Middleweight Dominic Wade fell short in his goal of becoming a world titleholder, as he was stopped in the second round at the hands of IBF/IBO/WBA middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin before 16,353 at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif.
He was dropped at the end of the first round, and then dropped two more times in the second before the contest was waved off. Wade’s record drops to 18-1, 12 KOs.
Wade was the mandatory challenger to Golovkin’s IBF title.
While he was saddened by the loss, Wade did not mince words regarding what took place in the ring.
Prior to their fight, Wade questioned Golovkin’s power and some of his victories. Those questions were answered in less than two rounds.
“His power is real,” said Wade after the fight. “I was trying to stay comfortable. Once he started hitting me, I couldn’t do that.
“I could’ve done a few things differently, but he’s a great champ. He’s does everything you need to be a great champ.”
The Los Angeles-based Golovkin is aiming to become the biggest draw in boxing following the retirements in the past year of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao — and Saturday’s spectacular win only enhances his box office appeal.
Golovkin is hoping to secure a superfight against WBC middleweight champion, Saul Canelo Alvarez, who fights Britain’s Amir Khan in Las Vegas next month.
Golovkin threw down the gauntlet for that fight after his latest knockout performance, challenging Alvarez to meet him.
“Give me my belt, I need my belt. I’m ready!” Golovkin said.
