Gennady Golovkin begins camp for Martin Murray

Dec

WBA middleweight titleholder Gennady Golovkin has opened training camp in Big Bear Lake, California, for his Feb. 21 defense against Martin Murray in Monte Carlo, according to a press release from K2 Promotions, which represents the sport’s premiere puncher.

Golovkin, who fought three times in 2014, recently completed an international press tour with stops in Monte Carlo, Astana, London and Mexico City.

“It was a very busy time these last few weeks but I liked spending time with the media and fans all over the world,” said Golovkin on Monday, speaking from the World Boxing Council Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. “I look forward to starting training camp with my coach (Abel Sanchez) and putting on another great show in Monte Carlo.”

In his last bout, Golovkin (31-0, 28 knockouts) scored his 18^th straight stoppage and 12^th title defense on Oct. 18 with a devastating second-round knockout of WBC “interim” middleweight beltholder Marco Antonio Rubio in front of a standing room only crowd of 9,323 at the StubHub! Center in Carson, California.

The 32-year-old Kazakhstan native began his pro career in Germany, but in recent years he has fought twice in Monte Carlo, three times in New York City, once in Connecticut and once in upstate New York, earning fans in the U.S. while he’s continued to build his name in Europe.

“The response Gennady has received all over the world these last few weeks has been extraordinary. From both media and fans it’s clear that he’s the fastest rising international star in boxing,” said Tom Loeffler, managing director of K2 Promotions.

“Gennady is also anxious to start training and looks forward to the biggest test of his career facing Martin Murray who is rated at the top of the middleweight division.”

Murray (29-1-1, 12 KOs) is a two-time former middleweight title challenger from St. Helens, England. Many observers thought the 32-year-old contender deserved to win his decision loss to then-RING/WBC champ Sergio Martinez in 2013 and his draw verdict to then WBA beltholder Felix Sturm in 2011.