Gennadiy Golovkin eases himself back into action on June 8 with what many see as a mere warm-up fight against Canadian Steve Rolls.
‘GGG’ bids to make a comeback from losing for the first time in his career against Canelo Alvarez back in September.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for Golovkin, who seemingly won the first fight only to be robbed on the cards.
In Rolls, many fans are disappointed with the selection. For promoter Tom Loeffler, it makes perfect sense.
“GGG has sold out the big arena at MSG two times. For the fans, they just want to see him in the ring” explained Loeffler.
“With this fight here against Steve Rolls, who’s undefeated and a hungry fighter from Canada. For this fight, we kick off the DAZN multi-fight deal. Steve Rolls makes all the sense in the world.
“It always takes two to tango. We’ve always given his opponent a level playing field, a fair shake, whatever it is. We always want the person standing across the ring to feel like he’s really in this fight.
“We’re very excited about the return of Gennadiy on June 8. We have to give a lot of credit to Steve Rolls. He took this fight without hesitation.
“Steve was part of the Canadian national team and part of Emanuel Steward’s gym. Emanuel had an eye for talent and when I heard that Steve was with him, it sold it for me.
“I knew he belonged here. Steve and his whole team are consummate professionals. They are professionals and they are going to fight under the brightest lights at Madison Square Garden. So they understand how big the moment is.
“He is Steve Rolls today but he could be Steve Rolls, the guy who beat Gennady Golovkin.”
Joseph Markowski of DAZN added his thoughts, by saying: “This is a huge moment for our business and continued growth here in this market.
“Boxing is absolutely central to what we’re trying to do in North America. And to be successful we need the top names in the sport.
“We’re lucky and proud to have already brought on the platform Anthony Joshua, Canelo Alvarez. And with the addition of Gennadiy Golovkin, I strongly believe we have the three biggest names in the sport attached to our platform.
“They’ve committed their futures to us as we grow our business here in America and around the world with boxing at the core of that.
“This fight is part of a tremendous spring and summer schedule for our business here in North America. Anthony Joshua’s debut in the U.S. at MSG is on June 1. And the following week back at MSG with GGG and Steve Rolls.
“We’re tremendously excited about all that. I think the value we’re bringing to boxing fans and fight fans in the U.S. is tremendous. It’s unquestionably valuable across our monthly option of $19.99 and our $99.99 yearly pass. Giving fans more than 100 fight nights a year for the cost of one PPV under the traditional model.”
TICKETS
Golovkin v Rolls is promoted by GGG Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment. Tickets to The Big Apple battle between Golovkin and are on sale. Priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, and $50. Not including fees, tickets may be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office. All Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.msg.com.
