Gennady Golovkin has sold more tickets than the likes of Oscar de la Hoya and Andre Ward
Carson sell-out marks middleweight champion's West Coast debut
Monday 20 October 2014 09:46, UK
Gennady Golovkin has already beaten the likes of Oscar de la Hoya and Andre Ward by selling out the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
Fight Night
The middleweight supremo takes on Marco Antonio Rubio in the outdoor venue in the early hours of Sunday morning, live on Sky Sports 1.
The venue, which seats at least 8,000 spectators, is where Kell Brook dethroned Shawn Porter in August and has housed De la Hoya and Ward as well as the likes of Shane Mosley, Timothy Bradley, Brandon Rios and Paul Williams in recent years.
And not only did Golovkin's West Coast debut sell out over a month ago, his popularity has seen extra rows of seats added to accommodate fans wishing to see him defend his WBA Super world middleweight strap.
“We just didn't expect there would be such a huge demand," said promoter Tom Loeffler.
"We're at the maximum capacity that the Center can do for a boxing event. We're 1,000 tickets above what they usually do as a boxing venue.
“It's a statement to Gennady's popularity and the fact that he's bringing new fans and new energy to the sport."
Power
It's very good for my team, for my career. I think it's a great show, not just my fight. I respect all the fights on the show.
Golovkin lives in Stuttgart, Germany, but has admitted he might be moving to America on a permanent basis.
He has filled Madison Square Garden three times in his last three fights but is happy being out in California.
"I like to stay here in LA, not to travel this week," he said.
"It's good for me as a fighter. I will do it again, for sure."
Golovkin (30-0-KO27) has of course to see off the challenge of Rubio (59-6-1-KO51), who carries a big punch of his own and has not been stopped in 17 fights since Kelly Pavlik beat him in nine with his WBO and standard WBA middleweight belts on the line.
The current champion is not taking Rubio lightly but is still promising to light up the StubHub Center.
"He's got power,” said Golovkin. “He's got a very good left hand. He does a great job in his fights and he's got a good record.
“It's very good for my team, for my career. I think it's a great show, not just my fight. I respect all the fights on the show. It's a big present for the people."
Watch Golovkin v Rubio live on International Fight Night Live, from 2.00pm, Sunday, Sky Sports 1... and you can watch it without a contract, with NOW TV.
