The StubHub Center in Carson, California will host the Middleweight title bout between Champion Gennady Golovkin and Marco Antonio Rubio this Saturday, October 18th, 2014. Heading into the week of the fight, the sport books have posted Golovkin an incredible (-7000) favorite over Rubio, who returns at (+3000). Now, Marco Antonio Rubio is a solid veteran with a record of 59-6-1, and in his 59 wins he has 51 via the KO or stoppage route, so he is a dangerous puncher. his last loss came at the hands of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr back in February of 2012 via unanimous decision, and he has won six fights since then, five by stoppage. In his last outing, he stopped Italian Domenico Spada in the 10th round to capture the interim WBC World Title. Chavez Jr was one of the first choices on the list for Golovkin when looking for an opponent, but when that match was not going to materialize he quickly settled on Rubio. This gives Rubio a full training camp to face what is a huge fight for him in his career. But this match has all the look and feel of a coronation for would be king Golovkin, and the line reflects that. It is a big match for Golovkin, in that he is being carefully groomed for super stardom, as it will be his first fight on the West Coast oft he US. This debut has been greeted by strong ticket sales for the live event and by a big media tour presenting Golovkin to the Mexican and west coast audiences. Since the match opened at the books, the line has been a chasm that gives Rubio little chance. The fact is that both fighters share a similar style, only that at this point in his career, Golovkin is considered to be superior in almost every facet of the game to Rubio. Basically, Rubio can be described as a Buick to Golovkin’s Mercedes Benz in terms of skills and what they bring to the table. Golovkin’s punching and overall boxing game can be very refined, and he could easily win a decision if it goes the distance. Golovkin also should find holes in Rubio’s defense to land the withering body attack he uses to set up everything else. Rubio will likely be a step slow in all aspects of the fight, and he is expected to fade once Golovkin fires with all cylinders. Rubio’s only perceived shot is the proverbial puncher’s chance. Rubio is trying to become one of the dominant pound for pound fighters of this era, and he has a ton of talent that has a lot of people believe he can do it. So, put 100 bucks on Rubio just in case, and be prepared to lose it as we get to watch another fight on Gennady Golovkin’s march to pound for pound greatness. The card also features a WBA Super World Featherweight title bout between Nonito Donaire and Nicholas Walters that will certainly have a line on it that is closer than the Golovkin-Rubio match, as both men are very highly rated and Walters is starting to get the type of hype around him at (24-0) overall that an undefeated fighter with a lot of promise sometimes gets.
