Fight Week Begins for Daniel Jacobs

Gennady Golovkin and Daniel Jacobs pose for photos following their fight week press conference.

Fight week began for Daniel Jacobs on Monday with a trip to ring the bell opening the New York Stock Exchange, followed by a midday press conference with his opponent for Saturday night’s middleweight championship bout, Gennady Golovkin.

“I’m glad to be back in New York City,” said the Brooklyn native. “I remember coming home Saturday and driving around listening to Notorious B.I.G. and listening to all that Brooklyn love and feeling the spirit. I’m back. Back in New York City where it all started.”

Jacobs spent training camp in California along with trainer Andre Rozier at trainer Virgil Hunter’s gym. He had a new addition to his camp in fellow fighter Chris Algieri, the former junior welterweight champ. Algieri brought nutritional guidance and more to Jacobs’ preparation.

“It was a joy to have him in camp, have great conversations with him, have good nutrition,” said Jacobs. “He understands what it means to be at this level.”

On Sunday night, Jacobs stopped by Barclays Center to greet fans and unveil the new “Miracle Man” line of apparel from BROOKLYN BOXING. It was six years ago that he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma and underwent surgery to remove a tumor wrapped around his spine, followed by two dozen radiation treatments. Doctors told him he wouldn’t box again. Jacobs defied the odds, but the road was long.

“I would have never thought five years ago going through a whole bunch of craziness outside the ring that I would be fighting for middleweight superamacy,” said Jacobs. 

He made his return to the ring at Barclays Center on Oct. 20, 2012 for the arena's first-ever fight night. Two years later he defeated Jarrod Fletcher in that same ring for the WBA world middleweight title.

Since his return he’s won 10 straight fights — all by by stoppage, no decisions — to run his career record to 32-1 with 29 knockouts.

“We’re fighting for history,” said Golovkin earlier this year. “This guy, he’s more dangerous and much, much better than anyone I’ve faced. He’s my best opponent.”

Golovkin is the holder of four championship belts, with a 36-0 record and 33 knockouts. Back in September, one day after Jacobs beat Sergio Mora in his most recent bout, Golovkin registered a TKO win against IBF welterweight champ Kell Brook.

“You’ve got to take that leap of faith in yourself, and then you’ll see what you’re made of,” said Jacobs during a visit to the Brooklyn Nets’ HSS Training Center back in December. “It’s about rising to the occasion. And all the greats always rise to the occasion.”

That opportunity is almost here. Just a few more days. 

“I’m so focused,” said Jacobs. “’I’m so ready. I want it.”