By Edward Chaykovsky
Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya, who promotes IBF middleweight champion David Lemieux (34-2, 31KOs), expects a vicious war when his fighter steps inside the ring with IBO/WBA champion Gennady 'GGG' Golovkin (33-0, 30KOs).
Lemieux just captured his world title last month when he dropped Hassan N'Dam on path to a twelve round unanimous decision in Canada. He could have taken an easy first defense. Instead, he was willing to stake his belt in a fight where either boxer can easily get knocked out on October 17th at New York's Madisn Square Garden.
HBO Pay-Per-View will carry the fight.
"It's a fight that everyone in boxing wants, everyone knows to be an entertaining fight, a fight with a lot of punches. Why now? Because both are in their primes, both are world champions and this is that boxing is about," said De La Hoya to Sports Nation. "This fight is about heart, it is about hunger, the desire to be unified champion. I think it will be a very entertaining fight but it will be dangerous for both."
"Both have knockout power, both have a good chin, good physical condition. I think [the one to come out on top is the one] who wants this fight more. I think the first [fighter] who connects to the chin first is going to win."