Gennady Golovkin to fight Steve Rolls on June 8 in DAZN debut

Boxing star Gennady Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs) will make his debut performance on the new DAZN streaming service on Saturday, June 8, when he takes on undefeated Top-10 contender and Kronk Gym alumnus Steve Rolls (19-0, 10 KOs) at Madison Square Garden in a twelve-round bout set at a maximum weight of 164 pounds.

The bout kicks off the exclusive six-fight, three-year global partnership between Golovkin's GGG Promotions and DAZN.

"I am very excited to be returning to the ring and bringing the Big Drama Show back to Madison Square Garden.  The Garden's fans are fantastic," said Golovkin.  "I love boxing and I promise to bring the best of me to everyone who will be watching me in an all-action fight with Steve Rolls.  I am very happy that GGG Promotions has a new home at DAZN."

Of course, it is no coincidence that Golovkin elected to sign with DAZN, as rival Canelo Alvarez is also affiliated with the service.  Undoubtedly, Golovkin is aiming for a third bout with Canelo, and sees his DAZN signing as an avenue to get that fight.

Rolls made clear it would be a mistake for Golovkin to overlook him.
          
"I want to sincerely thank DAZN and GGG himself for giving me the opportunity to challenge one of the best fighters in the world," said Rolls.  "But let me be clear: I've won national championships and represented my country, and Golovkin is just a man.  I'm coming to win this fight and put my name among the best middleweights in the world.”
         
Golovkin, 37, has reigned supreme in the Middleweight Division for nearly a decade.  Eighteen of his record 20 title defenses came by way of knockout -- a 90 percent ratio.  Golovkin's tenure as champion ended when he lost a disputed majority decision in a rematch with Canelo Alvarez last September.

A dominant amateur standout and Olympic Silver Medalist before turning professional in 2006, Golovkin's career has been on a historic trajectory, including a 23-fight victory-by-knockout streak, and unifying the WBC, WBA, IBF, and IBO World Middleweight Titles.

Rolls, 35, is a Canadian boxer who will be making his debut at The Garden.  In his most recent fight, he won the vacant USBA middleweight title last December, via unanimous decision, over KeAndrae Leatherwood.  World-rated No. 9 rated by the IBF, Rolls has stopped four of his last seven opponents while keeping his record perfect.

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com