On October 18th at the StubHub Center in Carson California, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin makes his west coast debut against rugged veteran Marco Antonio Rubio. The Mexican is a serious underdog, yet he rides the momentum of a six fight winning streak and should draw love from the southern California crowd. While Golovkin, the German based Kazakhstan native, is yet to taste defeat as a professional prize fighter. This afternoon the two fighters and their teams met in downtown Los Angeles to officially announce their promotion, which is being dubbed “Mexican Style”.
Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions emceed the event and was clearly excited to be bringing his star middleweight to the LA area. “We’ve had a great response for bringing Gennady Golovkin here”, said Loeffler, “the presale at the StubHub Center has been the biggest we’ve ever had.” Sampson Lewkowicz, who represents Rubio, was very complimentary of K2 and their ability to make the negotiation process drama free. “K2 is A to Z one of the best promoters and easy to work with”, said Lewkowicz. He also promised Golovkin that he’d have his hands full ‘Mexican style’ and that this would be his toughest fight to date.
Robert Garcia, one of the most successful young trainers in the sport, talked about the enormity of the task that lies ahead. “This is probably one of my toughest challenges of my career as a trainer”, said Garcia, “but we love challenges”. He also spoke to the fact that Rubio, who is the WBC “interim” titlist and Miguel Cotto’s official mandatory, didn’t have to take this fight, but wanted to. “Rubio could’ve said no, he could’ve fought in Mexico and defended his title a couple times”, said Garcia, “but we’re here to challenge ourselves”. When Golovkin trainer Abel Sanchez stepped up to the podium, he spoke highly of Garcia. “I’m very happy to call him (Garcia) a friend”, said Sanchez, “but more than that I’m extremely proud of his accomplishments as a fighter and as a coach”. He also made it clear that team GGG knows Rubio is no pushover. “Marco has more knockouts on his record than we have fights, so we know that he can hit”.
Marco Antonio Rubio, who’s record stands at 59-6-1 (51KO), addressed the press in Spanish while trainer Robert Garcia translated. “GGG is the best right now, the best middleweight in the division”, said Rubio, “if we beat him, that means we’re the best in the world. So that’s why we’re here, we want to beat him”. Golovkin, who’s unblemished record stands at 30-0 (27KO) promised fireworks when he spoke. “I know this is a big deal for California”, said Golovkin, “I promise an amazing show, an amazing fight; a big present for California boxing fans”.
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