GGG Introduces New Trainer Johnathon Banks

LAS VEGAS-Dressed in a smart yellow sport coat Gennady “GGG” Golovkin walked confidently into the MGM media center and unveiled his choice for new chief second Johnathon Banks on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s a big event now a big deal. I’m very excited too because I introducing my new coach Johnathan Banks,” said Golovkin.

Before a smattering of media reporters Golovkin finally revealed his new trainer  who replaces Abel Sanchez the architect of the “Mexican style” fighting that led Triple G to the middleweight world title and stardom. They had been together for more than eight years.

Now it’s on to the third phase.

In retrospect Banks was a logical choice especially with the ties between Golovkin and K2 Promotions the organization developed by the brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko. They had formerly promoted Golovkin and through the guidance of Tom Loeffler had brought the middleweight from Germany to the USA back in 2010.

Banks trained Wladimir Klitschko after Emanuel Steward passed away in October 2012. He also trains undisputed welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus among others. Golovkin was very familiar with Banks and his work.

“It’s a pleasure to work with the best middleweight in the world,” said Banks.

The former Detroit fighter last competed in 2014 before becoming an assistant to the late great Steward. Now he takes over the reins in guiding Golovkin through his new deal with DAZN.

Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs) is set to face Steve Rolls (19-0, 10 KOs) on June 8 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It’s his first fight since losing by majority decision to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez last September in Las Vegas. The Mexican redhead is fighting today against another former Golovkin foe Daniel Jacobs in Las Vegas.

“It’s a difficult fight,” said Golovkin about his two former foes fighting today.

In a month Golovkin will have his first fight under the new trainer.

“First of all he’s young, plus second, he’s like old school,” said Golovkin in answering why he chose Banks. “He’s had big experience with all guys. I like his style and for my next step I don’t have a lot of time.”

Banks said working with Golovkin is easy because the former middleweight champion is always in shape. The two have been training together for the past two weeks in Big Bear, Calif.

Next month the pair will engage in their first prize fight as a team in Manhattan.

“This fight with Steve Rolls is a dangerous fight,” said Tom Loeffler, who advises Golovkin.

Standing near a doorway during the announcement was Ben Lira, who had assisted Abel Sanchez in training Golovkin for many years. After the conference Golovkin stopped by Lira and the two hugged.

“It’s a shame it had to end,” said Lira. “What can you say.”

Photo credit: Al Applerose

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