Golovkin leaves IBF middleweight belt vacant

Gennady Golovkin (42-2-1, 37 KOs) left the IBF middleweight title vacant. Boxer from Kazakhstan refused to cross gloves with Esquivoy Falcao (30-0, 20 KOs), the official contender for the belt of the International Boxing Federation.

For the vacant trophy, the Brazilian will now face Michael Zerafa (31-4-1, 19 KOs). For both boxers, this will be the first title chance in their careers.

It is not yet known when and in what weight category Golovkin will return to the ring. GGG hasn't boxed since last year's loss to Saul Alvarez. After this performance, the boxer's contract with DAZN ended. Golovkin also holds the WBA middleweight belt, which he is also likely to leave vacant.