What If Andre Ward And Gennady Golovkin Fought?
Hall of Fame Inductee Andre “S.O.G” Ward (32-0, 16KO) would have beaten two-time middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (42-2-1, 37KO) had they fought at the proposed catchweight of 164lbs.
Depending on who you ask, several boxing fans believe GGG ducked Ward. Golovkin’s trainer Abel Sanchez lit the fuse on a stick of dynamite by saying his fighter could beat anyone between 154lbs and 175lbs. That statement resulted in then-unified super middleweight champion Ward accepting the challenge.
This isn’t to get into the he said this, and they said that argument. Boxing fans have been debating this issue for far too long. But, it’s hard not to wonder who would have won if the fight had occurred.
THE FIGHTERS AND THEIR ATTRIBUTES
Golovkin was a force running through fighters, leaving destruction in his path. His power was a big reason fans’ were excited from watching him score meme-style knockouts. In addition, he had a solid chin and good boxing skills.
Ward was a craftsman with many skills. His two major attributes were his inside fighting and ring IQ, which were unmatched. Moreover, he had an educated jab and superior footwork that complimented his previously mentioned attributes.
WHO WINS AND WHY
Their fight would have been the classic case of Boxer versus Puncher. Golovkin would have some moments, especially given the power. He would catch Ward with a good shot or two. Yet, GGG’s lack of head movement and defensive flaws are what Ward exploits.
S.O.G starts working behind the jab, looking to control the distance. Once he has calculated all the necessary data, he uses that supreme footwork to get on the inside, and it’s game over. From then on it would be a dominant performance by the Hall of Fame Inductee.
Some will disagree with this statement, but think back to Ward vs Arthur Abraham or Sergey Kovalev. Look at how unified super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez fought GGG in the second fight. He was able to walk down Golovkin with counter-shots and body punches, which is something Ward does and more.
In this author’s opinion, Ward wins the contest 117-111 or 116-112.
Although this fight won’t happen cause Ward is retired and Golovkin is semi-retired, but had both guys fought in their prime there no disputing who would have won.
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