Golovkin takes Manhattan

An except from Dan Rafael's article...............


In an effort to raise his profile in America, the 29-year-old Golovkin (22-0, 19 KOs) hit New York this week -- along with K2's Tom Loeffler and manager Max Hermann -- to try to drum up interest. He attended a New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden, where he dreams of fighting one day. He also met with the ambassador from Kazakhstan. But the more important meetings were business-related. Loeffler said Golovkin's group met with MSG executives, who are interested in having Golovkin fight at the Garden. Then were the meetings with the television networks. The fighter's group met with Epix on Wednesday and is slated to meet with HBO and Showtime on Thursday, Loeffler said.

"When he was with Universum, there was not much publicity for him, but he is really committed to fighting here, especially in New York -- and that's what we want to make clear to everyone, especially the television networks," Loeffler said of Golovkin on Wednesday. "He speaks Russian, German and his English is getting better. Now that he is signed with K2, part of our commitment to him was to bring him to the United States. Universum was keeping him in Europe.

"But we really believe in Gennady. He will fight anyone. We will make that clear to the networks, that he won't pick and choose his opponents. They'll have a fighter who will fight who they want him to fight. If that means Andy Lee or Daniel Geale or Dmitry Pirog or Peter Quillin or Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. or Sergio Martinez, fine. They can pick. We just want the opportunity."

Golovkin hopes to fight in April. It could take place in Europe or possibly in the United States "if we can get backing from a U.S. TV network," Loeffler said.

Golovkin would like to fight titleholder Felix Sturm of Germany to clear up the issue of both of them holding versions of the WBA title. That's a fight that would make the most sense in Germany, but for anything else, Golovkin welcomes the chance to fight in America.

"I have this dream," said Golovkin, whose visit to New York this week is his first. "It is to fight in America, especially at Madison Square Garden, which has such a big history of boxing. My dream has always been to fight in the U.S. and Madison Square Garden because there is a lot of big boxing history."




......seems they are serious about getting the guy some exposure. More power to them. Any of those fights would be outstanding, especially at MW. The division needs it.

 

If GGG can fill the Garden a few times, I think, with his style, they'll have a star on their hands.

 

As it stands now, of course it is. It can't be done overnight. Can't speak for Kazakhstanis, but the dude speaks Russian, which is one of the fastest growing communities in NYC.

With K2 behind him, he might be able to get some traction. He also seems to be pursuing it with more vigor, than Pirog seemed to, although I can't say it for sure. Just an impression, you know?

 

Agreed. It seems they may be looking to get his name out there now. I hope they succeed. This guy would do well on the NY scene. Maybe it's no coincidence that Martinez-Macklin is being held at the Garden as well.

I give him credit for going for the brass ring if he does. What's the worst that can happen? His fans in Europe will still be fans even if it doesn't work out as they hope in the US. It's not exactly like he was a major draw there.