GENNADY GOLOVKIN IS excited to write a “new story” for boxing as he gets set to face David Lemieux in one of the most eagerly-anticipated fights of the year.
Kazakh fighter Golovkin will put his IBO, interim WBC and WBA super world middleweight titles on the line against the hard-hitting Lemieux at a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday.
Golovkin has earned a reputation as one of the most feared boxers in the sport since turning professional in 2006 and is unbeaten in 33 bouts – 30 of his wins coming via knockout. Indeed, his last 20 fights have failed to go the distance with Golovkin tearing through his opponents.
With Floyd Mayweather Jr saying his career is over and Manny Pacquiao set to hang up the gloves, the 33-year-old has an opportunity to become one of boxing’s biggest draws. And with the bout representing his first on pay-per-view, Golovkin is aware of the chance he has to build his profile.
Asked about his growing reputation, he said: ”This is a big deal for us. This is my first pay-per-view. He’s a champion, it’s a unification fight. He’s a very strong guy, a dangerous guy. I respect him as a champion.
“For now it’s a very interesting situation for me. I think it’s very good for boxing because I can remember when boxing was very famous. Now there’s not as much interest, but this is a new story for boxing.”
One of the criticisms aimed at Golovkin is the omission of several top-quality fighters on his record, notably the likes of Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez and Andre Ward. He starts as the clear favourite against Lemieux, but Golovkin will not be taking the threat of the Canadian lightly.
Lemieux, who won the vacant IBF belt by beating N’Dam N’Jikam in June, has bounced back strongly from back-to-back losses in 2011 and 31 of his 34 career victories have been knockous.
“I’ve faced a lot of victories. I’ve faced defeat and nothing is more exciting and more gratifying than a beautiful victory like I’m planning on Saturday,” he said.
“I’m ready for a great fight, in a great city and extremely proud to be here. I’m here to make history. I’ve done everything it takes in the gym and I want to make sure that when I leave Madison Square Garden I leave with the belts.”
