Fight Report: Golovkin vs Lemieux

After David Lemieux had won the IBF version of the middleweight world title with an impressive battering of Hassan N’Dam in Montreal, a Lemieux vs Golovkin fight became one of the more desirable matches to be made in a middleweight division where most of the elite fighters had shown zero interest in facing the power-punching Kazakh. However, few thought the fight would happen any time soon; surely it made more sense for Lemieux to first cash in and make some serious coin with a couple of safe title defenses. Refreshingly, Lemieux and his brain-trust decided otherwise. With Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins cheering him on, Lemieux stepped up and the resulting buzz for Golovkin vs Lemieux was intense. Anticipating a thrilling, Hagler vs Hearns type shootout between two huge punchers, fight fans sold-out Madison Square Garden and looked forward to some exciting action in a year when the most high profile match-ups offered precious little.

But instead of a hellacious shoot-out, however, we got a methodical beatdown. Lemieux had his moments and did land some good shots, but such moments were few and far between and the shots had little to no effect on Golovkin. The gap in skill between the two men proved decisive; Golovkin has far greater experience, both amateur and professional, and it showed right from the opening bell as the Kazakh imposed his will behind a hard left jab and his usual excellent foot work. Lemieux had no reply to the jab, which proved incredibly accurate, and he simply could not find his range or rhythm. Golovkin set the terms and maintained control for almost the entire match while Lemieux struggled to establish any kind of effective attack.

Power alone was Lemieux’s only hope, but when he did land solid shots the blows appeared to have little effect and only earned him more punishment in return. A vicious left hook to the liver in round five forced Lemieux to take a knee and when he went down Golovkin clocked him with a right hand. A point deduction would have been entirely appropriate but the referee settled for a warning. Credit to Lemieux for not immediately pitching to his face and forcing the referee’s hand; many fighters in the same situation would have done so.

Round six saw Lemieux’s most effective work though he still lost the round. He landed some good shots to both body and head but Golovkin took them and then came right back with his own punches. In round seven the match became decidedly one-sided and referee Steve Willis appeared increasingly concerned for Lemieux’s welfare. When another hard left hook to the liver almost knocked Lemieux down in round eight, the referee stepped in and declared Golovkin the winner.

While the outcome was obviously greatly disappointing for Lemieux and his team, all had to tip their hat and give big props to David for taking the match. It cannot be said too often in 21st century pugilism: most boxers in his position would have opted for some easy paydays instead of taking the big risk and facing the most dangerous opposition available. The sport needs more boxers with Lemieux’s courage and desire to compete.

That said, the one-sided nature of the contest left Lemieux with little in terms of big fights and big money to look forward to. There was zero interest in a rematch, though Lemieux, clearly unhappy with the stoppage, let it be known he wanted one. Instead it appeared likely the Montrealer would have to bide his time with a fight or two against some of Golovkin’s leftovers. Victories over Glen Tapia, Curtis Stevens, and Marcos Reyes did lead to a shot at Billy Joe Saunders’ WBO title belt but that proved to be a rather humiliating and one-sided defeat, with some scoring it a shut-out for the man from Hertfordshire.

Meanwhile Golovkin had to wait almost two years before his division rival, Canelo Alvarez, finally worked up the nerve to face him. The result was a clear win for Gennady that was somehow scored a draw, but we all know that side of the story and what followed. The bottom line is that Lemieux demonstrated more nerve and confidence than so many others in the middleweight division who instead shamelessly swerved the Kazakh destroyer. Sometimes in boxing, you can be too good for your own good. Such was the case for Gennady Golovkin, but it should not be held against him. He deserves to be regarded as a 21st century great, one who could have held his own against virtually any middleweight or super middleweight in boxing history.        — Robert Portis