Prior to last September, American boxing fans had to scratch and claw for every bit of Gennady Golovkin footage they could. Methods ranged from YouTube to streaming the Kazakhstan native's bouts just to catch a glimpse of the explosive power he possesses.
This power has led Golovkin to a remarkable, undefeated record of 24-0 with 21 knockouts.
Last fall, stateside fans finally received an opportunity to bear witness to Golovkin's greatness when HBO featured him against Grzegorz Proksa. In typical Golovkin fashion, he knocked the 28-1 Proksa down three times en route to a fifth-round TKO.
Golovkin also earned another date on HBO, which is this Saturday against Gabriel Rosado.
"I am happy right now because it is my dream," says the 30-year old WBA/IBO middleweight champion Golovkin. "I want to fight in America and (on) HBO."
Rosado comes in at 21-5 with 13 knockouts. Knowing what a big opportunity this is, Golovkin has trained as hard as he ever has, taking to the mountains of Big Bear, Calif., where many top fighters have set up camp.
"Training camp has gone very good," Golovkin said. "We've had good sparring. I'm ready right now."
The excitement surrounding his ability to end a fight at any time is what has him as one of boxing's rising stars. Of course, going for knockouts can be a risky business, and that's why he remembers to stay cautious while unleashing his famously heavy hands.
"I always fight a smart fight, but I like drama," Golovkin said. "I like them to feel my power. For me and for people and fans, it's good. It's always good every time. My style, it's power, it's hard punching and good boxing."
With his name already linked to big fights, a win over Rosado could put Golovkin in line to face some of the sport's pound-for-pound best. Names like Sergio Martinez, Julio Cesar Chavez and even Floyd Mayweather have been thrown around. Whether those fights happen or not, Golovkin remains confident that whoever they put in front of him will receive the same treatment as prior opponents.
"Anybody. One hundred fifty-four (pounds) to 168 ... I'm ready," Golovkin said.
