Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably don’t need too much of a preview into Golovkin-Lemieux. You don’t need to know who they beat to get here, how, and what they’re gonna’ do to each other at New York’s sold out Madison Square Garden.
But there’s a chance you might have been engrossed in other sports like football and what not. Or even life itself. If that’s you, then this article is a must-read.
I’ll now present some key facts you ought to know before the October 17th rumble commences. First off, slap yourself on the wrist for not paying enough attention to boxing. Or Boxing Base. Then follow us on Facebook and Twitter so you never get left in the dark again.
Gennady Golovkin
Gennady Golovkin is an undefeated knockout machine who currently holds the No.2 spot in our Top 10 Hardest Hitters, not to mention the trophy for most destructive Middleweight in boxing history. Yes, Golovkin (33-0, 30 KO) is powerful. Combinations buzz, knockdown, knockout opponents. Single shots buzz, knockdown, knockout. Even his jab pounds faces like a sledgehammer.
Golovkin has consecutively bludgeoned twenty of his last victims inside the distance. Humble, smiling, and respectful out of the ring, ‘GGG’ is a true monster within the ropes. The sport’s undisputed bogeyman.
It’s true Golovkin has never come across a power-puncher like David Lemieux, but the Kazakhstan-born wrecking machine has looked next to flawless against top contenders such as Curtis Stevens, Daniel Geale, Marco Antonio Rubio, Martin Murray, and Willie Monroe Jr.
Before we move on to David Lemieux, here’s a chance to catch both men having a ‘civil chat’ in front of HBO cameras:
David Lemieux
In the opposite corner will be David Lemieux (34-2, 31 KO), an equally aggressive fighter who stalks his prey eyeing nothing short of a knockout. And the sooner, the better. Like Golovkin, this seek-and-destroy banger hasn’t blasted his way through Middleweight elite opposition quite yet, but has throttled most of his victims within the distance. Notable scalps include Hassan N’Dam, Gabriel Rosado, Fernando Guerrero, Purnell Gates and Hector Camacho Jr.
Unlike Golovkin, Lemieux has experienced a few hiccups along the way, but has successfully rebounded from two back-to-back defeats suffered in 2011. (More on that below.)
Factors Going Into Golovkin-Lemieux
So, what is it that separates these TNT-fisted warriors? Hardly anything in way of power, but enough in terms of boxing ability to catch the eye. Lemieux is a fine boxer. Good movement, controlled aggression, but not quite as refined and pin-point as Golovkin, who possesses exceptional timing and poise.
The records of both men perhaps speak volumes of who the greater overall fighter is – if you’re looking for the most objective of answers, that is. Though Lemieux is arguably an improved fighter since losing to Marco Antonio Rubio (TKO 7) and Joachim Alcine (MD 12) in 2011, he seemed to struggle with the capable, tough Hassan N’Dam earlier this year in June.
I should probably clarify what I mean by struggle: despite knocking N’Dam down four times (en route to a shutout decision), Lemieux was unable to stop the guy. While still a dominating win however you look at it, the facts do raise an alarm bell or two about Lemieux’s ability to finish off top contenders.
Lemieux is marginally quicker than Golovkin in way of hand speed, and particularly when it comes to landing his money-maker left-hook. The sensible money might be on Golovkin winning their weekend showdown, but the favorite will still have to keep his eyes open for that explosive power shot. Lemieux is also 7 years Golovkin’s junior, which should be noted.
But when all is said and done, just bear one thing in mind, folks: this fight could come down to who lands that first monstrous blow.
So there it is; Golovkin-Lemieux is the tale of two Middleweight monsters colliding. And with less than a week to go, now is the time to start getting pumped up. Popcorn, nachos – or both – will serve you well in this one. Give me your thoughts in the comments, boxing fans – how do you see this concussive Middleweight match-up panning out?
