Golovkin Lists Names of Big Talkers in '16, Hopes For Better Year

By Steve Kim, photo by Hoganphotos

2016 was a rather frustrating one for IBF, IBO, WBC, WBA middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin (36-0, 33 KOs). While he scored wins over Dominic Wade and Kell Brook, they weren't nearly the caliber of fights he has been yearning for. Also for the first time in years he fought less than three times in a calendar year.

He's hoping that his 2017 campaign - which begins with a showdown against Daniel Jacobs (32-1, 29 KOs) on March 18th at the Madison Square Garden in New York City - will be more fruitful.

"I hope, last year just too much talking," said Golovkin on Tuesday at his media day at the Wild Card West in Santa Monica, California, who then listed the offending parties - "Chris Eubank (Jr), Carl Froch, 'Canelo' (Saul Alvarez), (Billy Joe) Saunders. 'Canelo' give me his belt, no interest. Just OK, I talk, I talk. Seriously, what happened?"

To make this fight against the respected Jacobs happen, negotiations were extended into this past December causing his December 10th date at the Garden to be scrapped. Meaning that he's had just one fight in the past eleven months. A far cry from his desired activity. But Golovkin says the extended layoff (he last fought in September against Kell Brook) will not effect him adversely.

"The same, just right now with Daniel we have the same time, same fights, the same, 100-percent the same. Right now, it's the first fight this year, new season, it's more interest, more serious. I'm very excited," said the 34 year old Golovkin.

There are ongoing discussions to face Canelo on Mexican Independence Day weekend. Of course both will have to win their upcoming fights, with Canelo scheduled to face countryman Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on May 6th from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.