Kazakh power puncher Gennady Golovkin is boxing's knockout king, but he expects Australia's Daniel Geale to still be on his feet at the end of their world-title fight.
Golovkin will defend his WBA and IBO middleweight title belts against Geale at New York's storied Madison Square Garden arena on Sunday week (AEST).
The 32-year-old Golovkin expects it will be decided by the judges' scorecards.
"I know it is not an easy fight," Golovkin told AAP before a workout at Santa Monica's Box 'n Burn gym on Wednesday.
"I think it will be a great show and in the 12th round it will be a big decision."
Golovkin's prediction shows the utmost respect for Launceston's Geale.
The undefeated Golovkin has the highest knockout record of any current world-title holder, with 26 in his 29 wins.
He's also stopped his last 16 opponents.
Geale, however, is a veteran at going the distance, with nine of his past 11 fights reaching the 12th round.
Golovkin has never had a 12 round fight because his opponents are usually on the canvas.
"That's the only thing that caused me some restless nights at the beginning of camp," Golovkin's trainer Abel Sanchez said.
"Geale has gone 12 rounds and is used to going 12 rounds and we have never gone past the 10th."
Geale, 33, has a 30 win (16 KO) and two loss professional record.
Golovkin is the short-priced favourite for the July 26 fight.
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