Gennady Golovkin too strong for Britain's Martin Murray

Khazakstan national icon Golovkin showed why he is arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport as he dominated to retain his WBA belt despite Murray's admirable resistance but ultimate downfall in failing to win a world title at the third time of asking.

"He's a great fighter, and I tried my best... it is just so tough against him. I tried my hardest for the people at home," said Murray.

In truth, he never got near it against the hard-hitting Golovkin, who was a picture of professionalism to the extent that at times he almost seemed untouchable at Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo. In the land of casinos in a ballroom holding 900 fans, Murray's luck was destined to run out once Golovkin got his eye in.

Murray's survival instincts kicked in early on, and he deserves nothing but praise for staying in for so long with a fighter who simply overwhelmed him with his basic speed and movement.

Golovkin is now 32 fights unbeaten with 29 knock-outs, and there is talk about him moving up or down a weight level because he seems to have cleaned up the middleweight division.

Watched by Prince Albert of Monaco, it was quite astonishing that St Helens fighter Murray managed to stay upright against this form of boxing royalty until the 11th round before referee Luis Pabon sensibly came to the rescue with Murry shedding blood and Golovkin all over him like a rash.

Murray could do nothing to get on the front foot and was continually forced onto the ropes despite being the bigger man.

He landed several good shots of his own during the fight, but could not force the world champion back as Golovkin subjected him to some severe punishment.

Golovkin's chin is as solid as his punching. It is why he is being talked about in the same breath as a modern great in the same mould as Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler.

Murray was dropped twice in the fourth round by two crunching body shots before blood emerged on his face after suffering a few more brutal uppercuts in the sixth round.

Another spiteful right hand sent Murray down for a third time in the 10th round with the bell coming to his rescue.

It was only a matter of time before Murray faced his fate whether on points or a stoppage, and Pabon stepped into rescue Murray after it became clear the Brit was dazed and almost out on his feet in the penultimate round.

It is the first time Golovkin has been taken to the 11th round of a fight, but the outcome was never in any danger with Murray never winning a round despite a bright start in which he shared the first two rounds.

Golovkin is looking to unify the middleweight ranks after his 19th straight KO. Andre Ward has been mentioned as a possibility, but Golovkin wants Miguel Cotto.

"I hope, I hope Miguel Cotto because he is WBC champion," said Golovkin. "My goal is to get all the belts in a unification fight. Today is a beautiful day, and of course he is a strong fighter. My plan is my plan, it doesn't matter what he does."