Exclusive: Gennadiy Golovkin “Not Thinking” About Third Canelo Fight, Focused On Steve Rolls

Carlos ToroJune 6, 2019, 4:30 pm

Gennadiy Golovkin’s next fight might not be one against an opponent most people know about, but there are several intriguing things about the fight.

Golovkin, taking on the undefeated Steve Rolls on June 8 won’t just be the first fight of a six-fight deal he signed with DAZN, but also the first one under new head trainer Johnathon Banks after Golovkin and former trainer Abel Sanchez split ways.

throughout the buildup to the fight against Rolls, Golovkin lauded Banks’ accomplishments and the chemistry the two have in the gym, but they still have yet to work an actual fight together. During a recent media conference call, Golovkin spoke about his upcoming fight against Rolls. When asked by Fightful if he’s going to try and end the fight early or take his time and get some more reps with Banks in his corner, Golovkin said he won’t allow Rolls a chance to take control of the fight.

“This is boxing! Everybody has a chance. I believe he’s ready to fight and I believe he’s coming and bringing a good fight and a good event. If [Rolls] gives me a chance, I will finish him, but if I give him a chance or put him in a good position, he could finish me. It’s just boxing,” Golovkin said.

It’s no secret that Golovkin has been wanting a third fight against Canelo Alvarez, especially after Golovkin signed a mutli-fight deal with DAZN, the same streaming service where Alvarez fights. Even though a trilogy fight between the two would be one of the biggest in the sport today, such a fight wouldn’t be possible if Golovkin loses to Rolls. As such, Golovkin says he is not thinking about that fight at this moment.

“I’m not thinking about [a trilogy fight against Canelo]. Zero percent. My focus is on Steve Rolls and on this fight. I’m not thinking about Canelo,” Golovkin said.

Golovkin vs. Rolls will headline a boxing card from Madison Square Garden in New York on June 8 that will be streamed on DAZN in the United States. Fightful will have live coverage of the main event.