AS many boxing fans know, Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin are on a collision course to unify the WBC, WBA and IBF world middleweight titles.
The pair have agreed to each have an interim fight before beginning negotiations over a fight in the summer, and both are expected to fight in May.
Both operate at elite level, so it’s unlikely they’ll fight complete pushovers in their respective warm-up contests.
We’ve listed five fighters who would make a good match for ‘GGG’ before he faces Canelo. Let us know your thoughts in the Comments section.
5. Tureano Johnson
The 31-year-old is Golovkin’s IBF mandatory, having outpointed Eamonn O’Kane in October. Although he was stopped by Curtis Stevens – a former Golovkin victim – last year, Johnson is a decent middleweight with a strong punch.
While Golovkin would enter as a heavy favourite, fighting Johnson would allow him to fulfill a mandated obligation while keeping busy before facing Canelo.
4. Chris Eubank Jnr
The polarising Brit has worked his way into a mandatory shot at Danny Jacobs’ WBA ‘regular’ title, but has claimed on several occasions that he is ready to face Golovkin – and beat him. Eubank has a stern chin, exciting style and plenty of attention.
However Eubank looks keen to pursue the British title, rather than world honours, at the moment.
3. Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam
In his last fight, N’Dam was outpointed by David Lemieux for the IBF strap and, of course, Lemieux went on to be stopped by Golovkin. However N’Dam is uncommonly tough and survived several torrid moments against Lemieux to hear the final bell.
He’s also fairly skillful and has given plenty of world-level fighters trouble.
2. Daniel Jacobs
Jacobs holds the secondary WBA title, meaning Golovkin could help clear up the governing body’s mess by creating one champion for them.
Jacobs blitzed Peter Quillin inside a round recently, catapulting him up the middleweight rankings. Golovkin could cement his position as the division leader with a win over the American.
1. Billy Joe Saunders
Saunders claimed the WBO title when he outpointed Ireland’s Andy Lee at the weekend, meaning if Golovkin were to fight and beat Saunders, his clash with Canelo would be for all the middleweight marbles.
Saunders is unbeaten and now proven at world level. A slick southpaw with decent power, Billy Joe would be a tough night for any middleweight. However, the Hatfield man has stated he feels he is not yet ready to face Golovkin, but could be in 18 months.
