IBF middleweight champion Gennadiy Golovkin 40-1-1 (35) has admitted he may be past his prime ahead of his fight against Kamil Szeremeta 21-0 (5) at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on Friday night.
The 38-year-old Kazakh turn pro 14 years ago after an extensive amateur career of 350 fights that saw him win gold at the 2003 World Championships and silver in the 2004 Athens Olympics.
“It’s difficult for me to say whether I’m in my prime or not,” said Golovkin during a recent media conference call.
“But during training when I do sparring I feel great. I feel as strong, powerful, tenacious and have a lot of stamina as I had five years ago. Maybe even better.”
IBF number three contender Szeremeta, 31, of Poland is of the opinion that Golovkin has seen better days.
“You cannot defeat Father Time. We know that,” Szeremeta said. “We know he is past his prime and I am entering mine.
“However, he is still a dangerous fighter and I have to be aware of that at all times.”
Golovkin insisted he is not overlooking the little-known Szeremeta.
“It’s an important fight because it’s a title defence and that fact that I’m setting a record,” he said.
“This is not just any fight. It is a fight with great meaning. I always have the greatest respect for all of my opponents.
“The goal is to fight for a record 21 successful defence of the world title.”
Golovkin has been training at Big Bear in California for the fight which will be his third under relatively new coach Jonathan Banks.
“I tried to emphasize more on my power for this fight, but I feel I will be ready for this fight. During training when I sparred. I felt strong and powerful. I have a lot of stamina. There have been some changes made to my training,” Golovkin said.
“The [coronavirus] pandemic has caused an inconvenience for me and many other fighters. I am not the only one. Hopefully, it gets better with time and I can fight more next year.
“I have really missed boxing and I wanted to fight more this year.
“I wish this fight would’ve take place earlier this year.
“I treat every fight very seriously. At this level, there are no easy fights. Every opponent brings certain challenges.”
The only blemishes on Golovkin’s record are a loss and a draw to Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez 53-1-2 (36) in a pair of fights that many fans and pundits believed he deserved to win. Talk of a third fight has been circulating since the Alvarez loss two years ago but have so far come to nought.
“I have not achieved everything I have wanted. I have to win Friday to look into other opportunities,” Golovkin said.
