Boxing News
Respected trainer defends Gennady Golovkin after Ryan Garcia comments
Respected trainer defends Gennady Golovkin after Ryan Garcia comments
Gennady Golovkin, the former unified middleweight champion and feared puncher, will be eligible to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2026.
The heavy-handed Kazak fighter will find out in December when the results are announced. Whether he’s inducted remains to be seen, but Ryan Garcia recently spoke to Inside the Ring and revealed he feels Golovkin’s record is not enough to be inducted.
This view has sparked a determined response from respected trainer Abel Sanchez, who feels “GGG” deserves the honour.
Gennady Golovkin eligible for International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2026
“GGG” was a knockout artist with a granite chin who was brilliant at cutting the ring off. His footwork and laser-like jab helped him control the distance in his fights, and the only bouts he failed to win were his three fights against Saul Canelo Alvarez, with their trilogy ending 0-2-1 in favour of Canelo.
Many felt Golovkin (42-2-1, 37 KOs) won the first fight, which ultimately ended in a draw. But Canelo won the second fight narrowly, before comfortably winning the trilogy bout.
His destructive wins over Kell Brook, Willie Monroe Jr, and the brave Martin Murray stand out, but there were so many brutal KOs throughout his career that ensure his legacy will live on for many years.
Despite praising Golovkin and his influence, Ryan Garcia made it clear this wasn’t enough to be inducted into the Hall of Fame: “We’re talking about the Hall of Fame, we’re not talking about eras. I’m talking about overall, all of boxing… I can’t give him that nod.”
Abel Sanchez backs Gennady Golovkin after Ryan Garcia doubts record
Following Garcia’s comments, Sanchez has spoken about the resume of Gennady Golovkin and why he deserves to be a Hall of Famer:
“Ryan Garcia will never be on a level where Gennady got to. Second of all, Marvin Hagler never moved up in weight, and who did Marvin fight?
“All the guys that Gennady fought were not only top contenders or ex-world champions, or champions, and he had 20 defences. He tied Bernard’s record. So, you know, I think you have to consider the source.
“I think that there’s a lot of haters out there, in every sport, and I seriously believe Gennady seriously deserves to be the first ballot Hall of Famer.
“Would you say that Rolly Romero is a Hall of Famer? No. He knocked Ryan out (down). Would you say that Tank Davis is a Hall of Famer yet? No. And yet, he knocked Ryan out. So, what base does he have, knowledgeable base does he have to be able to say what he’s saying?”
Do you feel Golovkin deserves a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame?
Freelance Writer and Digital Marketer, spending most of his time waiting for Andy Cruz to win a world title. Also watches YouTube videos of Lennox Lewis fights on a daily basis.
