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Gennady Golovkin landed unique knockout blow to tie amazing record set by Marvin Hagler

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Ross Markey | Last updated Oct 18, 2025 5:14 PM ET

Regarded as one of the best middleweights of all time, Gennady Golovkin rubber-stamped that billing with a rather unique knockout shot.

Enjoying a stunning 39-fight undefeated run to begin his career in professional boxing, Olympic silver medalist Gennady Golovkin ran roughshod through middleweight contenders en route to his memorable trilogy with Canelo Alvarez.

And going unmatched at the weight limit, the Kazakh star showed off his true Mexican style in the ring against a favorite puncher from that same country.

With that victory, Golovkin would turn in another record as part of his illustrious career, joining a list containing the late, great Marvin Hagler.

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Gennady Golovkin’s demolition of Marco Antonio Rubio

On this day in 2014, the undefeated Golovkin entered the ring as a professional for the 31st time — tasked with clinching an interim WBC middleweight crown, stood opposite Coahuila native Marco Antonio Rubio.

And renowned for his distinct knockout touch, Golovkin, the reigning WBA and IBO middleweight kingpin entering the clash, needed just two rounds to dispatch his Mexican foe.

Sneaking in a picture-perfect right uppercut, Golovkin forced Rubio back to the ropes, before unleashing a truly unique left overhand on the side of the former’s head, sending him back-first to the canvas.

11 years ago, Gennady Golovkin defeated Marco Antonio Rubio by KO in round 2 of 12 to retain the WBA middleweight title. Unique knockout.
pic.twitter.com/QbboiGUqxr
— (@KOJournals) October 18, 2025

Unable to beat the 10-count, Rubio argued the legality of the strike, as well as the speed of the Spanish count from the official.

However, emerging victorious nonetheless, Golovkin joined the above-mentioned Hagler and German veteran Felix Sturm as the third most prolific middleweight champion in the division’s history, with a 12th successful title defense.

Gennady Golovkin linked with massive boxing comeback

Yet to enter the ring in the last three years since his trilogy bout defeat to the previously mentioned Canelo, Golovkin continues to ride on links to a spectacular comeback.

And playing up those links himself, the Kazakh megastar claimed he was once more “emotional” about boxing, and in particular, competing again.

As a result, a failed matchup from Golovkin’s prime at middleweight has reared its head once more — in a massive British outing for the global icon.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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