact punches will get him through the fight. He’ll be looking to land solid, powerful punches when the opportunities arise, particularly the uppercut. However, his defensive work might be his downfall. Brook must ensure he avoids Golovkin’s jab at all costs. GGG’s jab is one of his greatest assets, and has dropped many of his opponents in the past. Albeit Brook will be Golovkin’s toughest opponent yet, but he’ll still look to control the fight comfortably and land with combinations, which could result in an ugly ending.
Not only does Golovkin possess unbelievable power, but he also possesses a granite chin and a solid defence. In his 35 professional fights, GGG hasn’t been knocked down once. Will Brook be the man to overcome this stat?
It’s fair to say Golovkin is the comfortable favourite, and his record of 35-0 with 32 knockouts suggests why. However, if Brook fights smartly, and picks his moments to have a go at Golovkin, then he could find some success. The obvious risk is Brook getting caught on the counter, and inevitably getting knocked out, but risks will have to be taken to have any chance of coming out victorious.
It’s hard to see this fight going the distance. Both men will be looking to land power punches, which almost guarantees the fans an exciting night of boxing.
Will it be a routine knockout victory for Golovkin? Or will Brook shock the world?