Golovkin knocks Jacobs down, wins fight by debatable decision
By John J. Raspanti
Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin withstood a spirted challenge from WBA titleholder Danny Jacobs to win a contentious 12-round unanimous decision at the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City Saturday night.
All three judges saw Golovkin winning the fights by scores of 115-112 (twice), and 114-113.
Maxboxing had Golovkin winning the fight by a 114-113 tally.
Most of the 19,939 fans in attendance didn’t like the decision.
The fight was more technical than terrific. Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs) was in full stalker mode from the onset—but wasn’t letting his hands go. The slugger was more boxer—wary of Jacobs power.
Jacobs (32-2, 29 KOs), also intently aware of the defending champions punching power, used his superior boxing skills to pepper Golovkin with jabs and an occasional blow to the body in rounds two and three. A hard right also got Golovkin’s attention.
Golovkin, a 7-1 favorite, sprang into action in round four—landing two right hands that sent Jacobs to the canvas. The native New Yorker got up quickly and nodded at referee Charlie Fitch.
Many fans at the Garden probably figured the fight was about to end. Didn’t Jacobs have a suspect chin?
Apparently not. Golovkin probably thought the same thing. He tried to close the show, but, by the end of the stanza, Jacobs was fighting back.
Golovkin contnued his onslaught in the next frame, landing another hard right. Jacobs absorbed the punch well and continued to box. His switching from orthodox to southpaw was confusing Golovkin
Golovkin,34, did well in the next frame, landing another hard right. Jacobs absorbed the punch well and continued to box. His switching from orthodox to southpaw was confusing Golovkin.
Jacobs,30, boxed beautifully at times in the next stanza, befuddling Golovkin with hand and foot speed. Before round eight commenced, Golovkin was told by his corner to get off first. He tried, and succeeded at times, but Jacobs still managed to pop him with quick blows.
Golovkin appeared to hurt Jacobs with a short uppercut in round nine. He also connected with a hard right and stinging jab. Jacobs dug down and fought back. He went to the body with authority.
Jacobs came out banging in round 10. He bashed Golovkin with hooks and jabs. Golovkin stalked forward, but wasn’t consistent enough. Jacobs landed a sneaky right.
Perhaps sensing the fight was up for grabs, or maybe that was behind o the scorecards, Golovkin applied more pressure in rounds 11 and 12. His intensity went up, as did his punch output. Jacobs boxed confidently, but it was Golovkin who did slightly better.
“I respect Daniel,” said Golovkin in the ring. “He did a very god job. He’s a very good fighter. He’s my favorite fighter.”
“I think I won the fight,” Jacobs said. “I think the fans support me on that decision.”
Golovkin’s vaunted knockout streak was snapped at 23. He successfully defended his WBA, WBC and IBO for the 18th consecutive time.
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