The Rise and Fall of Kazakhstan’s Boxing Stars
Kazakhstan, a nation known for its rich boxing history, has seen the retirement of two of its best male and female boxers. Gennadiy "Triple G" Golovkin and Christina Hammer, both world champions in their respective divisions, have hung up their gloves, marking a significant transition in the boxing world. Golovkin, a 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist, transformed his formidable amateur career into a professional one in 2006, after amassing an impressive 345-8 record. His journey as a professional fighter was nothing short of stellar, earning titles from the WBA, WBC, IBF, and IBO in the Middleweight division. Hammer, on the other hand, held the WBC and WBO World Middleweight titles, along with the WBO Super Middleweight title. Both fighters brought immense pride and glory to Kazakhstan, but their careers were marred by controversial decisions that altered their paths.
Golovkin’s Unforgettable Battles with Alvarez
Golovkin’s professional career was a masterclass in precision and power. He was undefeated for 37 fights, a record that stood until his controversial bout with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez on September 16, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight ended in a split decision draw, with Golovkin scoring a 115-113 decision from Dave Moretti, a draw from Don Trella (114-114), and a lopsided 118-110 decision for Alvarez from Adalaide Byrd. The decision was met with widespread criticism, and Byrd was even suspended from judging for 30 days. Despite this, Golovkin’s relentless pursuit of Alvarez for the final seven rounds was a testament to his determination and skill.
The Impact of Trainer Changes
Following the initial clash with Alvarez, Golovkin made a significant change in his professional life, switching trainers from Abel Sanchez to Jonathan Banks. This shift in coaching marked a transition from his signature punching style to a more balanced boxer-puncher style. The change was evident in his next fight against Vanes Martirosyan, where he scored a knockout. However, this victory also broke a 23-fight knockout streak. The rematch with Alvarez, again held at the T-Mobile Arena, resulted in a majority decision loss for Golovkin. This setback, though painful, did not deter him, and he fought on until September 22, 2022, when he faced Alvarez for a third time. After this bout, at the age of 40, Golovkin officially retired. His final record stands at 42-2-1 with 37 knockouts, securing his place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF). Despite being based in Los Angeles, California, Golovkin remains a beloved figure in Kazakhstan.
Christina Hammer’s Challenger in Atlantic City
Christina Hammer, with a 24-0 record at the time, met her greatest challenge in Atlantic City, New Jersey, against Claressa ‘T-Rex’ Shields. The fight, which took place before a packed audience, was a battle of titans, with Hammer holding the WBC and WBO titles and Shields the IBF and WBA titles. The American referee, Sparkle Lee, became a focal point of controversy as she frequently intervened whenever Hammer pressed the attack, a move that many observers felt favored Shields. After the fight, which Hammer lost by decision, I had the opportunity to speak with her in the dressing room. I told her that she "was still a champion" in my eyes, a sentiment that resonated with many fans who felt the decision was unjust.
Hammer’s Journey Post-Atlantic City
Discouraged by the lack of a rematch with Shields, Hammer returned to her home in Germany, where she did not fight again for ten months. When she resumed her career, it was with a series of fights against non-contenders. However, she managed to reclaim a piece of her former glory by winning the vacant WIBF Super Middleweight title in December 2020 against Sanna Turunen. This victory, though significant, did not come close to the level of her previous achievements. All her subsequent fights were held in Germany, culminating in her final bout in May 2022 at the age of 32. Hammer’s career, though cut short, left an indelible mark on women’s boxing, and she is remembered for her resilience and fighting spirit.
The Toll of Controversial Decisions
Both Golovkin and Hammer faced the harsh reality of controversial decisions that impacted their careers. For Golovkin, the split decision draw and subsequent majority decision loss to Alvarez were pivotal moments that tested his resolve and skill. Similarly, Hammer’s loss to Shields, influenced by questionable refereeing, was a significant blow to her world championship aspirations. These moments highlight the often unpredictable and sometimes unfair nature of professional boxing. Despite the setbacks, both fighters continued to compete with the utmost dedication, earning the respect and admiration of their peers and fans.
A Legacy of Pride and Perseverance
The retirement of Gennadiy Golovkin and Christina Hammer marks the end of an era for Kazakhstani boxing. Their careers were characterized by unparalleled skill, determination, and a refusal to back down, even in the face of adversity. While controversial decisions may have changed the trajectory of their careers, their legacy in the sport remains unshakeable. Golovkin, with his powerful punching and strategic prowess, and Hammer, with her relentless spirit and championship belts, continue to inspire the next generation of boxers. Their contributions to the sport and their nation have earned them a place in boxing history, and their stories serve as a reminder of the highs and lows that come with the pursuit of greatness in the ring.
