Jacobs Knows It's Not Next, But Wants Eventual Golovkin Rematch

By Keith Idec

NEW YORK – Daniel Jacobs realizes Gennady Golovkin’s schedule will be full for the rest of 2017 if all goes according to promoter Tom Loeffler’s plan.

If Golovkin gets the fights he wants, he’ll face WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders in a full middleweight title unification fight June 10 in Golovkin’s native Kazakhstan and then Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez in September. Jacobs just hopes that at some point Golovkin gives him a rematch.

The former WBA world middleweight title-holder believes he at least earned that opportunity by testing Golovkin the way he did during their 12-round fight Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. Golovkin won a unanimous decision (115-112, 115-112, 114-113), but Jacobs’ boxing IQ, movement and power made matters difficult for Golovkin in a very competitive middleweight title fight.

“I’m not sure which one it was the most, the power or the hand speed,” Jacobs said of what troubled Golovkin. “But I did land sometimes at will with my jab, especially when I was southpaw. At times he really couldn’t touch me. But I’m not sure if the judges seen him throwing harder shots, or how they were judging it. But at the end of the day, I’m happy with my performance. If we can do it again, I would love to.”

Whomever he fights next, Brooklyn’s Jacobs (32-2, 29 KOs) wants to keep winning and get back in position to fight Golovkin again. After what transpired Saturday night, he is certain fans will want to see a rematch.

“I mean, that’s not up to me,” Jacobs said. “Who’s out there? I have no idea. I have a team to take care of those things. But, you know, I’m confident that I can be the best middleweight in the world. I really feel like I got this victory [Saturday night] and, most importantly, we gained fans, so that we can possibly get a rematch in the future. Whether it happens tomorrow or next year, it don’t matter.”

Though he has other immediate plans, Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs) also is open to a rematch against a formidable opponent who snapped Golovkin’s 23-fight knockout streak.

“He’s a good fighter,” Golovkin said. “I’m ready. I’m ready for anybody. Of course, if he wants [a rematch], maybe his promoter talks with my promoter. Of course, I am ready. I’m a boxer. It’s my job.”

Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.