Photo by Ismael Gallardo/RBRBoxing
Historically, when there is a fight between two power punchers, the one one with the better chin wins.
On October 17, 2015, Gennady Golovkin (33-0, 30 KOs) and David Lemieux (34-2, 31 KOs) will face off in a Middleweight unification fight at the Madison Square Garden to test that theory.
The scheduled 12-rounder, which will headline an HBO pay-per-view event, means much more than proving an oft-told boxing theory.
In fact, it is about taking hold of a major portion of the Middleweight crown and about making a case for being the division’s true champion, though Miguel Cotto and Andy Lee also have titles.
Being a champ at 160, however, means being able to deal with the difficult blend of speed and power that Middleweights have–something Golovkin says he will be prepared for.
“Training camp is a little bit new, a little bit different, not like any of the others. New ideas and new strategies and it’s very interesting,” said Golovkin during a recent conference call.
“We have different sparring partners because of his style,” said Golovkin.
Indeed, Golovkin will have to deal with something he doesn’t usually face: a power-punching aggressor with very quick hands.
“This is going to be like a street fight. He has a good style – almost like amateur style. I will beat any style – amateur style or brawl style. He will be a good test for me,” said Golovkin.
Surely by “amateur” he means that Lemieux has the style of on amateur boxer, where scoring points and starting early is more effective than trying to hurt one’s opponent.
Photo by Ismael Gallardo/RBRBoxing
Indeed, though we’re used to seeing Golovkin come forward with relative ease, we might see Golovkin rely more on his jab and distance.
Both say they’re going to come at each other, but when both bring a combined 61 knockouts to the fight, it’s hard to believe that they’ll come forward with reckless abandon.
“I think this fight is more technical for me, and maybe for him too,” said Golovkin.
Unlike an amateur fight, where the mantra of “hit and don’t get hit” works best, getting hit in a professional fight with a good shot is almost inevitable.
Golovkin, however, says he has the chin to take what Lemieux will throw.
“Lemieux will be a test for my chin. But it’s not just my chin. It is distance and discipline, timing and style,” said Golovkin.
Golovkin will have to show that he can take a punch, but also that he can deal with a style that is just like his.
