Golovkin vs Brook: Matthew Macklin reflects on his gruelling fight with 'Triple G'
Thursday 8 September 2016 20:10, UK
Kell Brook will share the ring with Gennady Golovkin this Saturday night and we asked former opponents to reveal their own experiences of facing 'GGG'.
The IBF welterweight champion has climbed up two weight divisions to test his slick skills against the destructive fists of Golovkin at London's O2 Arena, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Macklin challenged the fearsome Kazakh in 2013, but was caught by a brutal body shot in the third round that finished the fight and left the Birmingham fighter writhing in pain.
Brook will soon battle the most dangerous puncher in the sport and Macklin has offered his own valuable insight into what lies ahead for his fellow Brit...
What makes Golovkin such a good fighter?
He is a complete all-rounder. We all know that he hits very hard but there is a lot more to him than that. There are things that you can't really pick up, his timing, his judge of range and his variety - he is very smart. He is technically very good and is a lot more than just a big hitter.
Is GGG as strong and powerful as his record suggests?
"He is the biggest puncher I have faced. He hits very hard, I can't dress it up. Because he hits so hard you're consciously thinking about defence before attack and are immediately on the back foot."
He is the biggest puncher I have faced. He hits very hard, I can't dress it up. Because he hits so hard you're consciously thinking about defence before attack and are immediately on the back foot. When someone has the power to take you out, every time they give you a little feint you burn a lot more nervous energy than against a slick boxer who doesn't hit as hard.
He also has a very good chin. I was hitting him after clinches, holding with one arm and hitting with the other, a bit like Ricky Hatton, doing anything to try and unsettle him, but he kept his composure and was ruthless. He didn't even get dirty back and just stayed focused.
What surprised you about Golovkin on fight night?
I knew he was good and I was expecting him to hit hard so it wasn't even that I was shocked by his power, but I was surprised at how quickly he was on top of me. He was very good at cutting off the ring.
What is Golovkin like leading up to a fight?
He is a gentleman and you can't really say much more about him than that. He is respectful and if anything he underplays things, there is no trash talk, nothing like that.
Will Brook's jab be crucial to beating the Kazakh?
Although Kell has a great jab, Golovkin has a better one. Overall Kell is a great fighter with some top attributes. including his jab, and I would love to see him do it, but this is an enormous task.
What is your prediction for Saturday's main event?
I think Golovkin will stop Brook early. You will be pushed to find anyone who honestly thinks Brook will win this - he is climbing Mount Everest. If Kell can get past six rounds then he has done well, but even that is unlikely.
I would be clutching at straws to find a reason for Brook winning. Of course, it is a two horse race and you never know in boxing. Maybe a clash of heads or he catches Golovkin early on with a really good punch that breaks his nose, you just never know. Kell is world class and maybe he can box out of his skin and catch Golovkin on a bad day, but I really can't see it happening.
Watch Gennady Golovkin v Kell Brook, live on Sky Sports Box Office from The O2, on September 10. Book the event via your Sky remote or online here.
