Golovkin Survives a Real Scare in New York

Golovkin Survives a Real Scare in New York

Gennady Golovkin defeated Sergiy Derevyanchenko by unanimous decision in New York, but despite Golovkin once again becoming a world middleweight champion, the signs are now more clear than ever that his time at the top is coming to an end.

Golovkin won by scores of 114-113 and 115-112 twice and claimed the vacant IBF belt, but it was an incredibly tough fight. Golovkin secured the decision by finishing strong in the final two rounds, with the fight and his career hanging by a thread.

Derevyanchenko had a nightmare start, dropped in the 1st round and cut badly in the next, but he rallied despite suffering his second defeat, he more than played his part in a gruelling contest.

Repeatedly hurting Golovkin to the body, especially in the 5th, and at times outworking his older opponent, Derevyanchenko appeared as though his hand speed, movement and maybe his freshness would be his key to victory.

Golovkin at times couldn’t go with the pace and his reputed power just didn’t seem to have any effect on Derevyanchenko.

Derevyanchenko made a big effort in the 10th, probably sensing the upset was very much on, he drove forward with renewed purpose and Golovkin looked distinctly uncomfortable. It brought back memories of the latter part of the career of Oscar De La Hoya, who lost fights he should have won when he faded down the stretch. That 10th round had me wondering if Golovkin was about to suffer a similar fate.

But his effort seemed to have a greater effect on Derevyanchenko, towards the end of the round he was the one on the back foot.

In the end the 10th was Derevyanchenko’s last throw of the dice, Golovkin found that little bit extra when he needed it the most. Two of the judges gave Derevyanchenko the 11th, but I scored it for Golovkin and despite being near exhaustion he did enough to win the 12th and the fight.

Despite the boos in the MSG, I had no problem with the verdict, 115-112 was how I saw it, but it was a desperately close call, too close.

At 37, Golovkin is clearly showing his age, the miles on the clock now clear for all to see. Despite the spirited competitive showing from Derevyanchenko, you know a few years ago it would have been a completely different fight.

The likes of Demetrius Andrade and Billy Joe Saunders lie in wait, but Golovkin only wants one man. Saul Alvarez somehow got the benefit of the doubt from the judges in his two fights with Golovkin, but if the trilogy does get completed, I suspect he won’t need any such favours again.

Golovkin improves his record to 40-1-1, Derevyanchenko drops to 13-2.

Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA