Since the press conference on Thursday, social media speculation has surrounded the Kazakh who was noticeably not his usual smiley and cheerful self later in the week.
Golovkin looks drained and ill. Brook might just be able to beat him
— Richard Skelding (@RSkelding) September 8, 2016
Golovkin looks gaunt!!!
— Luke ML (@Donegan20_) September 8, 2016
Golovkin cut short interview obligations to return to his quarters after the media gathering, and at the weigh-in on Friday, failed to show any pleasure at hitting a pound under the limit.
‘GGG’ is normally a picture of happiness around fight time, although his team denied the middleweight king is feeling ill or any effects of flying into the UK only last Sunday.
Gennady Golovkin been feeling a bit ill but promoter Tom Loeffler says he will be fine.
— Chris McKenna (@cmckennasport) September 8, 2016
Some Twitter comments have even used the word ‘gaunt,’ whilst others have simply stated that Golovkin was ill before the Gabriel Rosado fight previously and was still as devastating as ever.
It doesn't matter if #Golovkin is tired, jetlagged, ill or not motivated. He still carries the deadliest weapon. Natural KO power. #BrookGGG
— Paul Hawkins (@Paul_Hawkins) September 9, 2016
Odds on a Brook victory have since shortened marginally as the Yorkshireman looked in tremendous shape for his defining night and has been enjoying the extra poundage afforded to a predominant welterweight.
Even Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn gave a mention to how pale Golovkin had been looking in an interview with Sky Sports but was challenged with attempting to play up Brook’s chances.
Team Brook suggesting Golovkin is "ill" because he wasn't smiling & jumping around at weigh-in, looked absolutely fine to me #GolovkinBrook
— Jack Rathborn (@JackRathborn) September 9, 2016
Either way, nothing will be revealed until the fighters enter the ring on Saturday night at the O2 Arena to battle it out to be recognised as one of the best pound for pound fighters on the planet.
