Saturday night on HBO Boxing, fans were treated to an exciting doubleheader with two stoppages on very different ends of the spectrum. Most intriguingly, Nicholas Walters knocked out Nonito Donaire in the co-feature, asserting himself as the legitimate Featherweight champion. In the headline event of the evening, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin steamrolled another opponent to continue his unbeaten stretch, and his other-worldly knockout streak.
Golovkin Crushes Rubio
Marco Antonio Rubio offered little in the way of resistance against Gennady “GGG” Golovkin. GGG scored a 2nd round stoppage victory against an overweight Rubio, who while always recognized as a tough guy and legitimate contender, has wilted against the best opposition he has fought.
Golovkin is a killer in there, and it didn’t take long for Rubio to begin feeling the effects. He was hurt at the end of the 1st round, and in round 2, he was sent down to the canvas and the bout was stopped. What’s next for Gennady Golovkin?
Hopefully we find somebody who’s a worthy opponent, and provides the big-fight atmosphere this guy deserves.
Nonito Donaire Knocked Out
Nicholas Walters sent the island of Jamaica into a frenzy by knocking out Nonito Donaire in the 6th round of their featherweight title bout. Donaire was of course the big name and the heavy favorite, but savvy fans knew there could be other things on the horizon for this bout.
Walter is a power-punching, unbeaten fighter, and a big man for the 126 lbs division. Donaire is out of his depth physically at featherweight and past his peak. All of those things showed in this bout, as Walters dominated, sending Donaire to the canvas and then closing the show.
What this means for the future of Donaire’s career is anybody’s guess. But as for Walters, he’s the man at featherweight, and presents an unfavorable match-up for almost anybody.
Check back with us over the next few days for our rankings updates and other coverage of the Golovkin vs. Rubio and Donaire vs. Walters results.
