Kazakhstan’s Gennady Golovkin retained his World Boxing Association Middleweight Championship after defeating American Daniel Jacobs by unanimous decision this Saturday, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Golovkin, who had achieved a knockout streak since 2008, faced his strongest opponent so far. In the first round, both came out with caution, “GGG” looking to corner his opponent and Jacobs trying to counterattack.

The second round was very similar, while on the third, the Kazakh knocked down his opponent, who managed to survive walking in the ring the rest of the round. However, Jacobs challenged Golovkin by precisely using his jab and switching stance. This strategy made him add points on the cards.

Although, in more than one occasion, “GGG” connected hits that affected his rival, the most notable one, besides the one in the third round, was a good right cross in the ninth round, that made the American stagger.

Thus they reached the last round, both had great exchanges in the middle of the ring, giving the public a formidable battle. Then the bell rang and for the first time in almost nine years, Golovkin had to go to the cards. It was unanimous decision, two judges saw Golovkin win 115-112, and the other one gave him the victory 114-113.

In this way, “GGG” remains undefeated with 37 victories and 33 knockouts, while “Miracle Man” had his second defeat in a record that has 32 victories, 29 of them by knockout.