New York, NY (February 7, 2012) — Undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) Middleweight Champion Gennady Golovkin has taken a three-day reprieve from training camp in Big Bear to visit New York City. Golovkin boasts a record of 22 wins with 19 KOs and is considered one of the brightest stars and biggest punchers in the sport today.
It has been Golovkin’s dream to fight in Madison Square Garden and he has been invited to attend the NY Rangers game at The Garden tonight.
Golovkin: “This is my first time in New York and it is a great city. I love the energy of the people and I can help them celebrate the Super Bowl victory of the New York Giants. There are great boxing fans in New York – at the airport people were already asking for my autograph.”
The Middleweight champion has a full schedule this week. In addition to the Rangers game tonight he has meetings with the major US television companies. On Wednesday morning he will meet with the Ambassador from Kazakhstan and will then attend a special event planned for him at the Consul General office later in the afternoon.
Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions: “We are excited about this trip for Gennady. It has been his dream to fight in Madison Square Garden and this trip is a big step to making this dream a reality. We plan to use the same marketing campaign that we used when Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko fought in New York.”
Golovkin had a very successful amateur career, boasting victories over such notables as Lucien Bute, Andy Lee, Andre Dirrell and Matt Korobov on his way to becoming a two-time world champion and winning the Silver Medal in the 2004 Olympics. As a result of his success in the amateurs and now a professional world champion, he is very popular in the Russian speaking community.
The middleweight division is very deep in talent with many great potential fights for Golovkin, including Sergio Martinez, WBC Champion Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr, IBF Champion Danny Geale, WBO Champion Dmitry Pirog and WBA Super Champion Felix Sturm, who has done everything possible to avoid fighting Golovkin. In addition to the champions, Andy Lee and Peter Quillen make for other compelling match-ups in the US.
The future looks bright for Golovkin.
Lewkowicz’ Panamanian Suspension Removed
The Commission of Professional Boxing of Panama has officially lifted all sanctions against promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, effective December 31, 2011.
From the onset, Lewkowicz protested the one-year suspension levelled against him in April of last year, in which he was declared “Persona Non Grata” and prohibited from having any kind of relation or contact with this commission or any Panamanian boxers, as being political in nature and grossly unfair.
At the time, it was alleged that Lewkowicz had threatened the management of WBA Bantamweight Champion Anselmo Moreno, via email, that their contract with Moreno would be terminated by the Commission for going against the interests of their represented boxer if they didn’t persuade the fighter to sign a promotional agreement with Golden Boy Promotions.
Lewkowicz responded by publishing the “offending” email, which didn’t seem to say what he was being accused of saying.
And now, after a careful review of the facts presented to them, the Commission has agreed Mr. Lewkowicz was indeed acting in the best interests of his fighter.
According to a letter from Commission President Albert E Guerra, Lewkowicz is now
“authorized to be involved in any boxing activity in the Republic of Panama as well as be involved with Panamanian boxers.”
The move will serve as good news for South American boxers, many of whom Lewkowicz has had the vision to discover and turn into stars, including world middleweight champion and pound-for-pound superstar Sergio Martinez.
“I commend the Panamanian commission for having the wisdom to take another look at the ‘evidence’ against me and rightfully conclude I was only doing the best I could do for my fighter and never intended my words to be taken as threats. I look forward to doing business in the great country of Panama once again, as I have always been treated very well.”
Danny Garcia interview
By Bartosz Biszczanik/BoxingNews.pl team. Undefeated light welterweight contender Danny Garcia (22-0,14 KOs) is waiting for the biggest test in his career. On March 24th 23-years old “Swift” will face an Mexican legend Erik Morales (52-7, 36 KOs). Garcia in conversation with BoxingNews.pl talked about his career, preparations for coming fight, and his plans for the future. Full interview with the young American fighter below.
BoxingNews.pl: Hello Danny, how are you?
Danny Garcia: I’m doing great. I’m training hard and I’m ready for March 24th.
How is your training camp going? Tell us something about the place where you prepare for the bout, your sparingpartners and trainers.
DG: It’s going great, I’m very excited about this fight. I’m training in Philadelphia. We have great sparrings for this fight. My dad Angel Garcia and brother Erik Garcia is second in command along with my conditioning coach Tone Davis.
How does your training day look like?
DG: Three training times a day – run, train, strength and conditioning.
Do you think it’s better that the fight was moved from January to March, and now you have more time to keep good shape?
DG: It doesn’t matter the date, I’m always in great condition.
Do you think you can beat the living legend “El terrible”? He has a lot of experience, and plenty of great wars and titles behind himself. What’s your gameplan?
DG: I know I will beat him. My game plan is to whoop his ass (laugh).
You’re 23 years old, only 22 fights, but in record we can find big names like Nate Campbell or Kendall Holt. Now championship fight against Morales. Don’t you think this is too much for such young fighter?
DG: I think my career is being moved perfect.
Which fight was the best and which was the worst in your short career?
DG: They all had ups and down but I learned and grew from each fight.
Who is your promoter and manager? Are you satisfied with work with them?
DG: Golden Boy Promotions and Al Haymond. Yes, I love my team.
I heared you were choosen a prospect of the 2011 year. Are you happy for that?
DG: Yes I’m very happy, now it’s time to be champion.
Is anyone in current professional boxing who you really want to fight?
DG: Whoever wants to fight me line them up I’m always up for a good challenge.
I read that you’ve 120 amateur fights. Say something about differences between amateur and professional boxing.
DG: The amateurs helped me a lot I think it’s very important to have amateur experience. The best profesionals are usually decorated amateurs.
What’s your boxing dream?
DG: Be world champion then become iconic. I wanna be remembered as a great fighter.
Any closing message to your fans?
DG: Yes, I would like to support me march 24 because I will be the new star in boxing and I will make them proud! I’m a very crowd pleasing fighter.
Thanks for the interview.
DG: Thank you, I appreciate it.