Gennady Golovkin Talks Canelo Alvarez, Knockout Power And Staying In Fighting Shape

The fearsome knockout artist fights Sergiy Derevyanchenko Saturday, October 5 at Madison Square Garden.

On October 5, for the seventh time in his career, former middleweight boxing champion Gennady “Triple-G” Golovkin (39-1-1, 35 KO) will headline at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The electrifying 37-year-old Kazakhstan native is hoping to regain the title he lost to Canelo Alvarez in their second fight in 2018. Standing in the way is Ukrainian Sergiy Derevyanchenko’s (13-1, 10 KO). A Golovkin win would set up a potential third Canelo fight in 2020. We recently caught up with Triple G ahead of his next “Big Drama Show” on Saturday night:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vP7QBjI-Lk

How was training camp?

It was a little bit different as we had a lot of time. We were up in Big Bear, California where Shane Mosley used to train. We tried a couple of new ideas (of course they are secret and we can say what they are until after the fight) and all I can say it that it’s about movement, without losing any of my knockout power. Overall it was great and everything went smooth.

At 37, is it hard to stay as motivated? Do you train differently?

I still feel as good as I ever have. I’ve learned a lot from my last few fights, and I’ve gotten much smarter and more mature. You do have to work differently when you’re older and my trainer Johnathan Banks has made special program for me much like he did for Wladimir Klitschko who is also the same age.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2hfE91nGXd

Is there anything you do now that you didn’t do when you’re younger?

One hundred percent. I have a whole team around me now – a full time nutritionist, a strength and conditioning coach, and I work more efficiently. I also stay in good shape all year and I have no problems making weight (which can happen as you get older). Last week I was 5 to 7 pounds from fight weight. That’s perfect.

Canelo Alvarez went up two weight classes to fight Sergey Kovalev. Do you think he’s avoiding you?

I don’t know. I’m not thinking about Canelo right now.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3A9cSoHnIS

How much longer do you want to keep fighting?

That’s a hard question. This is boxing and as everyone knows it’s a dangerous sport so I’m really focused on the fight this Saturday. Nobody knows how I’ll feel after this fight. I have a contract with DAZN for four more fights so I’d like to finish that – over two years. But again, after any fight you never know what happens.

What’s it like fighting in New York City?

It’s incredible. Madison Square Garden is the Mecca of Boxing. It’s a different atmosphere and different people than anywhere else. This is where you get the most hardcore fans from all over the world. When I walk into the ring I know I’m there in front of the most real boxing fans in the sport. 

To watch Gennady Golovkin take on Sergiy Derevyanchenko on Saturday night, subscribe to DAZN and download the app to livestream the fight.