Ryan Garcia believes Gennady Golovkin is not deserving of a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Golovkin is regarded as one of the greatest middleweight fighters of all-time and is expected to be a first ballot Hall of Famer when he eventually confirms his retirement, but not according to Garcia.
During his prime, ’Triple G’ carried a fearsome reputation as a devastating puncher and many accused fierce rival, Canelo Alvarez of avoiding a third fight with him for years after two brutal battles, including a controversial draw in their first outing.
The pair did eventually meet again in September 2022, with Alvarez running out a comfortable points winner over a faded Golovkin in Las Vegas and the 43-year-old hasn’t been in the ring since, but has not announced his retirement officially.
Garcia has questioned the Kazakh’s resume, insisting he lacks the standout victories to warrant a place in the Hall of Fame.
“Triple G had no really great victories,” the 27-year-old told Inside The Ring.
“Who did he beat?
“The thing I will give him is he was one of the superstars in boxing at a certain time for a long time.
“But for me I think it’s just a little hard for me to put somebody in the Hall of Fame.
“To say Hall of Fame, that means you did something different.
“We’re talking about Hall of Fame, we’re not talking about eras.
“I’m talking about overall, all of boxing.
“I just don’t see him as a Hall of Fame [fighter] yet.
“I can’t give him that nod.”
Garcia has not fought since suffering a unanimous decision defeat to Rolly Romero for the WBA ‘regular’ welterweight world title at Times Square in May.
The American is eyeing a rematch with Romero, although his rival is reportedly in talks for a January showdown with Manny Pacquiao.
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‘King Ry’ crossed paths with Devin Haney when both men were in Las Vegas last month for to witness Terence Crawford’s historic win over Canelo Alvarez and the pair faced off.
Garcia saw his points win over Haney changed to a no contest after he tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine and spent a year on the sidelines after receiving a ban from the New York State Athletic Commission.
