Gennady Golovkin returns December 18 against Kamil Szeremeta
With all the boxing news and events that have occurred in 2020, one prominent name that has been largely silent is IBF Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (40-1-1, 35 KOs).
That is until now.
The 38-year-old known throughout as “GGG” is close to finalizing a deal to return to the ring on December 18 to face unbeaten #3 IBF ranked Middleweight Kamil Szeremeta (21-0, 5 KOs). The bout will be aired live on DAZN at a locale to be determined.
Golovkin is also restructuring his contract with DAZN according to The Athletic. In March 2019, he signed a 6-fight deal with the streaming service worth a reported $100 million. It is now anticipated that his restructured contract will still be for six fights at $15 million per fight.
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DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS
For those who don’t understand the math, that’s a $20 million pay cut. Because of the unique circumstances in boxing and the lack of a live gate for fights due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many boxers and promoters have had to adjust financially. The result has often been a reduced check to go on with their careers.
But here’s the kicker! When the champ originally signed with DAZN it included the fighter acquiring equity with the streaming service. Golovkin will retain that equity with this updated deal.
The key will be the success of DAZN moving forward. The bigger numbers they get, the better it is for the fighter.
Golovkin needs to fight again to keep his name out there. Truth be told, the buzz he had two or three years ago is not the same now. Moreover the last time he was in the ring, he was given hell by Sergiy Dereveyanchenko in October 2019. This a fight many fans and pundits felt he lost.
DAZN needed to keep a fighter of GGG’s stature in the fold as he’s still a prominent name in the sport. This translates into him producing good ratings as his fanbase is very loyal. With Canelo Alvarez fighting Callum Smith on December 19 (also on DAZN) this could be their way of setting up the long-anticipated trilogy between Canelo and GGG.
Stay tuned to 3KingsBoxing for further updates.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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