Gennady Golovkin basts Kell Brook in England, remains undefeated
Kazakh knockout artist Gennady Golovkin (36-0, 33 KO’s) remained undefeated with his impressive performance against a courageous challenger in Kell Brook (36-1, 35 KO’s) during their middleweight clash, Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London, England.
Brook moved two weight classes, from welterweight to middleweight, to challenge Golovkin. As expected, during the fight night Golovkin was the stronger, the bigger fighter.
In Round 1, Golovkin was right in front of Brook bringing on his usual pressure fighting style. On the other side Brook used his jab to maintain safe distance from Golovkin. But Golovkin’s body shot wobbled Brook mid-way of the round. The IBO, WBA, WBC and IBF middleweight title holder followed up more punches that landed clean. But Brook was able to hold and survived, recovered his footing and was able to land shots at Golovkin as well. Those telling shots made the champion back-pedaled momentarily.
In the second round, Brook played a very dangerous game. He fought Golovkin fire with fire! But Brook got a better of it with his head movement and stiff jabs. He was moving a little not too fast to waste unnecessary energy but a calculated foot movement just to deviate from the line of fire and landed effective counter uppercuts on the process. This did not sit very well on Golovkin who’s not used to receive combination of punches. Golovkin’s face now became reddish.
In the third round, Golovkin stepped up not only his offence, but it seemed also his temper. He was fighting angry this time while walking Brook down with the hardest punches he can generate from his both hands.
Brook was down for the first time in the fight, but the referee ruled the knockdown a slip. Golovkin continued to march forward, unleashing power left and right hooks to the head and body of the challenger.
Brook retaliated with uppercuts that got through the guard of Golovkin and a right hook also landed clean. But Golovkin countered a solid left hook to end the round.
In the fourth, Golovkin cornered Brook and landed few shot that Brook absorbed. But Brook was in trouble of getting hit more. He held Golovkin to avoid more punches. Brook tried to establish safe distance using his jab and a check hook landed clearly for Brook as the round ended.
In the fifth round, Golovkin coming put from his corner with all his power and arsenal for an all out war! As if there’s no next round. He will not take Brook a prisoner; he’s out for the kill! Golovkin was all over Brook unloading bombs after bombs to the head and body with precision. Brook tried to smother Golovkin’s artilleries but it was too much to neutralize.
Brook’s commander in chief in the corner threw in the white flag that was not immediately seen by the peacekeeping referee. As soon as the referee saw the white towel, he stopped the fight.
With the win, the fearsome Golovkin retains his middleweight titles.
