Unbeaten WBA middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin received a hero’s welcome in his native Kazakhstan over the weekend. On Friday Golovkin (31-0, 28 KOs) addressed a massive crowd of supporters at Nazarbayev University in the capital city of Astana. On Saturday, GGG held a formal press conference in Astana to discuss with the local media his upcoming world title defense against Martin Murray slated for Saturday, February 21st in Monte Carlo.

“Martin is a worthy opponent and is the number one middleweight in Europe as of today,” stated Golovkin. “I think it will be a fierce fight. He proved to be a very strong boxer during his last fight with Spada.”

The native of Karaganda also spoke of his interest in fighting in Kazakhstan.

In the coming weeks Golovkin will head to London, England and Mexico City, Mexico in addition to Los Angeles, California on his International Press Tour.

The London stop will include a face-off with Murray in front of the vast European media. The Mexico City jaunt will include an official presentation by the World Boxing Council of his “interim” middleweight championship in front of a huge gathering of Latin media.

Golovkin will prepare for the in Big Bear Lake, California under the guidance of long-time trainer Abel Sanchez.