Gennady Golovkin to appease California fans vs. Rubio

Oct

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Gennady Golovkin will be making his California debut as “a gift to all my fans here in Southern California” in defense of his WBA middleweight belt on Oct. 18 against Marco Antonio Rubio at the StubHub Center in Carson.

Golovkin (30-0, 27 knockouts) will pursue his 12th defense and his 18th straight knockout victory against Rubio (59-6-1, 51 KOs), 34, a winner of six straight fights, five by knockout, since losing by unanimous decision to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in February 2012.

Golovkin, 32, has fought five times on the East Coast comprised of four appearances in the state of New York and a third round stoppage of Matthew Macklin in June 2013 at the Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Conn.

Golovkin has appeared at New York’s Madison Square Garden three times, with stoppages of Gabriel Rosado in seven rounds in the Garden’s Theater in January 2013 and Curtis Stevens in eight in that same venue last November. In his last fight in July, Golovkin knocked out former titleholder Daniel Geale in three rounds in the Garden’s main arena.

Golovkin debuted on American soil in September 2012, stopping Gregorz Proksa in the fifth round at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, N.Y.

The following is an interview provided by HBO in which Golovkin discusses fighting in California for the first time.

“I first came to Big Bear [California] to train over four years ago with my coach, Abel Sanchez. I liked that it was quiet and peaceful and a good place to work and prepare for my fights. The other fighters in camp made me feel welcome right away as did Coach’s family.

“I missed my wife and son back in Germany but knew this would be best for my career and that I would see my family when I go back home in between fights. Along with training, I’ve been able to attend other fights and have always been approached by fans who wanted my autograph and picture.

“While they see me fight on HBO in New York City, they also always wanted to know when I would be fighting in Los Angeles. The StubHub Center I’ve been to many times for other fights and each time, the support from the fans increases. Also, when I go into Los Angeles for other events, fans are very supportive as well.

“So this fight against Marco Antonio Rubio is a gift to all my fans here in Southern California, everyone who kept asking about fighting here and who have been so supportive. I’m very happy to be fighting on Oct. 18 at the StubHub Center and promise a great show to those in attendance and those watching at home on HBO.”