Gennady Golovkin, the boxing star with 42 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw in 45 fights, recently claimed that Canelo Alvarez wasn't his toughest opponent. This statement might surprise many boxing fans, given the intense rivalry between the two fighters.
GGG and Canelo faced each other three times in high-profile matches. Their first bout on September 16, 2017, ended in a draw. Canelo won the next two fights on September 15, 2018, and September 17, 2022.
Despite these closely contested matches, Golovkin doesn't rate Canelo as his most challenging opponent. He explained his reasoning in a recent interview:
"I wouldn't say Canelo is the best. He is a great opponent, of course. He's a very tough opponent, but as you can see, he loses"
Interestingly, Golovkin didn't name a specific fighter as his toughest opponent. Instead, he pointed to his amateur boxing days, highlighting the skill and strategy of opponents who never turned professional:
"the number of amateur boxers in my amateur career who didn't turn pro. Their boxing skills and boxing strategy were paramount. It took them about three rounds to figure you out and fight you with a strategy that leaves you no chance of winning"
This statement sheds light on the high level of competition in amateur boxing. It also suggests that Golovkin values technical skill and strategic thinking over raw power or professional accolades.
GGG's comments have left fans and pundits speculating about who he might consider his toughest opponent. The boxer's respect for amateur fighters who never went pro adds an intriguing layer to discussions about skill levels across different boxing arenas.
As debates continue, one thing's clear: Golovkin's perspective offers a unique insight into the complexities of boxing, reminding us that a fighter's toughest challenges aren't always the most visible ones.
