Former world champion Jean Pascal has spoken exclusively to World Boxing News about Gennadiy Golovkin’s long-awaited and imminent first-ballot induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, praising the Kazakh legend’s legacy and reflecting on why a dream clash between them never materialized.
Golovkin’s name appears on the ballot alongside Vernon Forrest and Steve Collins, plus many others, marking his first appearance since officially retiring in 2022. The nomination has sparked a wave of debate across the boxing world, particularly after Ring Magazine Editor Dougie Fischer publicly confirmed his vote for “GGG.”
“Gennadiy Golovkin gets a check mark from Yours Truly on his first appearance on the IBHOF ballot,” Fischer said on X. “I get four more votes. Who do you think is most deserving on this ballot?”
But the conversation truly caught fire when former Floyd Mayweather advisor Leonard Ellerbe weighed in — reviving an old talking point about fighters supposedly avoiding Golovkin during his prime.
“Now, GGG in his prime is an example of fighters ducking smoke,” Ellerbe said. “He would break your face.”
Pascal on the Golovkin Fight That Never Happened
Speaking exclusively to WBN, Pascal reflected on what could have been one of the most explosive fights of the 2010s — had the stars aligned.
“Honestly, it’s one of those ‘what-if’ fights fans still talk about,” Pascal told WBN. “GGG and I were both champions, both dangerous, both willing to trade. Stylistically, it would’ve been fireworks.
“I had no reason to duck anybody — I’ve fought legends my entire career. Timing and politics stopped it, not fear. That’s boxing.”
Pascal, who shared the ring with names like Bernard Hopkins, Sergey Kovalev, and Dmitry Bivol, made it clear that matchups like Golovkin vs. Pascal were often victims of business and timing — not courage.
On Ellerbe’s Claim That Fighters Avoided GGG
Pascal didn’t hesitate when addressing Ellerbe’s claim that many top contenders avoided Golovkin in his peak years.
“He’s right,” Pascal admitted. “GGG in his prime was a monster — pressure, power, precision. A lot of fighters found excuses. But real warriors step up. I’ve never been that guy who hides behind matchmaking.
“If it made sense business-wise and legacy-wise, I’d have signed the contract.”
Pascal’s comments echo the respect many fighters continue to hold for Golovkin’s run — a middleweight reign built on relentless pressure, granite resistance, and knockout efficiency that made him one of the most feared men of his era.
Golovkin’s Hall of Fame Legacy
As discussion intensifies ahead of the Hall of Fame announcements, Golovkin’s credentials speak for themselves:
Two-time unified middleweight world champion
Longest-reigning champion of the modern era at 160 lbs
Record of 23 consecutive title defenses
Memorable rivalry with Canelo Alvarez
To Pascal, induction is not just deserved — it’s inevitable.
“He carried himself like a champion in and out of the ring,” Pascal added. “GGG was pure class — a throwback fighter. He earned this.”
A Shared Era of Warriors
For Pascal, the Golovkin era represents a lost generation of true risk-takers — fighters who built legacies through danger, not convenience.
“We came from an era where pride mattered. You wanted to face the best to prove you were the best,” Pascal said. “GGG was one of those guys — and that’s why fans will always respect him.”
As Golovkin awaits what now seems an inevitable call to Canastota, Jean Pascal’s words underline what made “Triple G” special — and what modern boxing sometimes lacks:
Fighters willing to face danger, embrace challenge, and define legacy through risk.
Golovkin’s Hall of Fame moment may be near — but his legend, as Pascal put it, “was already written years ago.”
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights.
[View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.
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