Steve Rolls may not be the name many imagined to be Gennady Golovkin's first opponent under the former middleweight champion's deal with DAZN, but Rolls is looking to shock the world by pulling off the upset.
Speaking to the media during a recent press conference to build up to their June 8 matchup, Rolls spoke about being the underdog in his fight against Golovkin. Rolls believes his lack of notoriety is due to the fact that he said some fights against more notable fighters, but that it won't matter on June 8 when he faces Golovkin.
"I have been in fights that fell through, fights that haven’t happened for this or that. But I think if I had some of those opportunities, you would know my name already. This is going to be a much better fight than people are expecting. I have a lot of respect for Gennady. But at the end of the day, he is a man. And when you get two men in the ring, anything can happen. I can’t wait until June 8 and I look forward to proving it then,” Golovkin said.
Rolls then stated his case for potentially beating the long-time 160-pound king. Although he has never faced any reputable names in an official capacity, Rolls has sparred with the likes of David Lemieux and Adonis Stevenson, both very strong punchers who have won world titles in the past. To Rolls, he feels that stepping in the ring against Golovkin will be no different.
“I have been in there with guys who hit hard. As long as I am 100% physically and mentally, I will be fine. I have gone rounds with cruiserweights and heavyweights, been in there with David Lemieux, Andy Lee, Lucian Bute and Adonis Stevenson. They have helped me prepare for this position and this opportunity. This will be my first 12-rounder as a professional but that’s only on paper. I grind in the gym and will have no problem going the distance,” Rolls said.
The fight will take place on Madison Square Garden and headline a card that will be streamed on DAZN in the United States.
