Closeup Career Comparison of Kovalev & Golovkin:
Gennady “GGG” Golovkin and Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev are the two must-see fighters in boxing right now. The similarities and parallels between them are also fascinating…
They’re both viewed as the top dog in their respective divisions, even though they each technically sit beneath a reigning lineal champion. They’re similar in age and background, with Kovalev, 32, hailing from Russia, and Golovkin, 33, from Kazakhstan, a former Soviet country.
Of course, fans love both of these guys, not only because these two good-natured, convivial men morph into all-action warriors with brain-rattling power in the ring, but also because they’re eager to fight anybody. Their prospective opponents are far less eager, of course.
With Kovalev and Golovkin bulldozing their way through the sport, which fighter will end up with the better career?
The Stats: Krusher vs. GGG
[tabs type=”horizontal”][tabs_head][tab_title]Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev[/tab_title][tab_title]Gennady “GGG” Golovkin[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]
- Record: 28-0-1, 25 KOs — 86% knockout percentage
- Age: 32
- Height: 6’0″
- Reach: 72″
- Division: Light Heavyweight
- Ranking: #1 Contender at 175 lbs; #8 Pound for Pound
- Best Wins: Bernard Hopkins (UD); Jean Pascal (TKO8); Gabriel Campillo (TKO3)
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- Record: 33-0, 30 KOs — 91% knockout percentage
- Age: 33
- Height: 5’10.5″
- Reach: 70″
- Division: Middleweight
- Ranking: #1 Contender at 160 lbs; #6 Pound for Pound
- Best Wins: Martin Murray (TKO11), Daniel Geale (TKO3), Matthew Macklin (KO3)
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Styles
Kovalev and Golovkin are very different in style, and their power is different too, even if the end result is typically the same. Kovalev has thudding, every-punch power. He’s no pure brawler, as he sets up his shots and is strong technically, but he’s a masher — any punch could send you down or take you out.
Golovkin, on the other hand, is a smoother technician. His power flows through seemingly effortless, picture-perfect form, and he can hit you and hurt you with a full array of shots.
Kovalev has occasionally appeared the more vulnerable of the two — having suffered flash knockdowns and having an earlier career draw on the ledger. Golovkin though gets tagged easily, although he apparently lets himself be hit, to encourage action.
Looking Ahead
Of the two, Golovkin has more thoroughly cleaned out his division of potential challengers. David Lemieux appears to be the next opponent, in what should be another fan-friendly affair. Golovkin will be the big favorite there, and would also be heavily favored to defeat champion Miguel Cotto, or Canelo Alvarez if he usurps Cotto’s crown.
In fights against Peter Quillin, or the winner of Andy Lee-Billy Joe Saunders, Golovkin would also be a large favorite. In other words, the sailing at 160 lbs seems relatively smooth for Golovkin.
Kovalev though has the two more marquee wins, over Hopkins and Pascal. Adonis Stevenson still sits atop the division, and while Krusher would be favored there, that’s far from an easy affair, even if “Superman” has looked anything but as of late. Andrzej Fonfara would be another fight worth watching, and Artur Beterbiev has expressed his desire to face his countryman, but that fight is likely a ways off.
Interestingly, Kovalev and Golovkin both face the same potential roadblock: Andre Ward. With the S.O.G. back in action, both have been rumored as potential opponents. Either fight would present a great clash of styles, and any of the fighters involved would be facing a highly unique challenge in the other.
Kovalev vs. Golovkin?
Is there any way these two powerhouses square off in the future? It seems unlikely, a full two divisions apart. However, for Kovalev, the greener pastures will always be at 175 lbs, rather than moving up to cruiserweight.
Golovkin already has plans to move up to 168 lbs in due time, though. So, if GGG establishes himself there and Kovalev continues to stay at light heavyweight, an eventual showdown could be in the works a few years down the road in what would be an epic affair.
Back to the question at hand though, it’s still too early to predict which of these fighters will get remembered as the better. There’s too much to accomplish for both, and with often unwilling counterparts, they won’t always get the type of opportunities they deserve.
Kovalev may have more significant, immediate challenges in his own division than Golovkin, while Ward looms for both. One thing is for certain, watching Kovalev and Golovkin will be a fun ride for years to come, and each makes for can’t miss, appointment television viewing.
