Gennady “GGG” Golovkin vs. David Lemieux didn’t live up to Marvin Hagler vs. Tommy Hearns expectations, but it did cement Golovkin’s status as one of boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighters, and top draws.
Golovkin used a stiff jab to bloody Lemieux’s nose, and disorient him to the point that he looked like he had no game plan entering the ring. Golovkin pounded Lemieux every round, and eventually scored a TKO in Round 8.
Lemieux didn’t resemble the most skilled opponent on Golovkin’s resume, but he certainly was the most dangerous in terms of power. Golovkin ate a handful of crisp shots and never seemed effective.
The question now is who’s next? Here are the only names that make any sense for Golovkin’s next fight.
Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KO)/ Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KO)
Cotto and Alvarez are facing off on Nov. 21 for Cotto’s WBC middleweight title. That’s one of the only belts left for Golovkin to win, and it’s a fight he’s pined for since last year.
Golovkin said in his post-fight interview that this fight was about giving fans a show, as well as proving he’s more than power. His 21-fight knockout streak is impressive, but Golovkin set a personal record for landed jabs in this bout. He told HBO’s Max Kellerman he was out to prove he’s a boxer too. He succeeded, but in the process may not have enticed Cotto or Alvarez to risk their standing as pay-per-view kings.
The WBC has mandated the winner face Golovkin, the WBC interim title holder, but there are whispers Cotto would drop his belt before taking on GGG. Alvarez has seemed more willing to fight Golovkin, but he’s never fought at 160 pounds before, and Golovkin is unlikely to defend his belts at a catch weight.
Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (32-0-1, 23 KO)/Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (30-1, 27 KO)
Quillin carries himself as an elite middleweight despite zero of his wins granting him such lofty status. Jacobs is an entertaining slugger with obvious knockout power, but one who is similarly untested. These two are facing off in Brooklyn on Dec. 5, and it makes perfect sense.
The winner facing Golovkin also makes sense, if only so these guys can prove they’re for real. Golovkin answered the call against the most dangerous opponent willing to step in with him at 160 pounds. It’s time for the rest of the “elite” to follow Lemieux’s lead.
Andy Lee (34-2-1, 24 KO)
Facing Lee is a step down in excitement from Lemieux, even if Lee possesses similar KO power. Lee most recently fought Quillin to a draw, and is scheduled for a Dec. 19 clash vs. Billy Joe Saunders for the WBO middleweight title, the other belt Golovkin hasn’t won.
Lee, however, is one of the few fighters willing to step in the ring and fight GGG, who always stays active. Chances are Golovkin would run through Lee in dominant fashion, but at the very least, Lee has a nasty right hook that gives him a slight, puncher’s chance.
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