Former unified middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin took to social media and dropped a bombshell – the boxer has decided to part ways with longtime trainer Abel Sanchez.
“I would like to announce that I have made a major decision for myself and for my career. I want to build on what I have already achieved and continue to better myself. Therefore, I will not be training with Abel Sanchez. This was not an easy decision for me and it is not a reflection on Abel’s professional abilities. He is a great trainer, a loyal trainer, and a Hall of Fame trainer,” Golovkin stated.
“I will be announcing my new trainer at a later date. But today, I want to thank Abel for the lessons he taught me in boxing.”
Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs) suffered his first career defeat back in September 2018, when he lost a very close twelve round majority decision to Canelo Alvarez – in their WBC, WBA, IBO middleweight title rematch.
In his recent fights, Golovkin’s defensive abilities have been questioned – as opponents have been able to land on a more consistent basis. Obviously GGG felt that he needed to make some big changes.
Golovkin recently signed a six-fight agreement with streaming service DAZN, and the first fight of that agreement will take place on June 8 – when GGG faces heavy underdog Steve Rolls of Canada at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Should he defeat Rolls, a trilogy with Canelo is possible for the fall – should Canelo beat Daniel Jacobs next month.
At 37-years-old, Golovkin is certainly at the tail-end of his career.
Sanchez has been a fixture in Golovkin’s corner and trained the Olympic silver medal winner for nearly a decade in Big Bear, California. He was a big help with Golovkin’s conquest of the United States, which began in September of 2012. Because Golovkin’s English was limited, Sanchez did the majority of the trash talking and helped fuel the pre-fight theatrics.
