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'Murder': Gennady Golovkin marks return with devastating KO

Former unified middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin has knocked out Steve Rolls in a devastating fourth-round victory.

Golovkin was fighting for the first time since losing his belts to Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in September's rematch last year.

And Golovkin provided a reminder of his power after a ninth-month layoff to knock out the previously undefeated Rolls at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

Gennady Golovkin dropped him with a brutal left. Image: DAZN
Gennady Golovkin dropped him with a brutal left. Image: DAZN

Golovkin (39-1-1) took a little while to get going in New York, but he opened up a massive combination in the fourth round, ending with a vicious straight left that sent Rolls to the floor and stopped the contest.

Rolls (19-1-0) appeared nervous in the early going, however the Canadian settled during the second round to put together a couple of good combinations.

He did the same thing in the third, but the fourth was all Golovkin.

Gennady Golovkin knocks out Steve Rolls. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Gennady Golovkin knocks out Steve Rolls. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Kazakh star Golovkin started landing consistently with his patented short punches and eventually put together the combination downing Rolls for good.

“I love knockouts,” Golovkin said. “I love New York.”

“It was a great night all around. I'm ready to come back in September and bring back the big drama show.”

Alvarez said he believes his story with Golovkin is over after making light work of Daniel Jacobs in May, but the Mexican also acknowledged he was willing to face off with him again.

Golovkin said Canelo is the man he wants next, telling DAZN: "Bring him, just ask him. I'm ready."

Gennady Golovkin celebrates. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Gennady Golovkin celebrates. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

with agencies