'Golovkin Is No Margarito, He Will Hurt Pacquiao,' Former Trainer Says

Gennady Golovkin’s former longtime trainer, Abel Sanchez, has claimed that his pupil would hurt Manny Pacquiao if they ever met inside the ring.

Following Freddie Roach hinting at Pacquiao possibly moving to middleweight to face Golovkin, the interest has now spiked over a battle between the two legendary fighters at a compromised weight of 154 pounds (super-welterweight).

While 154 pounds sound feasible, Golovkin’s ex-trainer, Sanchez, thinks there will be some pros and cons. In a exclusive interview with World Boxing News, Sanchez made a realistic analysis about the possible Golovkin vs. Pacquiao fight.

Sanchez has already confirmed in the past that “GGG” could make super-welterweight if he wants to, but it would be a difficult task. As for facing “Pac-Man” at 154, the veteran trainer said it is possible despite the problems that could come with it as Pacquiao no longer needs to prove himself in the welterweight division.

“Manny Pacquiao is at the point where he really does not need any of the young champions, so that is a big step. I think it would be difficult to make the weight comfortably. And if there is a rehydration limit, that makes it more difficult for Golovkin,” Sanchez explained.

The 71-year-old didn’t hold back from making early predictions about the possible super-welterweight fight. According to Sanchez, being drained could cause Golovkin troubles, along with Pacquiao’s hand speed. However, he emphasized that Golovkin shouldn’t be likened to Antonio Margarito, the biggest opponent Pacquiao has faced in his professional career so far.

“Having to drain himself to make 154. Plus being drained and sluggish because of weight loss, could be a problem and with Manny’s hand speed? Manny Pacquiao is a small fighter. I believe he started as a flyweight, so the size difference would make a difference. I see Manny having his moments early in the fight, but Gennadiy Golovkin is no Margarito. Golovkin will hurt Manny,” Sanchez pointed out.

It can be recalled that despite the significant size difference, the Filipino legend still dismantled Margarito and won via unanimous decision for the World Boxing Council light middleweight belt in Texas 10 years ago. The victory made Pacquiao become the only boxer in history to win world titles in eight weight divisions.

Should everything be put in place for the touted Golovkin vs. Pacquiao super-welterweight bout, it could mean that the eight-division title holder would be set to face a natural middleweight for the first time.