Golovkin said Sunday before an open workout in Los Angeles that he didn’t feel “real power” from Alvarez in their first fight. Alvarez promised recently that he’ll be much more aggressive in their second meeting and will try to knock out Golovkin from the very beginning of their 12-round rematch September 15 in Las Vegas.
Kazakhstan’s Golovkin hasn’t been knocked down during a professional fight, much less knocked out. The unbeaten WBA/WBC/IBO middleweight champion discussed Alvarez’s power before both boxers worked out in front of fans Sunday at Banc of California Stadium, the new home of Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC.
“I remember in the first fight, I don’t feel it,” Golovkin said. “I remember like I felt a couple shots – a slap, like slap. I didn’t feel real power, punch power. I don’t know why. Just maybe he just had more adrenaline. When we fought, maybe he lose a lot of power for the first couple rounds.”
The 36-year-old Golovkin (38-0-1, 34 KOs) added that he has fought stronger opponents than Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 KOs).
“He’s not the hardest puncher [I’ve fought],” Golovkin continued. “I don’t feel his power. I don’t feel his like heavy hands, you know? He’s fast, he’s quick, he’s more boxing IQ. He knows [how to box].”
While Alvarez’s power didn’t impress him, Golovkin acknowledged that the Mexican superstar is the best opponent he has faced since making his pro debut 12 years ago.
“Yes,” Golovkin said. “That is true. Because this is a different level, you know? This is the biggest fight for boxing. He’s not a regular guy. Right now, I’m very happy I have this fight because it’s a different level. It’s very interesting.”
The 28-year-old Alvarez has lost only to the Floyd Mayweather Jr., who was boxing’s pound-for-pound king when he expertly out-boxed Alvarez in September 2013. Golovkin is slightly favored to defeat Alvarez when they meet next month at T-Mobile Arena (HBO Pay-Per-View).
–boxingscene
