Golovkin vs Murray results: GGG batters, stops Murray in 11th round

Gennady Golovkin stayed undefeated and ran his stoppage victory streak to 19 fights tonight in Monte Carlo, putting away an incredibly durable and game Martin Murray in the 11th round, scoring three knockdowns and inflicting heavy punishment over the fight.

Golovkin (32-0, 29 KO) dropped Murray two times in the fourth round, and once more at the end of the 10th round. Referee Luis Pabon stepped in to stop the contest 50 seconds into the next frame, when Murray (29-2-1, 12 KO) was once again staggered on a right hand from Golovkin. It was the right call -- overdue if anything -- and a good decision by Pabon, a referee who has been criticized plenty over the years, but stepped in when nobody else would to save a fighter from himself and his own pride.

Murray really has nothing to be ashamed of with this performance, as he had some nice moments of success, and stood up pretty well to Golovkin overall, even with the knockdowns. He never gave up on himself in this fight, as he was battling until the very end. But unlike his prior world title fights, where he left without a belt under debatable circumstances, he was thoroughly beaten in this bout, and Golovkin left no doubts in anyone's mind.

Golovkin, 32, retained his WBA middleweight title with this win, as well as the interim WBC title. Miguel Cotto, the lineal champion of the division, is still surely his target. Cotto also holds the full WBC title, which he won last June against Sergio Martinez.