By Rick Reeno

According to promoter Gary Shaw, HBO took a pass, for the moment, on a potential fight between Daniel Geale (29-2, 15KOs) and WBA/IBO champion Gennady Golovkin.

Geale, who Shaw promotes, is scheduled to face Garth Wood (12-3-1, 8KOs) on February 19th in Syndey Australia, and Golovkin (28-0, 25KOs) defends his title on February 1 against Osumanu Adama (22-3, 16KOs).

Golovkin has a tentative return date of April 26th on HBO, which Shaw felt was perfect for both fighters.

However, the network told Shaw that they were exploring other options at the moment. One fighter being whispered as a future Golovkin opponent is James Kirkland.

"I spoke with HBO, and they say they are looking at other options. I know GGG wants to fight Geale. They offered us a fight for Monte Carlo, but Geale wants to be on HBO. After the Barker fight, HBO said they wanted Geale back, but now there is silence. What could be a truer test for GGG than a former world champion, a true 160-pounder - unless HBO wants to put in a 154-pounder or move him up to 168. This is the type of fight that would have made HBO proud in the past," Shaw told BoxingScene.com.