David Lemieux was impressive in winning the vacant IBF middleweight title vs. Hassan N'Dam on Saturday, and speculation of an upcoming fight vs. Gennady "GGG" Golovkin immediately began. Both Lemieux and Golovkin are prolific knockout artists with burgeoning reputations, so the fight is highly anticipated.
Sadly, it isn't going to happen soon if recent reports are to be believed. According to Boxing Scene, Lemieux must face the IBF's mandatory challenger before setting up a fight with Golovkin.
"We got the letter already from the IBF," Golden Boy matchmaker Eric Gomez said. "He's going to have a mandatory. When you win a vacant title you have to do a mandatory next. So we'll see what happens there.
"He's going to take a break. He's going to go on vacation for a little bit and then we're going to sit down and talk with him and see what's next. It was a great victory and I think he deserves a little rest."
Golovkin has called out several pay-per-view caliber names recently. He said his dream fight is vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr., but he really has his sights set on WBC middleweight champion Miguel Cotto. Canelo Alvarez and super middleweight Carl Froch have also come up, so Golovkin is running the gamut from 154 pounds to 168. With few if any of those fighters showing any willingness to take him on, Lemieux appeared to be not only appealing, but realistic.
Gomez said that Golden Boy and K2 Promotions remain interested in putting Golovkin vs. Lemieux together.
"We've discussed it and I've talked to Tom Loeffler and I know he's interested," Gomez said. "Look, Lemieux's willing to fight anybody and it's just a matter of making the best move and figuring out what's next and figuring out the situation with the IBF."
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