Wednesday 14 October 2015 08:25, UK
Gennady Golovkin expects David Lemieux to provide him with the toughest test of his explosive career this Saturday.
Golovkin will be looking for a 31st knockout victory in his 34th career fight when he takes on the American, another knockout specialist, at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Lemieux's IBF middleweight belt is the only one Golovkin does not own and unification is a priority for the Ukraine fighter, who is having his first bout since beating Willie Monroe Jr in May.
But he is fully aware that he cannot take Lemieux (34-2, KO31) lightly, as he said: "This is the biggest test for me. He's the IBF champ. It's a big situation, unification.
"Right now it's a very interesting situation to be in in the middleweight division. I think we have three or four fighters and it's very important who is number one."
Golovkin and Lemieux were speaking after their final media workout in New York, and the American is confident he can end his opponent's nine-year winning streak in the professional ranks.
"I am aware of his record but I am also aware of who I am and what I can bring to the table. My concern is the present and making sure I win on October 17," said Lemieux, whose two defeats came in back-to-back fights in 2011.
"I am going to be a lion in there. Nothing is going to be in my way.
"It is kind of like David and Goliath. Everyone is impressed on this big GGG, he is impressive and talented but there is also David who is making a lot of noise. I know what I am going up against and I am going in with a nice package to deliver to Golovkin."
