Willie Monroe Jr. tried to use the very generous ring, installed in California Saturday night, when he faced off against Gennady Golovkin. From the opening bell the game plan was clear for the boxer Monroe, an American with very strong boxing bloodlines, use the ring and your superior lateral movement to disrupt the rhythm of the stalking slugger from Kazakhstan.
The plan seemed to be in full force in the first round, not that Monroe was winning the round, however, the fight was being dictated by his style; it looked as if the boxing world was going to get to see Golovkin go some rounds with a well-rounded “boxer” That all came to a crashing halt in the way of a crushing, GGG, signature left hook.
The moment came in the second round, Monroe look as shocked as he did hurt; it was like a master magician’s magic trick being revealed in front of capacity crowd of enthralled onlookers. GGG took away the rabbit out of Monroe’s hat and the fight was now being dictated on Golovkin’s terms. It also put an exclamation on a major question for any boxer; what happens when you get it!
To Monroe’s credit he did survive round two, where he was dropped to the canvas twice. However, with the magic trick being exposed, Monroe had no choice but to stand and fight for the majority of the duration of the bout. A style that is right in the comfort zone of GGG.
Monroe was able to hang in there for a few more rounds and even land some hard stuff. Golovkin, as he has showed in the past, likes getting hit and seems to get lax in defense when he knows he has his man right where he wants him.
GGG allowed Monroe to crash some serious leather on his face. The marks revealed on Golovkin’s face after the bout, indicated Monroe had a little more bite on his punches than Martin Murray, the last fight GGG abandoned his defense against. However, GGG never looked visibly hurt, not even once, and he kept stalking. He approaches it as if he knows he can take yours, however, you are not going to be able to take his for the entire fight.
The moment GGG’s granite fists became too much for Monroe was in round 6th, more of an accumulation flurry than one punch, Monroe went down for the final time in round six. He seemed to know exactly where he was, as he was postured on his knees watching referee Jack Reiss count to ten. There was some confusion was Reiss said Monroe just made the count, he did not, Monroe’s gloves were still on the canvas when Reiss vocalized “ten”, the boxing match was over.
Reiss had other plans, perhaps he was enjoying the action too much, was the reason why he conducted a mini-interview with Monroe after he was already counted out. Monroe wanted no part of the second chance Reiss was dangling in front of him, and he had to verbalize to the boxing world he knew exactly where he was on the boxing food chain and no longer wanted to share the ring with this incredible force of nature.
It was an unfortunate moment for Monroe, as no fighter wants to say they have had enough, and boxing is sometimes unkind to those who seem like they have given up; however, I think in this case he will get a pass and he should not be criticized in any way. Bottom line: Reiss should have just done his job and ended the fight after he counted to ten.
GGG proved he was the better boxer and extends his stoppage streak to a now incredible 20 fights. We should not confuse the fact that GGG once again got reckless with his defense into thinking he is not an accomplished boxer. He was able to fight in such a manner because he was able to cut off the ring against a slick mover, and forced the mover into fighting his fight. If that is not boxing at its best I am not sure what qualifies.
