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“GGG Better Not Back Out Once Again”: Gennady Golovkin’s Next Opponent Has Fans Worried

Published 03/04/2023, 11:00 AM EST

In the backdrop of big fights, a subaltern duel essentially went unnoticed. Gennady Golovkin and Erislandy Lara are WBA’s Middleweight (Super) and (Regular) champions, respectively. Additionally, Golkovin happens to be IBF’s Middleweight top-ranker as well. Last year, the Kazakhstan-born boxer of Russo-Korean ancestry won the WBA (Super) Middleweight title while retaining the IBF and IBO Middleweight belts against the Japanese Ryoto Murata on April 9, 2022.

In the meantime, as part of the ‘title reduction plan,’ the WBA made it binding on Golovkin and Lara to decide the 160 lbs champion. According to the WBA rules, a reigning champion receives 120 days (after winning the title) to defend it against a mandatory challenger.

Per WBA regulation, the deadline thus set for Golovkin after the Murata fight was August 8. However, the Kazakh boxer took permission and fought for the (Super) Middleweight (168 lbs) title against Canelo Alvarez on September 17 last year. On September 24, through its Twitter handle, WBA announced that Golovkin and Lara have time till October 23 to reach an agreement. Without this, the fight would be auctioned in Panama City, with Golovkin receiving 75% and Lara 25% of the purse bid.

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As per Tss.ib.tv, the Golovkin vs Lara fight received a fifteen-day deadline (expiring on February 23) offer from WBA to reach an agreement. But without a follow-up from the duo, an auction to determine the promoter on March 13 remains the final course of action. The bid details reached fans and followers through eminent American boxing writer Dan Rafael. The post came today early morning and has received nearly 25k views. Fans and followers rushed to share their standpoints on the issue.

Fans are confused over the mandatory line-up

@alrey_ seems to believe the bout might open doors for Golovkin to fight either Liam Smith or Jaime Munguia. Though it remains unclear how it may pan out. A fight against the Mexican Munguia at 160 lbs is foreseeable.

This means GGG vs Liam Smith? Or GGG vs Mungia?
— Al Rey (@alrey_) March 4, 2023

But in Liam Smith‘s case, there are rumors of a rematch with Chris Eubank Jr. and a fight against Kell Brook. Only if he decides to stay at 160 lbs. that a Smith vs Golovkin fight might stand a chance. @J_Lee_23 appeared surprised at the split-up of the fight purse, with 75% in Golovkin’s favor. He wanted to know whether such practices were widespread or not.

How common is a 75/25 split, n why such a difference?
— Johnny Lee (@J_Lee_23) March 4, 2023

@HaroldCash412 wants to see the Kazakh boxer fight. However, he is doubtful despite being a die-hard fan.

As much as I love GGG I couldn’t pick him in this one. I’d love to see him do it but I’m very skeptical that he can
— Harold Cash (@HaroldCash412) March 4, 2023

@EulerRodriguez7, while replying to @DanRafael1, also tagged Matchroom Sports’ Eddie Hearn. He suggested that the promoter could offer to conduct the fight in UAE as an undercard during Bivol’s next battle!

@EddieHearn bid on this and put on the UAE on the undercard of the Bivol fight
— Euler Rodriguez (@EulerRodriguez7) March 4, 2023

@someinserious appears enthusiastic about the fight, as Golovkin and Lara are renowned ring technicians.

This would be an interesting fighting if it happens.
— Sports Junkie (@someinserious) March 4, 2023

@leanmma___ has apprehensions about whether Gennady Golovkin will stick to the fight or pull out.

ggg better not back out once again
— lean™️ (@leanmma___) March 4, 2023

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Reportedly after his loss to the Mexican Canelo Alvarez, WBA and IBF reached an agreement. They made it mandatory for Golovkin to fight the IBF second-ranked Esquiva Falcao first and then WBA’s Lara. But ‘GGG’ surprised everyone. He let go of the IBF belt, thus leaving with a single bout against the Cuban-American southpaw.

‘Stop Lying’: Andre Ward Slams Gennady Golovkin for Turning Down Their Fight

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Gennady Golvkin will turn forty-one this April. It remains to be seen how the fight against Erislandy Lara pans out for his future, despite frequent doubts over his retirement. What is your take on the reactions? Do share your views and thoughts with us in the comments below.

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Written by:

After completing 18 years in the corporate sector, Jaideep decided to make a move out of the comfort zone and follow his heart's calling to becoming a writer. His understanding of Boxing began with Iron Mike's debut as an 18 year old in 1985. Like anyone and everyone else, he holds Muhammad Ali as the greatest, though his personal favorite remains the 'PacMan' Manny Pacquiao for his speed and sheer toughness.

Edited by:

Shibu Immanuel

“GGG Better Not Back Out Once Again”: Gennady Golovkin’s Next Opponent Has Fans Worried

Fans are confused over the mandatory line-up

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