Friday 1 June 2018 10:02, UK
Daniyar Yeleussinov believes he can become a worldwide star like Gennady Golovkin and plans to better the achievements of his fellow Kazakh.
Yeleussinov, signed to Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn, dazzled as he made his professional debut stateside last month and he will be introduced to UK fans this Wednesday when he fights at the iconic York Hall, live on Sky Sports.
A standout amateur, having won gold at both the Olympics and World Championships, the 'Kazakh Thunder' is already forecast to reach the very top in the paid ranks and the 27-year-old is confident of matching his predecessor and national hero Golovkin.
I have my own way and I would like to be more than Golovkin. My dream is to be the undisputed, undefeated, champion of the world.
"Golovkin is well known in Kazakhstan and when people say Kazakhstan, they all say 'GGG", Yeleussinov exclusively told Sky Sports.
"That is one of my goals too. When people say Kazakhstan, I want them to say my name.
"Golovkin has opened the doors for all the boxers in my country and we all dream of following suit.
"But I have my own way and I would like to be more than that. My dream is to be the undisputed, undefeated, champion of the world.
"I want to firstly make my country famous, that's my first goal and if everything goes smoothly, I want to be here for a long time. I love this sport and love my job."
The southpaw supremo admits he is "very excited" to have teamed up with Eddie Hearn and is looking forward to their future together, including his first fight on British soil.
A former amateur opponent of Yeleussinov, Josh Kelly, is also signed with Hearn and the Kazakh would welcome another meeting down the line.
"I had other offers fall apart and then we found out about Matchroom Boxing's interest and we were excited, they are one of the best promoters in the world," the 27-year-old continued.
"I was waiting for a good offer for me, it's not just about the money but about perspective and the future. I see the future with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing.
"Josh Kelly is in the same boat as me, we are like a team now with the same promoter, but If the fans want to see that fight in the future, of course it will happen.
"Most of the Olympians are now in the professional ranks and they are very good prospects. Someday, if we grow to that level and the interest is there, fights will happen.
"I am very interested to box in the UK, I want people to know me there and all over the world, the UK, USA, Europe, everywhere. I like England and like the people, they are very friendly."
Watch Daniyar Yeleussinov, as well as Luke Watkins vs Lawrence Okolie, Reece Bellotti, Ted Cheeseman and Felix Cash, on NXTGEN, from York Hall, on June 6, live on Sky Sports Action.
