How Would You Manage GGG's Career?

So, if you were the promoter/manager for Gennady Golovkin, how would you steer his career?

GGG is 27-0 (24) and clearly appears to be a rising star in the sport, primarily because of his punching power. The unbeaten record likely isn't hurting him any, either.

To that end, I would be wise in how I would match Golovkin going forward. In particular, I would probably keep him away from the larger Andre Ward. Ward is likely to be heading to 175 lbs soon, whereas there has been talk of Golovkin going down to 154 lbs. In short, Ward seems to be too large for Golovkin and Ward is likely not worth the risk.

Additionally, Ward has never been regarded as much of a draw. Which means the risk/reward ratio becomes even more unfavorable for GGG and his camp.

I know GGG has said he would love to fight Floyd Mayweather, but I don't think anyone actually believes that fight will ever take place.

I think GGG's team is doing a good job of keeping him busy at this time. Get him more exposure and let the boxing public fall in love with his KO power. Although many fans appreciate the skills of the sweet science, the casual fan loves the KO. I think this is one of the reasons why the UFC was doing as well as it did for awhile, although now many of the fighters there seem to be fighting to win on points as the sport apparently simultaneously declines in popularity.

I think HBO and GGG's team know they have a potential star on their hands. And that's good.

GGG is the right person in the right place at the right time. With the HBO/Golden Boy fallout, the network needs marketable stars to fill the void. GGG can be such a star, I think, if he is put in the proper positions and if he is wisely matched.

Keep GGG at 160 or go to 154, let Ward find his way to 175 and then go from there. That would be my strategy if I were promoting GGG.

If Golovkin is handled properly, he won't need to face anyone to be a draw. He and his power can be the draw for any fight he enters.

 

I'm not sure about that. But maybe. He seems a bit small to me even at 160.

I do think he's the real deal. But I think because of the timing on HBO and because of his power, his career could be even more exceptional if it's handled correctly.

Right guy, right time.

 

I have a lot of respect for Ward, but I don't see any upside or need for GGG to fight him. Especially not right now. If I were his team, I would just continue to build GGG's profile up and keep him busy. With his power and record, and HBO's need for new stars, that should be more than plenty to make GGG an even bigger commodity.

 

From a fan's perspective, this would be great. From a Team Golovkin's perspective, though, I just don't see why you would do it. What's the upside?

You have a fighter with a perfect record with big power who seems to be building as a draw already. Why risk that on a fighter who is big, tough but not a great draw? You're just putting your own drawing power in the future at risk.

I'm sure it's not lost on Team GGG that the people who seem most intent on GGG fighting Ward are also the people saying GGG is a fraud. As in, those people aren't looking to do GGG any favors.

 

Good points.

Personally, if the guy can make 154 right now, I would send him down there if not a lot of people want to fight him at 160. You can always move up as his career goes on, but it becomes much harder to move down later on.