Golovkin (42-1-1, 37 KOs) unified the middleweight titles as a result of the fight, but this was the first time he fought in 15 months, and long downtime and age were clearly shown in this fight, when the boxer from Kakhastan showed a slow start and clearly lost the first rounds. However, at the time of the stoppage in the ninth round, Golovkin was already leading 78-74, 79-73 and 77-75.
“My approach was based on the fact that this is a 12-round fight. Twelve rounds is a lot. I started by testing it and feeling it, and I knew I had plenty of time to sort it all out,” Golovkin told BoxingScene.com ahead of his third fight against Canelo Alvarez on September 17 in Las Vegas.
Golovkin has fought exclusively at middleweight since turning pro in 2006, and his third fight against Alvarez will be his first at 76kg. If Golovkin wins, he will hold the WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF and Ring magazine super middleweight titles, as well as the WBA and IBF 72kg titles. This would mean that Golovkin would have plenty of options to get a big fight and thus continue on his way to the Boxing Hall of Fame.
“I don't think there is a ceiling that I need to reach. I don't want to get ahead of myself. We will plan our further actions depending on the results. After the end of the battle, we will think about what to do next, ”said Golovkin.
At the same time, Golovkin is not yet thinking about retirement.
“Retirement is a difficult issue. Every day can bring something new. Even if we just look into the future after this fight, we will see what opportunities open up in front of us due to the finances and attractiveness of a potential fight. I will make a decision based on the situation and at the right time," Golovkin added.
“It's hard to make predictions. I do boxing because I love it. When you make a decision to retire, it is usually not based on just one reason. There are a number of reasons that ultimately come into play. For now, I'm still in business," Golovkin said.