By Jake Donovan
If David Lemieux boasts a puncher's chance in his upcoming middleweight title unification bout, Gennady Golovkin doesn't seem very concerned. The unbeaten knockout artist remains confident of his own skillset - and equalizer, if it comes to that - ahead of their October 17 HBO Pay-Per-View headliner at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
While it goes without saying that Lemieux represents the biggest puncher Golovkin has faced to date, the rising star from Kazakhstan is an overwhelming favorite to win. The bout will mark his 15th attempted defense of at least one title dating back to 2010, as he also comes in having knocked out 20 straight opponents.
He's done so by remaining well-schooled, which was well evident in his brilliant amateur career that includes a Silver medal from his run during the 2004 Athens Olympics. It has shown more so as a pro, thanks to the bond he shares with his chief second.
“My coach Abel Sanchez and I have worked on a good strategy for this fight,” Golovkin (33-0, 33KOs) promises. “David Lemieux is a very strong fighter and he has many knockouts.
Lemieux (34-2, 31KOs) has come in riding a nine-fight win streak dating back to 2012. The run followed the worst stretch of his career, dropping back-to-back fights in 2011.
Seven knockouts in the span of eight fights—including a 10th round stoppage of previous Golovkin victim Gabriel Rosado in his stateside debut last December—have suggested the 26-year old slugger from Montreal has rediscovered his swagger. However, it was his 12-round decision win over Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam that offered the suggestion of Lemieux being more than just a crude puncher, being forced to box when pure power—despite it leading to four knockdowns—wasn't entirely enough to keep his opponent at bay.
Golovkin and his team have taken note, and promise to be ready for anything on October 17.
“I watched his fights with Rosado and N’dam and know how hard he punches and I will be prepared for his power,” Golovkin insists. “My experience will help because I’ve fought big punchers in the past and I know what I need to do.”
“I know how to use my timing and distance to attack at the right time and not get in the way of his punches.”
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Facebook Page: JakeBScene
