30-Day Weights: Golovkin 165 Lbs, Lemieux 175.8 Lbs

By Jake Donovan

Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux are both within their targeted weight 30 days ahead of their upcoming middleweight unification bout. Given the results, however, the next 29 days leading up to the weigh-in could tell the greater tale. 

With the WBC interim title being stake (among other belts), such sanctioning requires its participants to submit weight checks 30 days and 7 days prior to fight night. Fighters cannot weigh more than 10% over the contracted limit 30 days out, and must be at 5% or lighter one week prior to fight night. 

The contracted limit for the October 17 headliner at Madison Square Garden in New York City is the maximum middleweight limit of 160 lbs; neither fighter could weigh more than 176 lbs. as of September 17. Golovkin tipped the scales at 165 lbs., which is actually well within the 30-day mark for a super welterweight fight. Lemieux's reported weight was right at the maximum allowable limit, tipping the scales at a beefy 175.8 lbs. 

Neither fighter has ever exhibited a habit of missing weight on fight night, though it will be interesting to see how the next four weeks unfold for Lemieux (34-2, 31KOs). The hard-hitting Montreal native entered the title fray with a 12-round win over Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam in June, scoring four knockdowns but forced to settle for a distance win in what turned out to be a war. 

Golovkin (33-0, 30KOs) hasn't experienced any difficulty in finishing off an opponent. The murderous punching middleweight from Kazakhstan has scored 20 straight knockouts, 15 of which have come with at least one alphabet title at stake. 

His most recent title defense came in May, overcoming a few awkward moments to blast out overmatched Willie Monroe Jr. in six rounds. Golovkin weighed 159 lbs. for the fight, and has never weighed more than 161 lbs. for any fight since turning pro in 2006, in fact spending the last three years of his incredible amateur career (395-1 record, 2004 Olympic Silver medalist) at the weight after growing into the division. 

Lemieux began his career as a super welterweight before moving up to middleweight, having campaigned at the weight and higher since 2009. The heaviest he has weighed for any given prize fight is 166 lbs. for a Feb. '10 regional super middleweight title fight with countryman Jason Naugler.

While Lemieux is within WBC specs (for now), there still remains three more trips to the scales. Both fighters will have to weigh in again on October 10, at which point they must be no heavier than 168 lbs. 

The weigh-in will be standard fare, both fighters required to make 160 lbs. or else be subject to fine and penalty. With the IBF recognizing Lemieux as its champion also comes a weight check the morning of the fight. Neither fighter can weigh more than 170 lbs. during the same day weight check, which is normally performed no later than 12 hours prior to the opening bell, and still early enough to where fighters can eat breakfast after the session. 

Along with the WBC interim and IBF full titles, the WBA "super" and IBO full title will be on the line for this bout, which headlines on HBO Pay-Per-View.