Gennadiy Golovkin didn’t even get a week off after his loss to Canelo Alvarez before he was officially ordered by the WBA to face Erislandy Lara next.
Golovkin fought and lost to Canelo at 168, of course, and GGG still has two belts at 160, including the WBA “super world” title. Lara has the WBA “world” title, a secondary belt that no one takes seriously, and the sanctioning body wants to consolidate those belts.
Golovkin (42-2-1, 37 KOs), 40, would be facing a really tough second straight matchup on paper, as Lara (29-3-3, 17 KOs) is a very skilled veteran and a southpaw.
Lara, 39, is also in GGG’s age group, and this would be a true veterans’ reunion if it really happens. Lara moved up to 160 pounds in 2021, winning the unnecessary WBA secondary belt in a ridiculous showdown with Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna, which was over in 80 seconds. Lara also beat Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan, another non-contender, in May of this year via eighth-round stoppage.
As for the fight actually happening, it could. Golovkin is not someone who has ever wanted to avoid mandatory orders and relinquish belts, but coming to terms with Lara could potentially prove difficult. There are conflicting reports as to whether GGG still has a fight left in their deal with Matchroom and DAZN, and Lara is a PBC fighter.
The parties have until October 23 to reach an agreement, at which time it will go to auction. The order states the fight must occur within 120 days of Golovkin’s Sept. 17 fight with Canelo, as he was given special permission to do so while he still keeps his middleweight belt with them.
Golovkin also holds the IBF title. The two highest-rated contenders with that organization are Esquiva Falcao and Michael Zerafa, followed by Patrick Wojcicki and Denis Radovan.
