Boxing
Jean Pascal supports Gennady Golovkin in the Hall of Fame: “He deserved it”
Former world champion Jean Pascal spoke exclusively to World Boxing News about Gennady Golovkin’s long-awaited and inevitable first-round voting induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, praising the legacy of the Kazakh legend and wondering why their dream fight never came to fruition.
Golovkin’s name appears on the ballot alongside Vernon Forrest and Steve Collins, among many others, marking his first appearance since officially retiring in 2022. The nomination sparked a wave of debate across boxing, particularly after Ring magazine editor Dougie Fischer publicly reaffirmed his vote for “GGG.”
“Gennady Golovkin Is Confirmed by Yours Truly for His First Appearance on the IBHOF Ballot” Fischer said in X. “I get four more votes. Who do you think deserves this vote the most?”
But the conversation really ignited when former Floyd Mayweather adviser Leonard Ellerbe chimed in, bringing up an venerable notion about fighters supposedly avoiding Golovkin in their heyday.
“Now GGG in his prime is an example of fighters avoiding smoke,” Ellerbe said. “It 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 2010 – if the stars had aligned.
“Honestly, it’s one of those ‘what if’ fights that fans keep talking about,” Pascal told WBN. “GGG and I were champions, both threatening, both willing to trade. Stylistically, it would be a firework.
“I had no reason to avoid anyone. I fought legends throughout my career. Time and politics stopped it, not fear. That’s boxing.”
Pascal, who has shared the ring with names such as Bernard Hopkins, Sergey Kovalev and Dmitry Bivol, made it clear that fights like Golovkin vs. Pascal were often a victim of business and timing rather than courage.
On Ellerbe’s claim that the fighters avoided GGG
Pascal didn’t hesitate to address Ellerbe’s claim that many top fighters avoided Golovkin during his prime years.
“He’s right,” Pascal admitted. “GGG in his prime was a monster – pressure, power, precision. Many players made excuses. But real fighters step up to the next level. I’ve never been a guy who hides behind matchmaking.
“If it made sense from a business standpoint and for legacy reasons, I would sign.”
Pascal’s comments reflect the respect that many fighters still have for Golovkin’s career – a middleweight reign built on relentless pressure, tremendous resistance and a knockout efficiency that made him one of the most feared men of his era.
Golovkin’s Hall of Fame legacy
As the discussion intensifies before Hall of Fame announcements, Golovkin’s credentials speak for themselves:
Two-time unified middleweight world champion
Longest reigning champion of the newfangled era at 160 pounds
A record of 23 consecutive title defenses
A memorable rivalry with Canelo Alvarez
According to Pascal, induction is not only deserved – it is inevitable.
“He acted like a champion in and out of the ring,” Pascal added. “GGG is a pure class fighter – a fighter from the past. He deserves it.”
The common era of warriors
For Pascal, the Golovkin era represents a lost generation of true risk-takers – fighters who built a legacy on danger, not comfort.
“We come from an era where pride was essential. You wanted to go up against 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 Canastota’s call, which now seems inevitable, Jean Pascal’s words highlight what made “Triple G” special – and what newfangled boxing sometimes misses:
Warriors willing to face danger, take up the challenge and define a legacy through risk.
Golovkin’s Hall of Fame moment may be near, but his legend, as Pascal put it, “was already written many years ago.”
About the author
Phil Jay is experienced boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global combat scene. How Since 2010, editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN).Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and the most essential boxing evenings in the ring were reported.
[View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.
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