Gennady Golovkin goes the distance for first time since 2008, edges Danny Jacobs at MSG

Published Mar. 19, 2017 9:25 a.m. ET

Kerouac Smith

Gennady Golovkin unified the middleweight titles, but the victory over Danny Jacobs was in doubt until his hand was raised at the end.

Golovkin and Jacobs, both known as knockout artists, battled for the full 12 rounds into Sunday morning at Madison Square Garden, with Golovkin winning 115-112 on two judges' cards and 114-113 on the other.

https://twitter.com/GGGBoxing/status/843434690895908865

It was the first time Golovkin had failed to finish an opponent in 24 fights, a streak dating back to 2008. He's now undefeated in 37 fights, with 33 KOs to his name.

Jacobs, now 32-2, disagreed with the judges.

"I thought I won it by at least two rounds, minimum. I did feel like I had to win the 12th round to make sure," said Jacobs, who won the final round on two of the cards.

https://twitter.com/Shahid786123/status/843341200581185538

But it wasn't enough, in part because a fourth-round knockdown cost him big time -- with all three judges scoring that round 10-8 for Golovkin.

https://twitter.com/curtiswoodhous8/status/843403905354686468

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Golovkin was effusive in his praise for Jacobs.

"Daniel did a very good job. Daniel is my favorite fighter. I can't destroy him," Golovkin said afterward.

https://twitter.com/DanielJacobsTKO/status/843357100197605377

Up next could be a much-heralded bout with Canelo Alvarez, though Golovkin said he'd be willing to give Jacobs a rematch.