GGG vs. Wade at the Fabulous Forum
Gennady “GGG” Golovkin scored knockout #22 to keep his consecutive KO streak going strong.
The power puncher from Kazakhstan once again reigned supreme in the ring over underdog Dominic Wade, the mandatory challenger who went in unbeaten at 18-0 in this “Undefeated” card that took place Saturday, April 23 at the Forum in Inglewood, California. Promoted by K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, this HBO world championship bout was a double-feature event with Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez vs. McWilliams Arroyo in the co-main.
Over 16,000 fight fans poured into the Fabulous Forum to witness a thrilling night of fights. There were six bouts on tap including two female clashes leading up to the main event of “Triple G” (35-0, 32 KOs) vs. Washington D.C.’s Wade (18-1, 12 KOs). Golovkin (trained by Big Bear’s Abel Sanchez) continues to cement his place in middleweight domination. He has captured the attention of fight fans around the world, seizing the hearts of boxing enthusiasts with his “seesaw” toggling of a smiling, wholesome choir boy persona outside the ring that morphs into an aggressive, devastating destroyer inside the ropes. While his critics say he hasn’t fought anyone on his level yet, the mandatory challenger “Domo” Wade was hoping to score the biggest upset in current boxing. But it wasn’t to be as this game opponent only lasted two rounds.
Like his counterparts before him, Wade was willing to go toe to toe against Gennady, willing to trade punches while risking it all. Dominic has plenty of heart and guts but the 26-year-old just couldn’t match the wits and power of Triple G. Trading leather with GGG is not an opportunity many would choose. But Wade stepped in hoping for a shocking upset. He has wins over Sam Soliman, Nick Brinson, Dashon Johnson, but has never faced anyone with the crunching KO reputation of a Gennady Golovkin.
Unfortunately for Wade, GGG was like a matador in the ring. Calm and careful, analyzing his nemesis before going in for the kill. Not fearing the power of Wade, Gennady began his assault quickly. Utilizing his big right hands, wicked uppercuts and nasty body shots, it was, seemingly, just another day at the office for Gennady Gennadyevich Golovkin. He makes it look like easy work but make no bones about it, this 34-year-old is blessed with uncanny punching power that cripples whomever he faces on the canvas. He also opens himself up and is not afraid to get hit, something that excites his legions of fans that continues to swell.
Scheduled for 12 rounds, a Gennady right hand scored a knockdown in the first frame with Wade getting back on his feet. In the second stanza, after another barrage of punches, Dominic hit the deck again with referee Jack Reiss administering one more ten count. Upon a third knockdown, the courageous Wade could not beat the count. At 2:37 in the third round, Gennady was declared the victor once again.
The boxing community has certainly embraced this product of Karaganda. With fists of fury, Golovkin really ignites the fans. It was clearly evident that GGG can sell out arenas in the U.S. and beyond. He has become a “Human Highlight Reel” with his bull-dozing knockouts that drops opponents as he systematically punishes strong warriors toward crushing defeats. And this is what the blood-thirsty public wants to see.
In a town known as “La La Land,” sports fans are notorious for arriving late to arenas–and leaving early. We have so many options here like the Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers, Angels, Kings, LA Galaxy and more that it takes a lot to rouse a crowd and keep them in their seats. But when I arrived early to check in, the parking lot was already getting full and the lines of ticket holders lined thick around the building. There was a spirited Tecate “Tailgate” party for the fans and a free GGG cell phone case giveaway at the entrances of the beautifully renovated Forum. There was energy and excitement in the air as everyone waited for the first bell.
When it came time for the main event, the decibel level in the arena was truly deafening. When Gennady’s walkout began, the crowd went wild filling the building with such a roar, the Forum rafters seemingly vibrated with the thunderous applause. It was that loud and that strong. GGG has really captured the hearts of boxing fans; there were also many current and past pro champs ringside, all there to witness what would be GGG’s latest demolition.
Now, as the WBC, WBA, IBF and IBO middleweight champ notches one more KO victory on his ledger, everyone is already asking what’s next for GGG?
His doubters say he needs to face Saul “Canelo” Alvarez sooner rather than later to prove who’s “King of the Ring.” Prizefighters like Miguel Cotto, Danny Jacobs, Andre Ward, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez have also been listed as hopeful opponents. Trainer Abel Sanchez and K2 Promotions’ Tom Loeffler know how to market their burgeoning superstar who now lives in Southern California and is tackling English…and even some Spanish as he quickly said “¡Muchas Gracias my fans from California!” right after his KO win on Saturday night.
With his crowd-pleasing style, is the sky the limit for GGG? Who will step up next to take on this feared slugger?
The naysayers may continue to squawk until he faces Canelo but everyone wonders when, and if, that marquee matchup will ever take place?
For now, Gennady has downed middleweights Dominic Wade, David Lemieux, Willie Monroe Jr., Marco Antonio rubio, Daniel Geale, Curtis Stevens, Matthew Mackln, Gabe Rosado, Kassim Ouma and more. Bodies have fallen, all at the hands of GGG. Golovkin is an assassin in the ring who smiles and enjoys his job. His arsenal is plenty, his power overwhelming, and his KO mystique growing.
At age 34, the 2004 Olympian and silver medalist has become one of the biggest stars in boxing.
His latest rumble shows he isn’t going anywhere soon. The SoCal resident is “King of California” to the throngs of fans that screamed for him at the Forum and watched him live on HBO.
Gennady Golovkin now sports a record of 35 wins, 32 knockouts with a consecutive streak of 22 KOs.
Is he unbeatable? Time will tell. For now, GGG is definitely a force in the fight game.