Middleweight king Gennady Golovkin extended his record to 37-0 but was forced to settle for a points win over Daniel Jacobs on Saturday night.
The WBC, WBO and IBF champion retained his titles in a controversial victory, although the IBF strap was not on the line after Jacobs failed to attend the Saturday morning weigh-in.
Jacobs had hoped his extra weight would help him and he produced a brave display, with both himself and his fans at ringside at Madison Square Garden expecting him to win via decision.
Golovkin was taken 12 rounds for the first time since 2008 and went into the bout with a 23-fight knockout streak but he struggled to blast through his rival, although Jacobs did hit the canvas in the fourth.
In the end, Golovkin was handed the victory after the judges scored the fight 115-112 115-112 114-113.
Speaking after the bout, Golovkin admitted he had respect for his rival but his attention now turns to a potential super fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
He told HBO: “I couldn’t destroy him. He is a very clean, very good fighter. It is my first test for 12 rounds.
This is sport. I am a boxer, I am not a killer. I respect his game. “Of course, I’m ready [to fight Canelo].
I’m very hungry. I’m very mad and excited – I’m like an animal for this fight.”
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