- Weight Class: Middleweight
- Record: 36-0 | 33 KOs | 0 Draws
- Hometown: Karaganda, Kazakhstan
- Birthdate: April 8, 1982
- Height: 5' 9 1/2"
- Nickname: GGG
Gennady Golovkin
A heavy-handed Kazakh with a killer KO percentage.
Gennady Golovkin Bio
Since making his HBO debut in September 2012, Gennady Golovkin, also known as GGG, has earned a reputation as the most feared fighter in boxing. Possessing a high ring IQ, Golovkin is known for stalking his opponents, cutting off the ring, and delivering his trademark power. His above-90% KO percentage is the highest of any middleweight in history.
A silver medalist for his native Kazakhstan at the 2004 Summer Olympics, Golovkin honed his skills first in Germany and now in the United States under the careful tutelage of trainer Abel Sanchez.
He scored a TKO victory in his HBO debut against Grzegorz Proksa and another against Gabriel Rosado in early 2013. That June, he floored Matthew Macklin with a stiff body shot at Foxwoods Resort Casino. He finished out the year with his 15th consecutive knockout, a TKO against Curtis Stevens, and was named Ring Magazine's Fighter of the Year.
Golovkin's reputation only grew in 2014, as he stopped Daniel Geale in the third round in the big room at Madison Square Garden, and thrilled the StubHub Center crowd with a knockout of veteran fighter Marco Antonio Rubio in what Golovkin dubbed was his signature "Mexican Style."
2015 saw Golovkin continue his KO streak against the fierce Martin Murray in February, the slick Willie Monroe in May, and, in his HBO Pay Per View debut, the hard-hitting David Lemieux in October.
Notable Fights
Gabriel Rosado – W TKO 7
Matthew Macklin – W KO 3
Daniel Geale – W TKO 3
Martin Murray – W TKO 11
David Lemieux – W TKO 8
Quick Hits: Gennady Golovkin
by Kieran Mulvaney
In pursuit of professional boxing success, Gennady Golovkin moved from his native Kazakhstan first to Germany and now to the United States. Since making his HBO debut in September 2012, the 31-year-old middleweight champion has exploded into one of the most electrifying and talked-about athletes in boxing. He sat down with HBO.com to answer some questions about the man behind the powerful punches.
HBO
Do you remember your very first fight, perhaps as a child?
Gennady Golovkin
Yes, I remember. It was a very long time ago. Twenty-two years ago. I forget what weight division. I lost my first fight. Well, I didn't lose. I was very young; I had a fight with an older guy. I was beating him, and a lot of people watching were going, 'Wow,' but this guy, he had a platform and it was my first fight, so the referee said he won. Every month, my coach took a big interest in me, and I love the boxing gym, so I just fight, fight, fight.
HBO
If you could fight anyone, present or past, is there anyone who you wish you could have fought?
Gennady Golovkin
Gennady Golovkin: I think yes, Sugar Ray Robinson. I remember watching him on TV. I like him because he is in my division. I respect his speed, his tactics, his power.
HBO
Are there other sports that you like?
Gennady Golovkin
Swimming, tennis, soccer - and basketball.
HBO
Do you have any favorite athletes?
Gennady Golovkin
Three. In Russia, in wrestling, Alexander Karelin. He was a big name. Michael Phelps. And Michael Jordan. I could not say which is one, two or three.
HBO
If you weren't a fighter, what would you be?
Gennady Golovkin
Oh, I don't know. Good question.
HBO
Is there anything about you that your fans would be surprised to know? Do you have any hobbies?
Gennady Golovkin
I like fishing. I don't have time for hobbies; my spare time is for holidays with my wife, my family, my child. Going to Germany or to Kazakhstan to see my parents.
HBO
You have one child?
Gennady Golovkin
Yes, a boy. He is four years old next year.
HBO
One great thing with your success is that you can create a good future for your son. What would you like that future to be?
Gennady Golovkin
First, I would like that he goes to university, because that is very important.
HBO
In 2012, you were already a star on YouTube. For American fans, that was how we could see you. In a short space of time, you've gone from that to fighting in Monaco, and here in the United States and on HBO. It seems like it's all going to plan.
Gennady Golovkin
Yes. [Smiles] Exactly. Every fight is a baby step. Right now is my time at middleweight.
