Undefeated middleweight slugger Gennady Golovkin will put four world championship belts on the line on March 18 against WBA champion Daniel Jacobs, who said on Tuesday he relished another chance to beat the odds.
Golovkin of Kazakhstan is 36-0 with 33 knockouts but Jacobs, known as "The Miracle Man" after winning his battle with bone cancer, is keen for the Madison Square Garden clash.
"The creator has positioned my life to be an inspiration to so many people throughout the world. So many people are affected by cancer," Brooklyn's Jacobs told reporters.
"The fact that I can overcome ... winning this fight will take everything to the next level."
While Golovkin, with knockout power in both hands, has been invincible, Jacobs has earned respect for his courage and perseverance as well as for pugilistic skills that have led to a 32-1 record with 29 stoppages.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
In May 2011, Jacobs was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer and was left partially paralysed.
After radiation treatments, surgery to remove a tumor wrapped around his spine and arduous rehabilitation, he returned to boxing in late 2012.
Two years later, Jacobs stopped Jarrod Fletcher in five rounds to win the WBA middleweight title, and has finished off his last dozen opponents within the distance.
Jacobs, who combines power with elite boxing skills, may give 34-year-old Golovkin his toughest test.
"I believe Dan is ready for this fight. This is his dream. A dream for everybody," said Golovkin, who voiced respect for Jacobs.
"For us, it will decide who is number one, who is the best. I promise an amazing show."
Jacobs said fighting for Golovkin's WBC, IBF, IBO and WBA super world middleweight belts represented the pinnacle of his career and that his eight-year-old son Nathaniel would again be at ringside.
