Gennady Golovkin (32-0, 29 KOs) is set to take on his toughest opponent yet. He will put his flawless record on the line when he faces Willie Monroe Jr. (19-1, 6 KOs) at the Forum in Inglewood, California.
Since suffering his only loss to Darnell Boone, Monroe Jr. has racked up nine straight victories including winning ESPN’s 2014 Boxcino Tournament. His last victory came against Brian Vera in January. Monroe Jr. looks to be a formidable foe to Golovkin.
Golovkin is coming off a hard fought victory over Martin Murray in Monaco. It was his longest fight to date as Murray was able to take him into the eleventh round before referee Luis Pabon stopped the fight. Golovkin has recorded nineteen straight knockouts in a row and will go for twenty against Willie Monroe Jr.
Golovkin’s power will definitely be a factor in this fight and his ability to work the body with devastating power punches could make this another quick night for him. Willie Monroe Jr. has a four inch reach advantage over Golovkin. This could help as Golovkin loves to fight on the inside. Can Monroe Jr. keep him at bay with a consistent jab or will Golovkin get inside and pound away enough to break Monroe Jr. down?
This is a huge fight for both boxers. If Golovkin is victorious we might see him take on Miguel Cotto for the WBC World Middleweight Title. Golovkin is Cotto’s mandatory challenger; however, Cotto already has a match coming up against Daniel Geale on June 6th. If this fight does not happen be sure to look for a possible fight with Mexican star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. A fight between Golovkin and Alvarez would be epic. It might just be the next “super fight.” A victory for Willie Monroe Jr., especially against Golovkin, would take him to new heights. He would definitely have to be considered a top contender for the middleweight title.
Undercard (Co-Feature)
Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (42-0, 36 KOs) brings his undefeated record to the Forum to take on Edgar Sosa (51-8, 30 KOs). Gonzalez is the number one ranked flyweight in the division as he has been dominant his whole career. His last eight fights have ended by way of technical knockout with his last being against Valentin Leon in February. Sosa has won his last two bouts defeating Omar Salado and Carlos Melo.
- Anthony Rivera / @AntRivera86
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