Jacobs: Most Guys are Beaten Mentally When They Face Golovkin

By Victor Salazar

New York - Daniel Jacobs (32-1, 29 KO's) - better known as the "Miracle Man" - has already fought and won the toughest battle of his life when he defeated cancer several years ago.

His trainer, Andre Rozier, believes there is nothing the Brooklyn middleweight can be afraid of in the ring when he already defeated his toughest opponent outside of it.

On March 18th, at New York's Madison Square Garden, Jacobs will face his toughest challenge inside the squared circle when he takes on unified middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (36-0, 33 KO's) - a man who many regard as one of the top five fighters in the sport.

Jacobs acknowledges the very tough task in front of him.

"It's a very tough style on paper, it's the toughest fight in my career and we are going to have to work hard to get the victory," Jacobs told BoxingScene.com

Golovkin brings a lot of attributes to the table, but Jacobs says he must prepare his mental state to be just as strong as his physical state.

"His power is my biggest concern," Jacobs said. "But I also think people are beaten mentally before they get into the fight. So not only do I have to be physically ready, I have to be mentally ready. it's going to be a great night."

Golovkin, who is based in California, has fought several times at MSG. Jacobs, a native of Brooklyn, has fought most of his big fights at the Barclays Center. So who is the home fighter?

"I have the home field advantage," stated Jacobs. "He's going to have a lot of fans and I'm going to have a lot of fans but New Yorkers have their biases and I'm the one from New York. I'm from Brooklyn and people from New York will boo you if you don't do good. My New Yorkers will rock with me."

As far as the game plan, Jacobs feels he just needs to be himself.

"I just have to bring my best attributes to the ring. I have to use my strength and minimize his. It's a big fight, a mega fight on pay-per-view. I just hope it lives up the expectations."