Oct. 9, 2015 – Fight fans eager for a unique inside look at the red-hot October 17th HBO Pay-Per-View® world middleweight championship unification showdown between knockout artists and title-holders Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux, should mark their calendars to catch an all-new edition of “Face Off,” starring the two prizefighters. “Face Off With Max Kellerman: Golovkin/Lemieux” debuts Saturday, Oct. 10 at 11:20 p.m. (ET/PT).

Moderated by Max Kellerman, “Face Off” is an insightful and often gripping interview session in which the two fighters square off and answer Kellerman’s questions. This marks the first-ever appearance for both Golovkin and Lemieux on “Face Off.” In addition, the fighters will be joined on the set by their accomplished trainers. Both Abel Sanchez and Mark Ramsey will participate in the roundtable.

The Golovkin/Lemieux edition of “Face Off” is set to air multiple times on HBO and HBO2. “Face Off” will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO NOW, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing as well as various other new media platforms that distribute the program.

HBO air times include: October 11 (9:00 a.m.), 12 (4:00 p.m.), 14 (10:30 a.m. & 9:45 p.m.), 15 (5:15 p.m. & 4:50 a.m.), 16 (12:15 a.m.) and 17 (9:45 a.m.).

HBO 2 air times include: October 11 (12:00 p.m.), 12 (12:15 a.m.), 13 (1:45 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.), 14 (1:30 a.m.), 16 (7:45 p.m.) and 17 (5:30 p.m.).

All times are ET/PT.

October 17th’s co-feature will be a world flyweight title bout as undefeated champion Roman ”Chocolatito” Gonzalez meets skilled challenger Brian Viloria. It all culminates when Golovkin vs. Lemieux takes place from New York’s famed Madison Square Garden. The fight card will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

BERNIE BAHRMASEL: Thank you. Welcome to the international media conference call for Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux. We are ten days away from the Middleweight World Championship Title Unification at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden, featuring the WBA, IBO and WBC “Interim” Middleweight World Champion, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin versus IBF Middleweight World Champion, David Lemieux.

This past Saturday night HBO’s outstanding Road to Golovkin-Lemieux premiered. This coming Saturday night at 11:20 ET/PT, HBO’s epic face-off featuring Max Kellerman, Gennady Golovkin, David Lemieux, Abel Sanchez and Marc Ramsey will premiere.

The Pay-Per-View is Saturday, October 17th, 9 p.m. Eastern Time, 6 p.m. Pacific, live, produced and distributed by HBO. Thanks to the media across the world for their continued support of this event. We will have a full fight week media schedule to be distributed later this week, and we look forward to seeing media around the world next week in New York City at the world’s most famous arena.

The first part of the call will have Tom Loeffler, Oscar De La Hoya, Abel Sanchez and Gennady Golovkin. The second part we will also have Oscar, David Lemieux, Marc Ramsey and Camille Estephan.

At this time it is my pleasure to introduce Tom Loeffler, the managing director of K2 Promotions.

TOM LOEFFLER: Thanks, Bernie. We couldn’t be more excited about this promotion. Ever since we announced the fight, the title unification fight between the two biggest punchers in the Middleweight Division. That was back in July, and the momentum has grown. I have to give Oscar and his company, Golden Boy Promotions and the entire Lemieux team a lot of credit for accepting the fight with Gennady Golovkin. It’s a true middleweight unification fight. It’s going to be in a sold-out arena at Madison Square Garden. Madison Square Garden has been very supportive of this event. HBO Pay-Per-View has been very supportive of the event, and the numbers are very optimistic on the Pay-Per-View side.

We had a very successful media training day yesterday with Gennady at the Wild Card West Boxing Gym and Brian Viloria was there also. It’s a tremendous co-feature with Chocolatito Gonzalez versus Brian Viloria. And with that, I would like to bring on our co-promoter on the event, Oscar De La Hoya.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Thank you very much, Tom. I would also like to thank Tom and K2 Promotions and Gennady Golovkin for taking this match-up. Obviously this is a match-up that a lot of people across the globe are salivating about.

You have two punchers, two fighters who are gladiators, are warriors, and have great knockout punching power. This is one fight that the whole world is excited about. So thank you very much to Gennady Golovkin for taking this huge chance against David Lemieux.

I’m pleased today to call ahead, and name this an epic showdown that will surely be “bombs away” between Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux on Saturday, October 17th, live from Madison Square Garden, live on HBO Pay-Per-View. HBO is the best network to watch boxing, so I know you will have a phenomenal telecast, and, trust me, you will get your money’s worth. IBF Middleweight World Champion, David Lemieux has an impressive record of 34 wins with 2 losses and 31 knockouts. I watched him train in Montreal recently, and let me tell you he is looking incredible. He is looking sharp, he is looking fast, he is looking strong and eager to get inside the ring with “GGG.”

David Lemieux and Gennady Golovkin represent what I feel is the next generation of talented champion fighters of our sport. I mean for the fans, obviously this is very exciting. These guys don’t hold back in the ring, which means guaranteed action from the first bell. The fans are the real winners here October 17th, and I cannot wait for this event, and obviously we’re extremely proud to be working alongside Tom and his team at K2 Promotions, so thank you very much.

TOM LOEFFLER: With that, just to add on to what Oscar said, it’s two champions coming into the ring, both putting their titles on the line, and that’s what the fans have responded to. As Oscar said many times, the best fighting the best and that’s what the fans and the media want to see. The Pay-Per-View is priced very reasonably at $49.95. We had a great response from the “Road To” show that aired last Saturday, and the “Face-Off” is going to air this Saturday, and that’s actually a unique format, where it’s not only the two fighters facing off but also the two trainers, Marc Ramsey is the strategist behind David Lemieux, and David has been undefeated since he’s been working with Marc. Abel Sanchez really has laid out the whole blueprint for Gennady’s “Mexican” style and the transition that he’s made with the professional style which has allowed him to get 20 knockouts in a row. So with that being said, I want to bring on the phone Abel Sanchez from his training camp in Big Bear Lake, California.

ABEL SANCHEZ: Good morning, everybody. We are extremely happy to be part of this epic event. I think it’s about time that promoters and managers and fighters put their records on the line, put their belt on the line, and the best fight the best, and I’m glad that Tom is the kind of promoter for Gennady that’s going to endorse everybody and Oscar being the same way, so we’re finally going to see a fight that the fans have been waiting to see, the kind of fight that the fans have been waiting to see.

We are looking forward to the 17th. I know Marc is going to have David very ready; Gennady is going to be ready, and like Oscar said, it’s going to be “bombs away.” So we are looking forward to an explosive fight, for as long as it lasts.

TOM LOEFFLER: With that, I would like to bring on the phone the WBA/IBO and WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin.

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: Good morning, everybody. I have great strength, and I feel good. I’m ready for October 17th. I think we are ready for a good event. Good show, good event, you know, not just one fight.. Thank to you my coach, Abel Sanchez and thank you to my team, K2 Promotions. This is a big deal. This is a big thing for us, for boxing fans, for people and for our sport of boxing. Thank you.

Q. Good day everybody. I’ve got a question, I think probably primarily for Abel. We are talking about a very offensive, aggressive fight, but what kind of defensive instruction have you given to Gennady or have you worked on defense for this fight?

ABEL SANCHEZ: I think it’s important to point out that the HBO CompuBox system, Gennady is the third-best defensive fighter with 10 or more fights. Ward, Canelo a lot of those guys are behind him, so when it comes to defense, I think he is pretty adept at it. We have worked on all of the aspects of training, just because we have a force in front of us. We have David Lemieux, who is a strong puncher and an aggressive kind of fighter, come forward, so we work on all aspects of it, to make sure that we are ready for whatever David brings.

Q. Would you like to see Gennady recognized a little more for that defensive skill? I think that ranking would surprise a lot of fans.

ABEL SANCHEZ: No, it doesn’t really matter to me if he’s recognized for it or not, as long as the fans enjoy his style of fighting. I think this fight has done so well at the box office and his numbers on HBO have done well, hopefully the Pay-Per-View does well because of that, because of his style because of his aggressive style and David’s also. That’s what the fans want to see. The fans want to go back to those days, those yesterdays of great fights, where the guys just, with intelligence and with defensive skills fight great fights and they sit in the middle of the ring and go at each other. I think that’s what this fight is going to represent, and that’s what’s going to happen.

Q. Gennady, as Abel was talking about, we know that your defense is maybe a little bit underrated. We all know about your great knockout streak and your offense. David Lemieux is also known for having offense. I would like to know from Gennady, does he think more about the power that Lemieux has or the fact that he has been knocked out in the past and therefore he thinks it will be a big difference of him able to get to Lemieux’s chin. In other words, is there one thing he’s more interested in, protecting his own chin from his punching power or looking to go get him because he’s shown the fact that he hasn’t been able to maybe take the best punch previously. I would like Gennady’s thoughts about that.

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: No, you’re right, same power, same defense, same style, yeah, you’re right. I think different style of boxing class, and boxing IQ.

Q. Will you be able to take his punch better than he will be able to take your punch?

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: Yeah, I think we both have great punch. David is strong, too. I know my power, so it’s not just power, just a little bit different class, you know, boxing class, timing, speed, discipline, and this is very important for us.

Q. Abel, could you weigh in on that?

ABEL SANCHEZ: What he’s trying to say is I think he is the fighter in the fight. They both have power and speed and great knockout records but the IQ, the boxing IQ will be the difference, because I think he thinks that it’s a different class, as far as that part of it, and he will be able to get to David, because he will figure him out, but David can punch so it’s not like it’s going to be an easy fight. So both of them have punching power, but the IQ is higher in the sense of boxing wise.

Q. Understood. Gennady, one of the reasons why there have been some bigger-named fighters who haven’t really been interested to fight you at this point, they say, yeah, Gennady, he’s not that well known, he doesn’t bring a lot to the table, and I look at the way this promotion is going the expectations for this fight, the way that your television ratings have been on HBO, and then I see you in this major commercial on TV with the Apple Watch. Seems to me people can’t say Gennady Golovkin doesn’t bring anything to the table anymore. Can you address that? You seem to have crossed over to a certain degree where now it will become worth while for people to fight you because there will be riches involved in that.

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: You know, I am a boxer. You know, thanks to my promoter. I know David is a champion too. This is a big deal for us. This is my first Pay-Per-View.

Q. Tom, could you address that, people can’t run from him because there is no money?

TOM LOEFFLER: Dan, I think that excuse was not valid anymore over a year ago, I mean, when Gennady sold out the Stub Hub Center, when he had over 12,000 people at The Forum. People used that excuse in the past of a reason why it didn’t make sense to fight Gennady, but you see with this promotion and with the dance partner, with Gennady having a marketable opponent with him, who is another champion, I mean, that brings this to a whole different level, and that’s what we’ve always said is the marketability for Gennady, and you touched on the Apple commercial campaign that we did with Gennady that debuted on Monday Night Football, and we got a tremendous reaction. He’s just a marketable fighter and a likeable fighter, and David Lemieux is also very marketable, very popular as a champion as well, so it’s just the chemistry of the promotion and the two champions fighting each other that’s taken this to a completely different level.

Q. Tom, one thing very quickly, by the way. I certainly know who Gennady is, and boxing fans and other boxing writers know who Gennady is but they didn’t identify him in the commercial. Any particular reason for that? There might be some people who don’t know him; they saw it but they’re not sure who it is.

TOM LOEFFLER: They’ve done five or six different spots with different people in different segments so they haven’t — they didn’t distinguish the people, the individuals on the commercial campaign, but they definitely have on the Apple web site. They have identified who is in each segment. That’s how they’ve identified the people.

Q. Abel, everybody improves as they go along, and I understand that. In 2011 Lemieux lost to Marco Antonio Rubio and Joachim Alcine Just how dangerous is David Lemieux? I know he’s got a lot of knockouts, but as Evander Holyfield once told me, “It’s not how much knockouts you have, it’s who you’ve been knocking out.” In your mind, when you look at his ring record, just how impressed are you?

ABEL SANCHEZ: First off, going back to the Rubio fight, I think he was a young man of 22 or 23 years old who everybody was laying riches in front of him, I believe before that fight, they had an HBO special on him. They were touting him as the next big thing at 22 years old. I believe he was a little too young, he fought a guy who was very experienced. Marco Rubio took all he had to throw for the first six rounds, and then tired him out and was able to put him away. That was inexperience on David’s part.

The skills are still there, the punching power is still there, it’s just inexperience that made him lose that fight, in my opinion. Then Marc Ramsey comes in after those two losses, and now they’re on a roll. They are on a roll because Marc has taken over now, not only physically but mentally over David’s boxing program, so it’s easy for David now to just listen to somebody instead of being the boss and doing things his way, now he’s got a guy that’s running the show for him.

He’s fought in the last three or four fights he’s fought some I think pretty good fighters, the last fighter, N’Dam. N’Dam was a World Champion, went down a couple of times I guess, but he’s a very difficult guy to fight. He beat Curtis Stevens, I witnessed that, down in Santa Monica so he’s not a bad fighter.

So David has got — I’m not going to say an extensive resume, but he’s got fighters on his record that have done something, and the thing you can’t take away from David is he can punch. He proved that in the last three or four fights, he can punch, so that’s something that on the 17th, it could go either way. If David lands a good punch and Gennady is not ready, maybe Gennady goes down, so we’re definitely looking for the best David Lemieux and the biggest punch.

Q. Guys, my question is for Tom. Tom, regarding Gennady’s first Pay-Per-View, what would you consider to be a success?

TOM LOEFFLER: You know, Bob, we’re always conservative with our estimates. HBO was very supportive of the event. They wouldn’t have green lit or supported the event if they didn’t think it was going to be successful. When we made the deal with Golden Boy, it was a fair deal as far as the structure of the promotion, and I think as the promotion has gone along, a great indicator for Pay-Per-View sales is ticket sales, and when this event broke the presale record of any boxing event that MSG has had and sold 15,000 tickets within the first week, that’s a huge indication that the Pay-Per-View is going to be successful, but I’m always conservative on the estimates, and I’m very optimistic on the results for the Pay-Per-View.

Q. Do you feel, and this is piggy-backing on Dan’s question, but do you feel that Gennady is well known enough around the country to attract people? Because Lemieux — David Lemieux is a Canadian, he’s well known to boxing fans, but is he well enough known that people are going to say, I have to see this fight?

TOM LOEFFLER: I think it’s more so than the individuals but the combination of the two champions fighting each other. Gennady is breaking through where he’s going into the mainstream. We brought him to different entertainment events and a lot of the entertainers said he’s their favorite fighter, so he’s definitely crossing over. When you have a match-up against a guy like David Lemieux — look if this was somebody that wasn’t known or two fighters that weren’t known in the main event, we wouldn’t have sold 15,000 tickets in the first week, so I understand what you’re saying as far as you need a broader scale, broader base for the Pay-Per-View, and it’s a risk that we took.

When we sat down with Oscar and his team at Golden Boy, neither fighter has been on the Pay-Per-View, also with Chocolatito and Viloria, same situation, but when you put that combination together it’s a great value for the fans and for the event and I think the boxing fans will really respond to this event.

Q. And having Chocolatito on the card also increases your Hispanic viewership, I would think.

TOM LOEFFLER: No question. It’s a perfect combination having Chocolatito against Brian Viloria. Brian Viloria is very popular, he was on the 2000 Olympic Team for the United States and brings a strong Filipino following with him, and Chocolatito’s Hispanic following, so it’s a great one-two punch, and that’s really where our optimism is as far as the success of the event.

Q. Abel, Gennady recently said you have been working on his “Mexican” style. Can you elaborate what that means to be fighting a “Mexican” style?

ABEL SANCHEZ: The Mexican style that we’re trying to develop with him, we have been trying to develop with him is just a more of an entertaining style, a style that is reminiscent of fighters in the past, Duran, Gomez, Sanchez, Chavez and even Oscar’s fights of 20 years ago, or 15 years ago, where guys stood in the middle of the ring and went at each other and used their legs and gave the fans the kind of fight that they deserve for the money that they’re paying.

So to answer that question a little easier, it’s more of an entertaining, aggressive, American public type of fight.

Q. And how would you say Gennady has progressed in adopting this Mexican style in the past few fights?

ABEL SANCHEZ: I think he’s done well, I think this is the fight that finally presents a challenge to him mentally. I’ve always said in the past great fighters, it’s not so much the physical challenge but the mental challenge, that it’s important to them, and in this training camp he has proven me right by the attitude and the atmosphere in the gym has been so much different because he does perceive a challenge and perceive a fighter that is as strong as he is and punches as long as he does, and for as long as the fight goes he will have to be on his P’s and Q’s as, just like David will, and the guy that lands the first big punch, the other guy is going to sleep.

Q. I hate to bring up André Ward’s name, but do you believe a lot of fighters are starting to use Gennady Golovkin’s name to get recognition for themselves? The seem like they are calling him out saying he is ducking fighters or he’s not as good of a pound-for-pound fighter, but they always seem to have his name in their mouth.

ABEL SANCHEZ: I think it’s history. I think every young fighter is calling out the older fighter, and when the older fighter gets it, the young fighter is calling him out. At one point when Gennady was beginning, of course we were mentioning other names that were above us, but that’s just the nature of the beast. That’s something that has to be done so that your name is in print, but at this point it’s okay for André to call his name out, but André needs to fright. André needs to fight to be relevant. André needs to fight so the people tonight don’t forget who he is. Just because he won six, four years ago and has fought two times in the last three years, against nondescript opponents doesn’t make him qualified for those kind of fights, so I think when he starts fighting and becomes relevant, I’m sure that fight is down the road, but until then doesn’t make any sense to us.

Q. Gennady, there have been terms through this promotion and this conference call about breaking through, being more entertaining with a “Mexican” style, this fight finally presenting a challenge. There is a couple of other significant middleweight fights coming up in the near future with Quinlan/Jacobs, and Alvarez/Cotto. Do you see this as a break-through fight for you, and where do you see yourself in a year’s time with these two significant fights on the horizon as well?

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: You know, right now I’m going to focus on David Lemieux because he is good fighter. He’s champion. The future, yes, of course, but now the middleweight division it’s a good situation, very interesting situation, three or four fighters, Alvarez, Miguel Cotto and Andy Lee, I want unification title. My goal is always about middleweight division; my focus is on that weight division. Why not?

Jacobs is very good, too, not just for us for middleweight division. Great three or four fights in the future.

Q. At the age of 33, certainly not to say you’re old but is there any acceleration or rush to do — get these fights made sooner than later?

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: That’s promoters. I feel great, I feel like I’m 20. Look at Bernard Hopkins; he’s 50. He’s like 30 he is like a young guy, very smart guy.

Q. He’s also an alien, but —

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: (Away from mic.) Yeah.

Q. My question is about the stakes for the fight. The fight stands on its merit quite well, but there are big stakes down the line. This question is for Oscar if he is still on the call, and Tom, have you guys made an agreement in principle to have the winner of this fight, fight the winner of Cotto and Canelo?

TOM LOEFFLER: I can go first on that, Michael. As you mentioned, there is a lot at stake, not only the winner having unified the titles, but then also is in the position of being the mandatory for the winner of Cotto/Canelo, which is also a great fight a month later. So it’s exciting times, as Gennady alluded to in the Middleweight Division.

It would be premature to start having any discussions with Oscar because we don’t know who is going to win on October 17th, and we don’t know who is going to win November 21st, but after all that shakes out, it’s going to be great times moving forward and just continuing the path of trying to unify the titles.

Q. Oscar your thoughts?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Yes, it would be premature to talk about such a match-up. October 17th is such an important fight for “GGG” and David Lemieux and November 21st is an important and dangerous fight for Canelo and Cotto, so we don’t know what the outcome will be and we don’t know what’s going to happen so it would be very premature to even discuss it.

But it’s definitely — it’s definitely, you know, something to look forward to.

BERNIE BAHRMASEL: That would wrap up our end of the call. Tom, Gennady, if you have closing comments?

GENNADY GOLOVKIN: Thank you so much, everybody. Don’t miss my fight October 17th, it will be a great show for people. Thank you so much.

BERNIE BAHRMASEL: Abel, just a couple days before leaving for New York City, how are things going up there?

ABEL SANCHEZ: Things are going great, wrapping up the training camp, it’s becoming that event that we all had hoped it would be and we’re looking forward to the 17th, putting on a great show in front of a sold-out crowd.

BERNIE BAHRMASEL: Thanks Abel and Gennady for joining us. Tom, go ahead with your closing comments.

TOM LOEFFLER: Just to emphasize two champions in the ring, Gennady has a great dance partner with David Lemieux, that’s what is going to create fireworks in the ring. On the promotional side, I have a great partner with Oscar and Golden Boy Productions, and they’ve been very support with the whole promotion, and I think all the fans and all the media are going to be in for a great event October 17th.

BERNIE BAHRMASEL: Thanks, Tom. We will turn the call over to Cecilia to introduce David Lemieux’s side. Cecilia.

CECILIA ZUNIGA: I want to thank all the media members for joining us today. Now for the second portion of the call and to introduce Team Lemieux, I would like to reintroduce Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Thank you, very much, Cecilia. As all the media has heard about the details of this terrific event, let me go ahead and introduce to you Team Lemieux. First off, I am pleased to introduce to you Camielle Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management and manager of David Lemieux. Camielle?

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN: Thank you, Oscar, looking forward to a wonderful event. Everything has been said; there isn’t too much more to say. I will give you a little bit of our perspective as we head into this with ten days left. We have the top-two middleweights in the world fighting each other. This is a real treat. It’s a real treat for the fans, a breath of fresh air for boxing.

This will be like two Titans fighting each other, two major mountains. Imagine Everest versus Kilimanjaro, I’m excited. The pleasantries are finished, now it’s time for the action. We are coming to New York to meet Golovkin and take the belts; that’s the goal, and the only goal. We have done our homework very, very well. We feel extremely confident because of the work we have put in, and the stage is set.

There are ten days to go, can’t wait for the 17th, MSG is going to be rocking!

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Thank you, Camille. And now the man in charge of getting David Lemieux ready for this battle October 17th, his trainer, Marc Ramsey, Marc?

MARC RAMSEY: Hi, everybody, it’s a pleasure to speak with you today. We just had an amazing training camp. David just reach every single objective that we fixed for that great victory for next week, and we have, like I say, a very, very good training camp. Now we working on some finesse, and everything is going to be ready for next Saturday.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Thank you, Marc. David is ready for this test, he is looking the best I’ve ever seen him look. My business partner, the legendary Middleweight Champion, Bernard Hopkins and I were in Montreal at David’s workout facility, and take it from us, we know a thing or two about what it takes to fight the very best, and what it takes to be world champion, and David has it.

He proved that in June with an exciting win over the dangerous Hassan N’Dam, and he will do it again October 17th. So now I am pleased to introduce to you the current IBF Middleweight World Champion with a most impressive record of 34-2, 31 knockouts, from Montreal, power puncher, David Lemieux.

DAVID LEMIEUX: Hello, hello. Thank you, Oscar. Thank you, everybody. It’s been a great camp. It’s been a great — it’s been a great training. Everything has been on spot. Never had a more complete camp than this. I have been pushing myself to the maximum with each training, with each exercise, with everything envisioning the big day ahead of me, October 17th, so I did everything I had to do to make sure I have no regrets October 17th, because the plan is to walk out of that — out of Madison Square Garden with those belts and hopefully without a broken nose (Chuckles.)

CECILIA ZUNIGA: We will start the Q and A portion of this call.

Q. David, Gennady Golovkin, when other fighters get asked about fighting him they either ask for way too much money, or they just say no. Yet when this fight came up, by all accounts from your team, from Oscar, from Camille, you wanted this fight right off the bat, not wanting to do anything else after you won your title. Some guys would sit on it, take an easier fight. Tell me what was in your mind that made you decide, you know what? I want the fight that everybody else doesn’t want to fight?

DAVID LEMIEUX: The initial plan in my head is that I’m ready, and it’s now or never; let’s do it. Golovkin is at his best. I’m getting to my best, and I will be at my best on October 17th, so in my head if I beat the best middleweight there is, everybody is pointing their fingers at, I’m going to be the best so that’s the plan.

I’ve been working very hard over the years, and I got a very significant win the last fight, I got the title. I got the IBF. Now we took a big step and we’re over here, unifying the titles. So we’re ready for it, that’s why I took the fight.

Q. David, I think most people look at it and say it’s going to be an exciting fight; that’s just the way you guys perform, but you’re the underdog in this fight because of the top kinda streak that “GGG” has been on over the last few years and they look and say, Lemieux got knocked out a few years ago, lost a couple of fights, how do you see that shaping up? Do those losses haunt you or do they drive you, or do they not matter anymore?

DAVID LEMIEUX: Those two losses are completely insignificant to where I am today, because, you know, everybody has their path, everybody has their ways of doing things and their evolution and becoming a champion, you know. Some guys go undefeated, some have defeats and become the greatest fighter out there. They have 0 significance and are in my past, those two losses, were miscalculations. I lost those two fights because of things I neglected, and I changed everything in my life to be where I am at today. So I think it’s been a big achievement from my behalf to where I am now, and the changes that I have needed to do to fighting for a unification title, so it’s a big step I took, and, you know, the numbers speak for themselves.

Everybody understands the gravity of this fight, and I think the people are going to be surprised with what I bring to the table October 17th. I’m a big underdog in this fight, and to me it makes no difference, I know who I am, and I know what I’m going to bring to the table, so we will see after the fight.

Q. David, one thing that we know you bring is punching power. Do you feel like if you’re able to get to him that your power — he’s shown a great chin, if you ask him and his camp they say through 300-plus amateur fights, his 30-plus professional fights, he’s never been on the floor, never been knocked down, never been seriously hurt in a fight, but I’m not sure he’s ever fought a guy with the pure power that you have. So do you feel like if you can touch the chin or get to the body or whatever that you can be the first guy to do some serious damage to this guy and maybe get him on the deck?

DAVID LEMIEUX: You know, I don’t look at his past or his future or anything like that. I’m going in there, being me being neutral and him being neutral, we’re two hard punchers, and it’s going to be — we’re both at 0-0 when we enter into that ring on October 17th.

It’s going to be a hard test in front of me but I’m really not worried and, yes, I do have power, but I’m not going into this fight only with power. I’m going to need all the tools in order to be sharp in a fight of this degree. He’s a very good fighter, very smart, but I think I got a lot of surprises to show the world.

Q. How weary do you have to be of his punching power which has been his calling card. He’s got 20 knockouts in a row.

DAVID LEMIEUX: Power is not something that frightens me. Nothing really frightens me when I’m in the ring, when I know I’m prepared. I know I’m going to take on the strongest there is, and I’m very confident in my strength so I have zero worries going into a fight against anybody when I’m perfectly ready, which I am today.

Q. Much respect for your willingness to tangle with Gennady Golovkin so soon after winning your first World Title, obviously a lessor competitor would have milked it. With the recent defeat of Lucas Matthysse and the potential defeat of Canelo at the hands of Cotto, do you feel any extra motivation to keep the Golden Boy Promotions name relevant in boxing? Can you carry the Golden Boy banner on your shoulders, if need be?

DAVID LEMIEUX: I think the names associated with me are going to be very proud to be associated with me, as long as they’re associated with me, Golden Boy, Eye of the Tiger, everybody with me is going to be proud. I bring a lot to the table, and I’m going to bring a tremendous amount of greatness on October 17th, so nobody is going to be disappointed, not the fans, not my family, and not my teammates.

Q. What are your thoughts on the Canelo/Cotto fight? Who do you think is going to win that, David?

DAVID LEMIEUX: I think it’s a very interesting fight, Cotto being the veteran, Canelo being the young, hungry guy, but I think the younger, hungrier guy has the advantage in this fight, being Canelo. Cotto is a great fighter, but I will give him the edge, I think, to Canelo on this one.

Q. We all know that you and Gennady Golovkin are the middleweight power punchers, and I know this has been touched on a little bit in the call but simply, who would be more important in this fight the good chin or the power punch?

DAVID LEMIEUX: The biggest heart!

Q. The good punch?

DAVID LEMIEUX: The fighter with the biggest heart, that can take and receive — it’s not about power this fight it’s about character and toughness and determination and who wants it more. We’re both hard punchers, everybody knows that but let’s see beyond that.

Q. My question is for David. David, I will ask my question in English, but I will appreciate if you can translate your answer right after in French just for me. Abel Sanchez told us the difference in that fight will be the boxing IQ. That Gennady Golovkin has the edge on that factor. Do you think that your lack of experience can be a factor, and you will do your best to show that you have the real great and final experience necessary to make it a good match?

DAVID LEMIEUX: You want it in French or English?

Q. Both.

DAVID LEMIEUX: I think Abel Sanchez and the whole team are quite underestimating me, but come October 17th I’m going to be very, very well prepared with my boxing abilities, my boxing skills, my strength and everything around it, so I’m going to be a very complete fighter. I’m not just David Lemieux, the power puncher, but I’m also David Lemieux the fighter.

So I’m going to come in there very complete and make sure that everything is well rounded to perfection.

Q. In French, please?

DAVID LEMIEUX: (Answering in French.)
Q. David, I wanted to talk not so much about the fight but the whole promotion leading up to the fight. Most of your fights in the past have all been local affairs, taking place at the Bell Center, this one has been quite different with the whole Pay-Per-View, press conferences in New York, LA, conference calls, lots of public training, I’m just wondering how that whole being on a much bigger stage, how it’s been for you and have you enjoyed it?

DAVID LEMIEUX: It’s been great. You know, this is the biggest achievement a fighter can have, to get a chance to unify the titles at Madison Square Garden being built up the way it is. I think I’ve come a long way, Golovkin has done a great job. We’re two great fighters, and we’re there to show the world what they want to see, but there will be only one who walks out of that place with the belt, and I’m planning to do that.

This has been a great, great camp, it’s been a tremendous achievement, you know, getting the IBF World Title against a very hard opponent, very good opponent like Hassan N’Dam, and now even higher, fighting against Golovkin, unifying those titles, so I’m very confident going into the fight. I’m very happy, very pleased with myself and my team to be where I am and to be doing what I’m doing.

Q. Getting a taste of it, how eager are you to continue at this level and have bigger and bigger fights as your future emerges?

DAVID LEMIEUX: We’re at a big fight right now, so I will take care of that and the future comes fast enough. The future comes fast enough, so I’ll take it a step at a time. You know, I want to do great things in my life so I’m — you know, that’s why I have to achieve great things. This fight for me is very important, not just to fight it but also to win it and to show some — to shock the world. I’m a big underdog in this fight and it’s perfect by me, I will be the same in the ring.

Q. Is that a role that you cherish? I mean, I don’t know that you’ve ever been an underdog in the past. How have you adjusted to being that, everybody saying, “David, you’re an underdog” it’s not words you’re used to hearing.

DAVID LEMIEUX: Yeah, well, it’s not a problem by me. I know who I am. I have a lot of confidence in myself and my team does, also, which is why we’re at where we’re at right now and a lot of fighters duck a lot of fighters, I don’t. Golovkin is a very good fighter, but I am also a very good fighter so it’s going to be even better for me when I win. To me it makes no difference. I don’t really pay attention, the numbers or to people who give out a lot of show. I’m focused in the fight, I’m fighting Golovkin in the ring, it’s me against him, and nothing else matters.

Q. David, I wanted to ask, after fighting most of your career in Canada, how important is it for you to come to America and put on a good show for a U.S. audience?

DAVID LEMIEUX: Well, you know, boxing, everybody knows that it’s — U.S. has dominated boxing and the big TV and everybody is there, so it’s very important for me to make sure I create a nice, strong fan base in the U.S. and then the world. It’s been very hard work but it’s finally pay off, especially since I fought against Rosado, coming in the fight in the market sensor, at first I got booed, then when I left the ring I got a standing ovation.

I think I bring enough to the table so I can — I’m a fan-friendly type of fighter, so I make sure I always respect the fans by giving them the best fight I can.

Q. Do you expect to have a fair amount of Canadian fans in house for you at The Garden?

DAVID LEMIEUX: Yes, actually I do. There is a lot of Canadians, Quebecers, coming down to support me, we will have a big — few buses that are coming down to support me, so, yes, I have a lot of Canadian fans here that have always been pushing me and motivating me since the beginning of my career and have been a great help in my great achievements in life in the boxing world.

So, yeah, I expect a nice crowd on my behalf.

Q. Oscar, we’ve seen the sport basically dominated by one guy over the last couple of years, now he’s supposedly retired. What’s your opinion, is the sport best when one guy is dominating, like maybe what Tyson was in his heyday or when you were in your time, or is it now about other people trying to make themselves known and become the best?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: No, we’re definitely going into this very unique era, the next era in boxing, which is very exciting, because not only will we be able to witness greatness from one individual fighter but a handful of fighters. October 17th, with Golovkin vs. Lemieux, the winner obviously will become, you know, the undisputed middleweight champion of the world and will be recognized as the very best.

We have November 21st with Canelo versus Cotto, another superstar in the make inning whoever wins that match-up so, you know, boxing was dominated in the past by one individual, whether it was Tyson, whether it was me or Chavez, Mayweather, in recent years, so we have exciting times to look forward to, but we will be able to witness several champions who will carry the sport for years to come.

Q. When you say boxing now, I know a lot of people were disappointed with the Mayweather/Pacquiao and they stayed away from Mayweather’s last fight. Do you see an opportunity — I don’t know if it’s to “revive” the sport but take it to a different level than trying to have 2 million Pay-Per-View buys and generate $4 million. Is it good to get back to the basics again?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: It’s always great to get back to the basics. For me, the Mayweather era was not about the respect, it was not about seeing who was the very best about — it wasn’t about the fights; it was about the business. And what we’re witnessing here with Golovkin and Lemieux, it’s about honor and pride, it’s about who is the best middleweight in the world. The same with Canelo versus Cotto.

As long as we can give the fight fans the best fight possible, you know, boxing will always continue to grow, the fight fans will continue to buy Pay-Per-View and will we see another 4 million Pay-Per-View fight? Absolutely! As long as we can keep on putting the best against the best.

Q. My question is for Marc Ramsey. I would like to hear your thoughts on Abel Sanchez talk about “GGG” having a higher boxing IQ and if like earlier, David, you could answer in both English and French, that would help me.

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN: To be honest, I don’t care. I don’t focus on what Abel Sanchez say or don’t say, because the night of the fight it’s going to be Golovkin against Lemieux, it’s not going to be me against Abel or something else, and if you look at the three last fights of David Lemieux, I really believe the three trainers of the last three opponents underestimate the ability and the IQ of David Lemieux to box. When people look at David Lemieux on video for sure the first thing you see, that guy has a lot of power, but they underestimate the ability of David Lemieux, and also his ring IQ, and they going to be the next ones to be surprised.

Q. Would you please answer in French?

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN: (Answering in French.)

Q. Anything you have done differently for this fight, preparation wise?

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN: No, we’ve — we train like we train usually, for sure we have a specific opponent. We analyze very well Mr. Golovkin, but at the same time it’s important for us to know what David Lemieux can bring to the ring and impose on that night, not only follow what is Gennady Golovkin but impose what is David Lemieux, what he can bring to that ring is very important, and we did a very good job at it the last eight weeks.

Q. Could you answer in French?

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN: (Answering in French.)

CECILIA ZUNIGA: Thanks, Mike. Now I would like to introduce David for his final comments. David, do you have any final comments?

DAVID LEMIEUX: October 17th, history will be made. It’s going to be a fight to be talked about for years to come and I’m extremely excited to be part of this great event and to be showing the world, you know, a great night of boxing. Unifying those titles is the absolute goal for me on October 17th, thank you.

CECILIA ZUNIGA: Thanks, David. Marc Ramsey, do you have any final comments?

MARC RAMSEY: Just that our piece of the puzzle are together and don’t miss the show; it’s going to be great event of boxing.

CECILIA ZUNIGA: Thank you, Marc. Camille, any final comments?

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN: Simply like to thank everybody for being there, being attentive to what we are doing and bringing boxing to the levels that it’s been for so many years. It’s the “Sweet Science” and these guys are going to contribute to the history and we are very, very confident that we are going to have a new superstar in David Lemieux. To repeat Oscar’s words, we have a great team around us with Oscar, Bernard, Marc, I feel like we have done fully all our homework and if we have been underestimated, then the price will be paid.

CECILIA ZUNIGA: Thank you, Camille. Now to make the closing comments, once again, Oscar De La Hoya.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Thank you for being on the call. Like everyone said, we’re all excited. October 17th will be one for the ages! It will be exciting, it will be historical, champion versus champion, sold-out arena will be a great indication that this event will be a total success all around, so we will see you fight week. We have a lot of exciting updates and a lot of — we have the training session, the media workouts, so we will see you in New York, thank you.

FastScripts by ASAP Sports

Golovkin vs. Lemieux is presented by K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with GGG Promotions and Eye of the Tiger Management and is sponsored by Corono Extra. The event will take place Saturday, October 17 from Madison Square Garden and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. ET and the first fight begins at 7:05 p.m. ET.

Tickets for GOLOVKIN vs. LEMIEUX are on sale now and priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50 and can purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

For more information visit, www.k2promos.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.gggboxing.com, www.eottm.com, www.thegarden.com, www.hboboxing.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @TomLoeffler1, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GGGBoxing, @LemieuxBoxing, @ChocolatitoBox, @BrianViloria and @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/GGGBoxing, www.facebook.com/EyeofTheTigerManagement and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and join the conversation using #GolovkinLemieux.

Oct. 5, 2015 – Leading up to the highly anticipated world middleweight title unification showdown between Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux – set for Saturday, October 17 and presented live by HBO Pay-Per-View® – HBO Sports will present the exclusive replay of two hard-hitting encounters that highlight the remarkable skill and power of these ring warriors.

On Friday, Oct. 9 at 12:00 a.m. (ET/PT) and Saturday, Oct. 10 at 9:00 a.m. (ET/PT), HBO2 will replay Golovkin vs. Monroe 2015 and Lemieux vs. Rosado 2014 back-to-back. This past May at The Forum in Inglewood, California, Gennady Golovkin extended his consecutive knockout streak to 20 in a row with a sixth round stoppage of Willie Monroe Jr. On December 6, 2014, David Lemieux displayed incredible resilience and ring skills against the rugged Gabriel Rosado and ended their battle in the 10th round by TKO.

Both fights will also be available 24 hours a day to HBO On Demand® and HBO GO® subscribers beginning Monday, Oct. 5.

Golovkin vs. Lemieux takes place Saturday, October 17 and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

Sept. 29, 2015 – Fight fans eager for a unique inside look at the red-hot October 17th HBO Pay-Per-View® world middleweight championship unification showdown between knockout artists and title-holders Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux, should mark their calendars to catch an all-new edition of “Face Off,” starring the two prizefighters. “Face Off With Max Kellerman: Golovkin/Lemieux” debuts Saturday, Oct. 10 at 11:20 p.m. (ET/PT).

Moderated by Max Kellerman, “Face Off” is an insightful and often gripping interview session in which the two fighters square off and answer Kellerman’s questions. This marks the first-ever appearance for both Golovkin and Lemieux on “Face Off.” In addition, the fighters will be joined on the set by their accomplished trainers. Both Abel Sanchez and Mark Ramsey will participate in the roundtable.

The Golovkin/Lemieux edition of “Face Off” is set to air multiple times on HBO and HBO2. “Face Off” will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO NOW, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing as well as various other new media platforms that distribute the program.

HBO air times include: October 11 (9:00 a.m.), 12 (4:00 p.m.), 14 (10:30 a.m. & 9:45 p.m.), 15 (5:15 p.m. & 4:50 a.m.), 16 (12:15 a.m.) and 17 (9:45 a.m.).

HBO 2 air times include: October 11 (12:00 p.m.), 12 (12:15 a.m.), 13 (1:45 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.), 14 (1:30 a.m.), 16 (7:45 p.m.) and 17 (5:30 p.m.).

All times are ET/PT.

“Face Off With Max Kellerman: Golovkin/Lemieux” is part of the mix of original programming surrounding the spectacular showdown at the world’s most famous arena. The evening’s co-feature will be a world flyweight title bout as undefeated champion Roman ”Chocolatito” Gonzalez meets skilled challenger Brian Viloria. It all culminates when Golovkin vs. Lemieux takes place Saturday, Oct. 17 from New York’s famed Madison Square Garden. The fight card will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

MONTREAL (September 23, 2015) – IBF Middleweight World Champion power-puncher David Lemieux (34-2, 31 KOs) of Montreal, Quebec, Canada held an open to the public media work out at the historic Forum in Montreal today. The Montreal native is set to face WBA, IBO and WBC Interim Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (33-0, 30 KOs) in a highly anticipated Middleweight World Championship Title Unification on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. The championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions; Bernard Hopkins, Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner and Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management were all in attendance as David entertained the cheering fans and media to a display of his punching power alongside trainer Marc Ramsay. Below are what David, his promoters and team had to say about his upcoming fight against Genneday Golovkin on October 17.

DAVID LEMIEUX, IBF Middleweight World Champion:

“Golovkin has not faced a fighter like me before. I am an aggressive fighter and I am confident in my abilities. I feel that I will be successful on Oct. 17.

“It means a lot to have Oscar and Bernard here with me today. I feel like I am stepping on their footsepts on my way to something great, on my way to become the next great world champion. They are a great example to me, I respect their career and the men they are.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“This is the fight of his life, the one he has been waiting for to take him to the next level. Yes it is not an easy one but is a fight that David can win.

“I feel that with David being a champion and Golovkin being a champion this is a fight all the people will enjoy.

“Everyone is so accustomed to seeing Golovkin be a forward and aggressive boxer, but I don’t think he will do that with David. David will put the pressure on him and it will be an advantage for David.

“This time Golovkin will be in front of David for David to land his big punches. I believe it is going to be easier than N’Dam because of his style. N’Dam was a long range fighter and was using his distance and I believe David will knock out Golovkin.

“GGG has not faced a strong fighter and a smart fighter like David Lemieux in his career.”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN, President of Eye of The Tiger Management:

“We are prepared and we are looking forward to the 17th. The closer we get to the date the more confident we are.

“David’s training has gone beyond our hopes. He is stronger everyday and I know this is going to be a year for him. He will make his hometown proud on Oct. 17.”

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“All the greats have fought at Madison Square Garden, but here you have two foreigners who will sell out the area.

“There will be 20000 people cheering on David and Gennady, they have transcended borders.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner:

“David is a popular fighter he will win over all the fans in New York. They love David in Philly, they love his forward style.”

MARC RAMSAY, Head Trainer for David Lemieux:

“David has been very focused in the gym and has 100% committed to his training for this fight. He is they type of fighter that comes into the gym every day and works at a level above every day.

“David is known for his power in the ring, but he surprises me everyday. That’s good; he is going to surprise a lot of people on Oct. 17.”

Tickets for Golovkin vs. Lemieux are on sale now and are priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, tickets can purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com orwww.thegarden.com.

Golovkin vs. Lemieux is presented by K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with GGG Promotions and Eye of the Tiger Management. The event will take place Saturday, October 17 from Madison Square Garden and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. ET and first fight begins at 7:00 p.m. ET.

For more information visit, www.k2promos.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.gggboxing.com, www.eottm.com, www.thegarden.com, www.hboboxing.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @TomLoeffler1, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GGGBoxing, @LemieuxBoxing, @ChocolatitoBox, @BrianViloria and @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/GGGBoxing, www.facebook.com/EyeofTheTigerManagement and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and join the conversation using #GolovkinLemieux.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 22, 2015) – On Saturday, Oct. 17, the “Mecca of Boxing,” Madison Square Garden, will host two additional stellar world title matchups as undefeated Cuban heavyweight Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (22-0, 19 KOs) takes on Matias Ariel “El Matador” Vidondo (20-1-1, 18 KOs) for the Interim WBA Heavyweight World Title and middleweight standout Tureano Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) is set to face Eamonn “King Kane” O’Kane (14-1-1, 5 KOs) in an IBF Middleweight World Title Eliminator. Both bouts, scheduled for 12-rounds, will be featured on the televised undercard of the Middleweight World Championship Title Unification bout between WBC, IBO and WBC “Interim” Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin and IBF Middleweight Champion David Lemieux. The championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

The winner of the Johnson-O’Kane bout will become the mandatory challenger for the IBF Middleweight Championship being contested in the main event between Golovkin and Lemieux.

Previously announced, in the co-featured bout of the Pay-Per-View telecast, Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez will defend his WBC Flyweight Championship against two-time former world champion Brian Viloria.

“Luis Ortiz is the real deal – not only does he have tremendous power, but he moves extremely well for a man of his size,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “If he gets past Vidondo, and captures his first heavyweight title, fights against anyone in the division – including Wladimir Klitschko – will be on the table.”

“The only way to be the best is to beat the best and taking on Matias and fighting for the Interim WBA Heavyweight World Title is a big step to proving that I am the best,” said Luis Ortiz. “But I am more than ready, I am too fast and too strong for Vidondo and I will prove that on October 17. My dream has always been to become the heavyweight champion of the world and this fight is a big step closer to that dream.”

“Making my U.S. debut while fighting for the interim WBA Heavyweight World Title is a big opportunity for me,” said Matias Ariel Vidondo. “I will get to showcase my power in front of a national stage on HBO Pay-Per-View and on the undercard of one of the biggest nights in boxing this year. I promise my fans and Argentina that I will not let them down. I will be victorious on October 17 and bring home a title.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity that has been awarded to me, to be able to fight in the IBF Middleweight Title Eliminator,” said Tureano Johnson. “It was long awaited, I feel like I am halfway there on the path to accomplishing my goal to becoming a world champion and with Golden Boy Promotions at my side I know it’s inevitable. HBO Pay-Per-View is a major platform and I’m excited to have been chosen and featured as one of their televised fights. I know that the fans have high expectations and they will not be disappointed.”

“I am looking forward to proving I am the next great middleweight champion on October 17,” said Eamonn O’Kane. “I have been waiting for this opportunity my whole career and now that it is finally here I am glad it will be at the ‘Mecca of Boxing,’ Madison Square Garden.”

Fans in attendance will also see a trio of impressive non-televised undercard matchups featuring top prospects from around the globe. In a 10-round lightweight bout, Montreal’s Ghislain Maduma (17-1, 11 KOs) makes his United States debut against the undefeated Maurice Hooker (18-0-2, 14 KOs) of Dallas, TX. Another 135-pounder drawing rave reviews is Washington, D.C. native Lamont Roach Jr. (8-0, 3 KOs) who is scheduled for a six-round lightweight bout. Opening up the night, undefeated super lightweight fighter Ruslan Madiev (5-0, 3 KOs) will fight in a four-round fight. Opponents for Roach and Madiev will be announced shortly.

Tickets for GOLOVKIN vs. LEMIEUX are on sale now and are priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, tickets can purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

Cuban amateur great, Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz had amassed nearly 350 wins before making his way to the United States to chase championship gold as a professional. Unbeaten in 24 bouts, the 36-year-old southpaw holds a knockout win over Monte Barrett, and in his most recent bout in June, he needed less than a round to dispatch Byron Polley. Looking to regain the interim WBA title, Ortiz is more motivated than ever to call himself a “World Champion.”

Currently sporting a 10-fight winning streak, Rosario, Argentina’s Matias Ariel Vidondo is nicknamed “El Matador,” but he has played the bull in knocking out his opponent in 18 of his 20 wins. A professional since 2010, the Argentinean heavyweight champion will fight for the first time outside of his home country on October 17, but the 38-year-old is eager to return with a world heavyweight championship belt in his suitcase.

A native of Nassau in the Bahamas, 31-year-old Tureano Johnson proudly represented his nation in the 2008 Olympics, making it to the quarterfinals in Beijing. In 2010, he turned professional and soared up the middleweight ladder before a controversial 2014 loss to Curtis Stevens. Undeterred, Johnson has since won four fights, three by knockout, and as the newest member of the Golden Boy Promotions roster, he knows that if he keeps winning, he will earn a shot at the title in one of boxing’s most storied divisions.

One of Northern Ireland’s most accomplished amateur fighters, Belfast’s Eamonn “King Kane” O’Kane won a gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and defeated the likes of George Groves and Anthony Ogogo before making his professional debut in 2011. Since then, the 33-year-old has gone unbeaten in all but one of his bouts. He heads into New York City having put together a 6-0-1 record in his last seven, a stretch that includes a 12-round win over previously unbeaten Lewis Taylor in defense of his IBF Intercontinental title in May.

A native of Kinshasa, the 30-year-old Maduma was a five-time Quebec champion as an amateur, and after a second-round technical knockout over Michele Focosi in June, he wants to keep the momentum going.

Lamont Roach Jr. has impressed fans since turning professional in 2014, and on October 17, he will enter the hallowed ring at Madison Square Garden for the first time in a six-round bout. Winner of three bouts thus far in 2015, Roach’s wins over Herbert Quartey, Jose Miguel Castro and Christian Santibanez have shown him to be a young boxer getting better with each fight.

Kazakhstan native Ruslan Madiev has made short work of his professional career having won more than half of those fights by knockout. Most recently the 22-year-old Madiev scored a second round knockout of Julio Sanchez on May 16 on the undercard of the Gennady Golovkin/Willie Monroe sold-out event at the Forum in Los Angeles.

Madiev is also trained by the renowned Abel Sanchez alongside Golovkin in Big Bear, California.

Golovkin vs. Lemieux is presented by K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with GGG Promotions and Eye of the Tiger Management. The event will take place Saturday, October 17 from Madison Square Garden and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. ET and first fight begins at 7:00 p.m. ET.

For more information visit, www.k2promos.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.gggboxing.com, www.eottm.com, www.thegarden.com, www.hboboxing.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @TomLoeffler1, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GGGBoxing, @LemieuxBoxing, @ChocolatitoBox, @BrianViloria and @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/GGGBoxing, www.facebook.com/EyeofTheTigerManagement and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and join the conversation using #GolovkinLemieux.

Sept. 21, 2015 – HBO Boxing presents “Road to Golovkin/Lemieux,” an exhilarating special examining the upcoming middleweight unification fight between title-holders Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux. In a highly anticipated 160-pound showdown set for the big stage at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, Oct. 17, Golovkin and Lemieux will finally meet in the ring. The encounter will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View ®.

The “Road to Golovkin/Lemieux” special will premiere Saturday, Oct. 3 at 12:15 a.m.(ET/PT) on HBO immediately following a live HBO Boxing After Dark® card from Carson, CA. It will preview the powerhouse meeting between two accomplished ring warriors who have been on a journey to confront each other in the ring. The special will provide all-new content including portraits of both fighters’ path to this significant fall showdown.

Golovkin, who has been spectacular since his U.S. debut in 2012, brings a perfect 33-0 record with 30 KOs into the confrontation. He has knocked out his last 20 opponents and become one the sport’s top attractions. Montreal’s Lemieux sports a sterling record of 34-2 with 31 KOs and possesses the style of fighting and punching power that makes this fight one of the most anticipated boxing events of the year.

The special will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO NOW, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing as well as various other new media platforms that distribute the series.

Other HBO playdates: October 4 (10:00 a.m.), 5 (9:30 a.m.), 6 (4:30 p.m. & 1:15 a.m.), 7 (9:45 p.m. & 1:35 a.m.), 16 (1:45 p.m. & 12:00 a.m.) and 17 (9:30 a.m.).

HBO2 playdates: October 5 (2:00 a.m.), 9 (11:15 a.m. & 8:30 p.m.), 10 (10:15 a.m.) 14 (2:45 p.m. & 12:15 a.m.), 16 (7:30 p.m.) and 17 (5:15 p.m.).

All times are ET/PT.

LONDON (4 Sept) – As announced on ‘Bunce’s Boxing Hour’ one of this year’s most exciting fights has landed on BoxNation with knockout artists Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux set to produce a spectacular showdown on October 17th.

The two world champions meet head-to-head in one of the most eagerly anticipated unification clashes in 2015, as they look to prove who is the best middleweight on the planet, live and exclusive on the world’s number one boxing channel.

Kazakh hitman Golovkin has risen to become among the most electrifying fighters around accumulating 30 knockouts in his 33 wins, picking up the WBA, IBO and interim WBC world title belts along the way.

However, up against an equally impressive banger in IBF world champion Lemieux, who has 31 knockouts from 34 wins, he will be tested like never before.

Fireworks are guaranteed when these two 160-pound all-action titans clash at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden in a matchup that has ‘Fight of the Year’ written all over it.

“I’m very excited to face David Lemieux to prove who is number one in the middleweight division,” said Golovkin. “I look forward to fighting again at Madison Square Garden and putting on another Big Drama Show for my fans in New York City.”

“I’ve said that I don’t care who I fight, so long as they are the best, and Golovkin is the best out there in the middleweight division,” Lemieux said. “GGG may be the most feared man in boxing, but after October 17th, there will be a new feared man in the middleweight division. Two very powerful punchers are coming into the ring. There will be blood; there will be fireworks, and I am confident I will emerge victorious.”

The mouth-watering battle joins an already packed schedule on ‘The Channel of Champions’ BoxNation, who are also set to air pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather’s final bout against Andre Berto on September 12th.

BoxNation continually showcases the very best fights from around the world and in Golovkin versus Lemieux British fight fans will get the chance to see two fighters who each have a devastating knockout ratio of over 90 percent.

33-year-old Golovkin, who had a glittering amateur career, has stopped his last 20 straight opponents inside the distance while defending his title fourteen times, most recently in May of this year against Willie Monroe Jr in front of 12,000 fans at The Forum in Los Angeles.

The scintillating Lemieux is also coming off a highly impressive win after dominating the brave Hassan N’Dam over 12 rounds in June, scoring 4 knockdowns in the process, to set up a gripping meeting with the formidable Golovkin.

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, TalkTalk 415, online or app) for only £12 a month visit boxnation.com.

-Ends-
About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at Livesport.tv and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 21, 2015) Boxing superstar, WBA, IBO and WBC Interim Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (33-0, 30 KOs) and IBF Middleweight World Champion power-puncher David Lemieux (34-2, 31 KOs) of Montreal, Quebec hosted the final press conference on their three-city tour in Los Angeles on Thursday, August 20. The fighters received a warm welcome with a huge reception including a large crowd of media members in attendance and fans who eagerly waited outside the venue doors trying to get in or sneak a peak at their boxing heroes.

The successful Los Angeles press tour stop for Golovkin vs. Lemieux capped a week of exciting media events for the two middleweight champion fighters. On Tuesday, Aug. 18 in New York City, Golovkin and Lemieux took to the top of the famous Empire State Building to pose with their middleweight championship belts before ending the day with a packed-house at Chase Square at Madison Square Garden for the kick-off press conference.

On Wednesday, Aug. 19, the two fighters traveled to David’s hometown of Montreal, Quebec for the second press conference on the tour where both fighters were well received though Lemieux was clearly favored by the fans in attendance.

Golovkin vs. Lemieux will fight for the Middleweight World Championship Title Unification on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. The championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Below are what the fighters and their teams had to say at the final press tour stop in Los Angeles:

GENNADY GOLOVKIN, WBA, IBO and WBC Interim Middleweight World Champion:

“I feel like I am home here in LA. This is the biggest present for fans. It’s an amazing time for us. Right now I am very excited and very happy.

“This fight has it all. Pay-Per-View, a title unification, and a great opponent. Like Bernard Hopkins said, this is an amazing time.

“I promise an amazing show. There are a lot of champions on this event with David, Chocolatito, and me on the card. Oct. 17 is the next part of the story. Everybody tune in on Oct. 17.”

DAVID LEMIEUX, IBF Middleweight World Champion:

“Yes, I do believe that I can win on Oct. 17 against Gennady Golovkin. I don’t just believe it; I know what it takes to win. I’m going to this fight because I know how to win. I know how to do this because of my experience; I know my abilities, and I know myself inside and outside the ring. I’m here today because of my great determination.

“I’ve come a long way and I’m proud to be here today to fight the Goliath of the middleweight division. Gennady Golovkin is a good champion; he has good values. But, in the ring you’re not friends. It’s two pit bulls going for the neck.

“If there is any body up to the challenge to beat Golovkin, it’s me. Something great will happen on October 17.”

ROMAN “CHOCOLATITO” GONZALEZ, WBC Flyweight World Champion:

“This will be one of my best fights, and I am honored to fight on the undercard of a Golovkin fight once again.

“Everybody tune in October 17, and I will give one of the best fights ever and dedicate this fight to my family and fans in Nicaragua.”

BRIAN “HAWAIIAN PUNCH” VILORIA, Former Two-Time World Division World Champion:

“This is the biggest stage in my career. It’s far from fighting at the swap meet and clubs. October 17 is going to be a great night. To be in the ring with Roman Gonzalez, and the same stage as Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux is an honor.

“I know we will have a great fight on October 17 for the fans. This is what I have been training all my life for. I’m training my butt off and I want to show the fans a great fight.”

TOM LOEFFLER, Managing Director of K2 Promotions:

“Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux – this is the kind of fight that fans respond to. Two middleweight titles on the line. This is a winner-take-all fight and that is what the fans like to see.

“This is Gennady’s first Pay-Per-View fight on HBO. He has fought on HBO eight times. He is the fastest rising fighter to make his debut in America and to make the transition to Pay-Per-View. This is the type of show where fans will get a lot of value for their money.

“This fight has one of the best co-main events we’ve seen in recent times. It could be its own main event.

“This isn’t a one-sided promotion. These are two champions bringing their belts to the ring. For five years we tried to get another champion to fight Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux is the first one to accept the challenge.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner:

“Thank you to Gennady and David for doing this, for taking an opportunity to look at your selves and want to prove that you are the best in this division by being the undisputed champion.

“To be here and look at the undisputed fight on October 17 at Madison Square Garden and on HBO Pay-Per-View is surreal – to witness it live and play a part of it as a partner at Golden Boy Promotions is something special.

“We set out at the beginning of the year by boldly saying that we would put on the best fights for the fan. We have done that and will continue to do it. GBP is closing this year out with a bang in boxing. The ending is always something you talk about. Everyone will be talking about how we are ending 2015.

“Thank you to GGG and David Lemieux for doing what is sadly rarely done in boxing, a unification fight. Sit back and tell everybody to not miss this fight because this has ‘Fight of the Year’ written all over it. Get your popcorn ready before the bell rings.”

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President at Golden Boy Promotions:

“This is very exciting. Today’s turnout in Los Angeles just proves this is a fight fans want to see. Boxing should be about the best fights.

“Thank you to Tom Loeffler at K2 Promotions. We made this fight in about three days. It was easy because both guys wanted to fight each other. These are the fights that are easy to make.

“This fight is kind of like David and Goliath. You have a real David, David Lemieux, who also had a slingshot when he was young. And you have Gennady Golovkin, the Goliath. Why did David (Lemieux) decide to fight the Goliath, Golovkin? Because he thinks he can win. That’s what is great about this fight. Another David took on Goliath thousands of years ago and he won. Greatness is achieved when you take on a difficult fight and you overcome to win.”

“David wants to be great. He doesn’t want to be a puppet and be told who he has to fight. He chose to fight Gennady Golovkin Goliath because he believes he can win.”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN, President of Eye of the Tiger Management and Manager to David Lemieux:

“It takes two fighters that want to fight to make this fight. Both Gennady and David want to fight the best out there.

“Champion has a true meaning. It’s about fighting the best and not about ducking fights for business. It’s about the fans.

“We truly feel that October 17 is when your perspective will change. This is not the Gennady Golovkin fight. David fought once before on HBO, and now he will be on Pay-Per-View. After October 17, your perspective will change and you will remember David Lemieux.”

ABEL SANCHEZ, Head Trainer for Gennady Golovkin:

“Thank you to the fans for their support. I anticipate this to be a difficult fight. David is a tough competitor. He proved that in his last two fights against Gabriel Rosado and Hassan N’Dam.

“David is a big puncher but so is Gennady. The fans will come out the winner on Oct. 17.”

MARK RAMSEY, Head Trainer for David Lemieux:

“I’m so proud to be part of a promotions that generates such interest from everybody because we are giving the fans exactly what the want.

“We know David understand how big of a challenge he will face with GGG. You need to truly understand your opponent. David will face an amazing athlete on Oct. 17 and he will be ready.”

CARLOS BLANDON, Manager for Roman Gonzalez:

“Thank you to HBO for this opportunity. Madison Square Garden is one of the biggest venues in the world. We believe this will be a great fight just like Roman Gonzalez gave May 16. He is training to give you a great fight. We feel overwhelmed by this opportunity and thank the United States for welcoming Roman with open arms.”

GARY GITTELSOHN, Manager for Brian Viloria:

“TV executives in the U.S. were unwilling to showcase fights below a certain weight on broadcast venues for a long time. Now, we have the best flyweights in the world set to fight on HBO Pay-Per-View. You’re not going to want to miss this fight. It’s a guaranteed barnburner. Both fighters will deliver Hall of Fame worthy fights. They don’t trash talk; they are gentlemen and do their fighting in the ring.”

JOSE “PEPE” SULAIMAN, JR., CEO of the World Boxing Council:

“This double header is quite a card, and the WBC is very excited to be part of it.

“Brian Viloria is a former champion and will be a tough opponent so it will be a very exciting fight against Roman Gonzalez. There is much at stake with this fight.

“The WBC will order the winner of Golovkin-Lemieux on Oct. 17 to fight the winner of Cotto-Canelo. This is very good news for the sport of boxing. This is exactly what boxing needs.”

TONY WALKER, National Director of Pay-Per-View Sales for HBO:

“There is no doubt Golovkin vs. Lemieux is a great fight. It’s a fight truly worthy of Golovkin’s entry to the Pay-Per-View stage.

“Golovkin is one of the greatest fighters in the world today, and he’s exciting to watch. Fans are going to get tremendous value from the Pay-Per-View because there is also a great co-main event with Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonazlez vs. Brian ‘Hawaiian Punch’ Viloria.

“For the fans that can’t make it to New York to watch this fight in person at Madison Square Garden, check out HBO Pay-Per-View. We are going to give you a great telecast on Oct 17.”

Tickets for GOLOVKIN vs. LEMIEUX are on sale now and are priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, tickets can purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.comor www.thegarden.com.

Golovkin vs. Lemieux is presented by K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with GGG Promotions and Eye of the Tiger Management and is sponsored by Corona. The event will take place Saturday, October 17 from Madison Square Garden and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information visit, www.k2promos.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.gggboxing.com, www.eottm.com, www.thegarden.com, www.hboboxing.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @TomLoeffler1, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GGGBoxing, @LemieuxBoxing, @ChocolatitoBox, @BrianViloria and @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/K2Ukraine, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/GGGBoxing, www.facebook.com/EyeofTheTigerManagement and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and join the conversation using #GolovkinLemieux.

NEW YORK (August 18, 2015) – Ahead of their title unification bout, boxing superstar, WBA, IBO and WBC Interim Middleweight World Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN (33-0, 30 KOs) and IBF Middleweight World Champion power-puncher DAVID LEMIEUX (34-2, 31 KOs) of Montreal, Quebec, held a New York City press conference to kick-off their three-city press tour today. Earlier in the day the fighters took the time to visit one of New York’s most iconic city landmarks, the Empire State Building. Golovkin vs. Lemieux is more of the most anticipated fights for the Middleweight Unified World Championship and is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. The championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Below are what the fighters and their teams had to say:

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN, WBA, IBO and WBC Interim Middleweight World Champion:

“I want to thank my team, K2 Promotions, HBO and Golden Boy for the most amazing deal this is by far the biggest present for the fans. This fight will go down in history as one of the best.
“HBO and Madison Square Garden are a family to me, they have helped shape my career and we have so far created great history here.

“I think that we have heard a lot of talk about performances, but I promise an amazing show on October 17. Not just for the main event but for all the fights in the card. And I want to welcome all my fans to come watch this event live at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 17.”

DAVID LEMIEUX, IBF Middleweight World Champion:
“Who would have thought a small kid like me would end up fighting at Madison Square Garden, ‘The Mecca of Boxing’. I am extremely proud to be here, this event is already historical breaking MSG’s record for most tickets sold for a boxing event during a pre-sale.

“You can expect what you see and what you know from us on Oct. 17, two exciting fighters ready to give the fans a really fight.

“In boxing you have to be ready for anything, patterns change. I am ready to be part of that change and become the unified middleweight world champion.

“I respect Golovkin I think he is great fighter, but I’m not here to be his friend I am here to be is opponent. I promise you, there will be blood.

“I am extremely proud to be here and I just want to say that you will see history in the making on Oct 17.”

TOM LOEFFLER. Managing Director of K2 Promotions:

“Finally a champion is fighting GGG and we want to thank team Lemieux, Golden Boy Pomotions, HBO and Madison Square Garden for this opportunity.

“This is going to be an exciting event with each fighter willing to prove that they are the best middleweight champion in the world.

“It was our goal for Golovkin, when he first started fighting in USA, to make MSG his home. And you can see the quick rise of Golovkin, it has been the fastest of any fighter fighting in north America.

“Each belt signifies you are the best, it couldn’t be a better time than now for the middleweight division since the winner for Golovkin vs. Lemieux will have a mandatory fight with the winner of Cotto vs. Canelo winner.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner:

“This event is really surreal for me. We don’t have one guy to represent that division now, but here at again at Madison Square Garden I can proudly say that the middleweight division is in good hands. I left my DNA here in this building defending the middleweight title and on Oct. 17 these two fighters will do the same to prove to the world they are the unified middleweight champion.

“We at Golden Boy Promotions talk about putting on the best fights and we with Golovkin vs. Lemieux I am proud to say that we have delivered.

“I want to thank K2 Promottions, HBO and Madison Square Garden for helping put on this fight.

“These fighters are getting ready to start their own legacy in the middleweight division and what better place than ‘The Mecca of Boxing.'”

ABEL SANCHEZ, Head Trainer for Gennady Golovkin:

“This is the kind of fight the fights have been asking for and I just want to say that we will be ready for David on Oct. 17.

“I know David will be in great shape thanks to his trainer Marc. I want to assure fans that we will adding surprises to our game plan to make sure we are successful.”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN, Manager for David Lemieux, President of Eye of the Tiger Management:

“What a great honor to be standing here today. I want to echo all the thank you’s to MSG, HBO, K2. I have the upmost respect for Tom. Thank you for being so great to boxing and thank you for your cooperation while making this fight.

“This is the fight that the people want to see, the winner will be the star of boxing today.
“I can guarantee that David Lemieux will give his best performance at MSG. He never cheats himself; he works hard and believes me this guy will give you something you have never seen before.

“We have a lot of respect for Golovkin but I do have to say that by Oct 18 all the salons will be busy with the David Lemieux haircut.”

MARK RAMSEY, Head Trainer for David Lemieux:

“I would like to thank everyone here today. Just putting their names on the poster we are giving fans what they want.

“We are in an era where champions want to escape fighters and I am lucky to be part of a team with a fighter who has the courage to fight the best.”

JOEL FISHER, Executive Vice President, MSG Sports:

“This fight is going to be special, a great night and another historic night of boxing at Madison Square Garden.

“It’s a fight not to be missed. I know it will sell out by the end of the week, we have already sold 15,000 tickets in less than a week and we have doubled the highest presale record at Madison Square Garden.

“These fighters are both of great quality, combined they have a 90% knock out ration, so you know there will be firewords at garden on Oct. 17.”

JILL DIAMOND, World Boxing Council Representative:

“The fans will win on October 17.

“The winner of Golovkin – Lemieux will be mandated to fight the winner of Cotto-Canelo.
“Thanks for the setting the stage for so many fights to come.”

TAMMY ROSS, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Integrations at HBO Sports:

“There is no doubt this is a great fight and will definitely will be a fight of the year contender. With a 90% knockout ration between the fighters, ‘The Mecca of Boxing’ is the place for this showdown, the place where legends are made.

“I am also proud to announce the price for Golovkin vs. Lemieux will be 49.99. There is no obstacle for fans to watch Golovkin vs. Lemieux on October 17.”

Tickets for GOLOVKIN vs. LEMIEUX are on sale now and are priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, tickets can purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

Golovkin vs. Lemieux is presented by K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with GGG Promotions and Eye of the Tiger Management. The event will take place Saturday, October 17 from Madison Square Garden and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information visit, www.k2promos.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.gggboxing.com, www.eottm.com, www.thegarden.com, www.hboboxing.com, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @TomLoeffler1, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GGGBoxing, @LemieuxBoxing, @ChocolatitoBox, @BrianViloria and @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/K2Ukraine, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/GGGBoxing, www.facebook.com/EyeofTheTigerManagementandwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxingand join the conversation using #GolovkinLemieux.

New York City (August 12, 2015) A new Madison Square Garden box office record has been set by the highly anticipated World Middleweight Championship Title Unification between WBA/IBO and “Interim” WBC Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN, (33-0, 30KO’s), and IBF Champion DAVID LEMIEUX (34-2, 31KO’s) headlining the historic venue on Saturday, October 17.

A pre-sale of over 6,000 tickets established a new record at the “Mecca of Boxing”, shattering all previous marks for boxing events.

“The interest from fans in this middleweight title unification has been overwhelming,” said Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions. “Madison Square Garden has never had a faster pre-sale for a boxing event. “

“We’re ecstatic at the response from the pre-sale and look forward to very strong ticket sales continuing throughout the promotion. With this high level of interest we strongly encourage boxing fans to purchase their tickets well in advance.”

“This record-breaking pre-sale only confirms that this fight will be one of the most exciting of the year as the best meets the best for middleweight supremacy,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Fans are thirsty for action and they know that is what David Lemieux and Gennady Golovkin will deliver on October 17 at Madison Square Garden.”

“It’s not a surprise and we are thrilled that tickets are going fast for Golovkin vs. Lemieux at The Garden on October 17th,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Sports. “Gennady has made a name for himself in New York – he has fought at The Garden four times and knocked out all four opponents. Between Golovkin and Lemieux they have a staggering 61 KO’s in 69 fights and we’re urging fans not to blink once the bell rings.”

Just announced, ROMAN “Chocolatito” GONZALEZ, (43-0, 37KO’s) will defend his WBC Flyweight World Championship against former two-division world champion BRIAN “The Hawaiian Punch” VILORIA (36-4, 22KO’s) as the exciting co-feature on October 17 at Madison Square Garden.

Tickets for GOLOVKIN vs. LEMIEUX are on sale now and are priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, tickets can purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

Golovkin vs. Lemieux is presented by K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with GGG Promotions and Eye of the Tiger Management. The championship event will take place Saturday, October 17 from Madison Square Garden and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

For fight updates on GOLOVKIN vs. LEMIEUX and GONZALEZ vs. VILORIA via social media follow on Twitter and Instagram at @TomLoeffler1, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GGGBoxing, @LemieuxBoxing, @ChocolatitoBox, @BrianViloria and @HBOBoxing and join the conversation using #GolovkinLemieux and #GonzalezViloria.

Also become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/GGGBoxing, www.facebook.com/EyeofTheTigerManagement and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

For more information visit, www.k2promos.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.gggboxing.com, www.eottm.com, www.thegarden.com, www.hboboxing.com.

NEW YORK CITY (August 11, 2015) Undefeated World Boxing Council Flyweight World Champion ROMAN “Chocolatito” GONZALEZ (43-0, 37 KO’s) will defend his title against former two-division world champion BRIAN “The Hawaiian Punch” VILORIA (36-4, 22KO’s) as the co-feature to the World Middleweight Title Unification battle between GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN and DAVID LEMIEUX set for Saturday, October 17 at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. The championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Advance tickets priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50 will go on sale this Wednesday, August 12 at 12:00 p.m. ET through the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

GONZALEZ vs. VILORIA is presented by K2 Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions.

“I want to thank God, my Teiken family, especially Mr. Honda and my team for helping me fight again in the United States and now on the HBO Pay-Per-View platform,” said Gonzalez. “I know Brian Viloria is a great champion and it will be a hard fight, but I am ready for the challenge. I have faith that God will give me the strength to keep training and be able to give all my fans my best fight ever.”

Stated Viloria, “I’ve fought and won on the world’s biggest stages against the best of the best. I’ve prepared my whole life to win at every level of competition from World Amateur titles to the Olympic Games to professional world titles. And this fight, against Roman Gonzalez, is likely to be my biggest challenge yet. But, it’s Roman’s biggest challenge too. This is the realization of my dreams and I will make the most of it on fight night.”

“I applaud Roman for accepting this fight, together, we will give boxing fans something special, something they can talk about for a very long time.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome back Roman Gonzalez as the co-feature once again to one of Gennady’s fight, his performance at the Forum in May was extraordinary and made for a terrific pairing,” said Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions.

“With Roman defending his title against former world champion Brian Viloria, one of the best flyweights in the world, fans in the arena and those watching on HBO Pay-Per-View will see an outstanding battle as the lead-in to Golovkin vs. Lemieux.”

“On Oct. 17th, fights fans are going to be treated to a tremendous night of action headlined by not only the spectacular Golovkin-Lemieux main event, but also a terrific co-feature starring ‘Chocolatito” Gonzalez and Brian Viloria,” said Mark Taffet, Senior Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View. “’Chocolatito’ was spectacular in his HBO debut last May and Brian is the essence of an intense competitor. The co-promoters of this event are determined to deliver tremendous value to boxing fans on Oct. 17 at Madison Square Garden, and we are delighted to be presenting the card on the HBO Pay-Per-View service.”

The 28-year-old Gonzalez, of Managua, Nicaragua had a sensational debut on HBO at the Forum in Los Angeles on May 16 stopping former world champion Edgar Sosa in the second round in front of a huge crowd of over 12,000 Southern California boxing fans. The fight was the HBO televised co-feature to Gennady Golovkin’s sixth round stoppage of Willie Monroe.

The knockout of Sosa, Gonzalez’s ninth straight stoppage, was lauded by the international boxing media who also praised K2 Promotions and HBO for providing Gonzalez the opportunity to showcase his skills on the sport’s biggest stage.

Gonzalez is currently ranked #2 in the ESPN and Ring Magazine’s Pound-For-Pound ratings.

A member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team, the 34-year-old heavy-handed Viloria has thrilled boxing fans worldwide with his spectacular performances throughout his career.

Since parting with his WBA/WBO flyweight titles in a very close, split decision loss to Juan Estrada in April 2013, Viloria has stormed back to the win column with four sensational victories including three by knockout.

Most recently Viloria stopped former world title challenger Omar Soto in the first round on July 25 in Hollywood, California.

GOLOVKIN vs. LEMIEUX is presented by K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with GGG Promotions and Eye of the Tiger Management. Further details on a national press tour will be announced shortly.

For fight updates on GOLOVKIN VS. LEMIEUX and GONZALEZ vs. VILORIA via social media, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @GGGBoxing, @LemieuxBoxing, @ChocolatitoBox, @BrianVilora, @TomLoeffler1, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing along with www.facebook.com/GGGBoxing Use the hashtag #GolovkinLemieux and #GonzalezViloria to join the conversation on Twitter.

NEW YORK CITY (August 3, 2015) Advance tickets will go on sale Wednesday, August 12 at 12:00 p.m. ET for the highly anticipated World Middleweight Title Unification battle between Boxing superstar, WBA, IBO and WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN (33-0, 30 KOs) and IBF Middleweight Champion, Montreal power-puncher DAVID LEMIEUX (34-2, 31 KOs), set for Saturday, October 17 at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden.

Priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, tickets can purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at TicketMaster.com or TheGarden.com.

Golovkin vs. Lemieux is presented by K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with GGG Promotions and Eye of the Tiger Management. Further details on a national press tour will be announced shortly.

For fight updates on GOLOVKIN VS. LEMIEUX via social media, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @GGGBoxing, @LemieuxBoxing, and @TomLoeffler1.Use the hashtag #GolovkinLemieux to join the conversation on Twitter.

Also visit the websites www.HBOBoxing.com, www.GGGBoxing.com, www.eottm.com, and www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com for additional information.

NEW YORK CITY (July 31, 2015) Boxing superstar, WBA, IBO and WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN (33-0, 30 KOs) will face IBF Middleweight title holder, Montreal power-puncher DAVID LEMIEUX (34-2, 31 KOs), in a World Middleweight Championship Title Unification bout on Saturday, October 17 at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. The championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Golovkin vs. Lemieux is the fight fans have been waiting for, promising all-out action from the moment the first bell rings, and is presented by K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with GGG Promotions and Eye of the Tiger Management. Further details on advance tickets and a national press tour will be announced shortly.

Below is what the fighters, their promoters, and managers had to say about the Oct. 17 showdown:

“I’m very excited to face David Lemieux to prove who is #1 in the middleweight division,” said Gennady Golovkin. “I look forward to fighting again at Madison Square Garden and putting on another Big Drama Show for my fans in New York City.”

“I’ve said that I don’t care who I fight, so long as they are the best, and Golovkin is the best out there in the middleweight division,” David Lemieux said. “GGG may be the most feared man in boxing, but after October 17th, there will be a new feared man in the middleweight division. Two very powerful punchers are coming into the ring. There will be blood; there will be fireworks, and I am confident I will emerge victorious.

“Gennady has wanted to unify the titles in the middleweight division since winning the WBA title in 2010,” said Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions. “This is one of the most highly anticipated fights in boxing between the two biggest punchers in the middleweight division.”

“Since Gennady’s last fight on May 16, media and fans have been asking daily about his next fight and we are happy to announce this middleweight unification on boxing’s biggest stage. Gennady loves fighting at Madison Square Garden, it will be his fourth appearance there and we’re honored to work with their outstanding team, Golden Boy Promotions and HBO Pay-Per-View on this extraordinary event.”

“When Golden Boy Promotions talks about making the best fights for the fans, Lemieux Vs. Golovkin is exactly what we’re talking about,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “These are two guys at the top of their games; in their primes; with enormous knockout power than can end a fight in an instant. Instead of ducking each other, they have chosen to collide. Buckle up. October 17th is going to be quite a ride.”

“After defeating Hassan N’Dam earlier this year for the IBF Middleweight World Championship, David told me he wanted to continue to fight the toughest and best in the division, and it was clear that meant he had to fight Gennady Golovkin next,” said Camille Estephan of Eye of the Tiger Management. “I know David will be ready to go to war Oct. 17 against Gennady Golovkin at Madison Square Garden. This really will be the fight of the year that fans deserve.”

“Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux represent the qualities and characteristics that boxing fans worldwide admire and are attracted to in pay-per-view fights,” said Mark Taffet, Senior Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View. “Two devastatingly powerful middleweight champions who have each registered more than 90 percent of their victories by knockout and are facing the toughest challenge of their careers. Their 160-pound title unification showdown on the storied stage of Madison Square Garden will be electric. HBO Pay-Per-View is delighted to serve as the television partner for this can’t miss event”

Golovkin’s willingness to fight at destinations in both the U.S. and Europe has enabled him to emerge as one of the most marketable television attractions worldwide, setting venue attendance records and delivering tremendous TV ratings. He is currently ranked number three by ESPN.com on their Pound For Pound list with Ring Magazine also placing him at number 4.

Sporting a record of 33-0 with 30 knockouts, Golovkin’s 91 percent knockout ratio is the highest in the middleweight division and has distinguished him as boxing’s most exciting fighter. He has stopped his last 20 straight opponents inside the distance while defending his title fourteen times. In front of a huge crowd of over 12,000 Southern California fight fans on May 16, Golovkin continued his reign with a sixth round knockout over number two ranked contender Willie Monroe at the Forum in Los Angeles. The victory was Golovkin’s second in his new home of Los Angeles, having stopped the WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion Marco Antonio Rubio on October 18, 2014 in front of a venue record 9,323 fans at the StubHub Center.

Currently ranked in the top 10 middleweight fighters by the IBF, WBO, and WBA and the reigning IBF World Middleweight Champion, David Lemieux (34-2, 31 KOs), is coming off of his ninth consecutive win over Hassan N’Dam and seventh consecutive knockout against Gabriel “King” Rosado last December. The 26-year-old Lemieux was victorious in dominant fashion capturing the vacant IBF Middleweight Title against Hassan N’Dam on June 20 in his hometown of Montreal, Canada. Dropping N’Dam four times, the hard-hitting Canadian won a wide, 12-round unanimous decision. Lemieux made his HBO and United States debut in headline fashion with a fantastic performance stopping top contender Gabriel Rosado in the tenth round on December 6 in Brooklyn, New York. The hard-hitting Lemieux is now a serious threat who will attempt to sweep and conquer the division with a win over Golovkin. Lemieux is poised to become the next king of the middleweight division and will look to give Golovkin the first loss of his professional career on Oct. 17.

For fight updates on GOLOVKIN VS. LEMIEUX via social media, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @GGGBoxing, @LemieuxBoxing, @TomLoeffler1, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing along with www.facebook.com/GGGBoxing Use the hashtag #GolovkinLemieux to join the conversation on Twitter.

Also visit the websites www.HBOBoxing.com, www.GGGBoxing.com, www.eottm.com, and www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com for additional information.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Flyweight champion Roman Gonzalez will defend his crown as the cheif support to the Middleweight unification bout between Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux on October 17 in New York City.

“The date and place are confirmed. We will be fighting Oct. 17 in MSG,” said Gonzalez manager Carlos Blandon, adding that Gonzalez’s opponent for his fourth title defense was not set yet.

Blandon said they are in “advanced negotiations” with two opponents: former junior flyweight champion Giovani Segura (32-4-1, 28 KOs), 33, of Mexico, who is one of boxing’s most devastating punchers, and Puerto Rican contender McWilliams Arroyo (16-2, 14 KOs), 29, the twin brother of newly crowned junior bantamweight titlist McJoe Arroyo.

Blandon said they would also consider a fight with former unified flyweight titlist Brian Viloria, 34, of Hawaii, who scored a first-round knockout of Omar Soto on Saturday night. Top Rank, Viloria’s promoter, has said repeatedly it intended to line up Viloria for a world title fight before the end of the year.

“If Viloria’s (team) makes an interesting offer to the promoter, then they can jump in the race before we make up our minds,” Blandon said.

As soon as the card ended, HBO, Golovkin promoter Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions and Gonzalez’s promoter, Teiken Boxing of Japan, liked the idea of having him appear on Golovkin’s next card.

“It was a formula that worked in May, so why not do it again,” Loeffler said.

A mouth watering Middleweight unification title bout has been set for October 17 as Gennady Golovkin will fight David Lemieux at Madison Square Garden in New York, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“In one word: finally,” Golovkin’s promoter, Tom Loeffler told ESPN.com. “We’ve gone to great lengths to try to put unification fights together for Gennady. We have to give Lemieux and Golden Boy a lot of credit for stepping up to the plate. Gennady will not underestimate Lemieux. He is the biggest puncher he will have ever faced, and Gennady will be the biggest puncher Lemieux will have ever faced.

“It is a great unification fight between two champions and the two biggest punchers in the middleweight division. If Lemieux wins, he takes over the spot as the best middleweight in the world, and if Gennady wins, he stays the best middleweight in the world.”

Lemieux said he is looking forward to the matchup of two powerful punchers.

“This is the fight that all the fans and the world wants to see,” he said. “I hope and expect this will be the best fight of the last five years. There will be blood. It’s going to be exciting.”

“What changed my mind and everyone involved is that Lemieux can beat GGG, so why even waste our time with the mandatory? Let’s go straight to GGG,” said Lemieux’co-promoter Oscar De La Hoya told ESPN.com. “He has a real shot at beating him. And this is the big fight he wanted, and when we presented this fight to him he was ecstatic.

“Lemieux is fired up. He says, ‘Nobody has ever pushed Golovkin back. He does not know how to fight going back.’ Lemieux has a beautiful jab, and he is going to use it.”

“Everyone should be ready to have a new man to fear in the middleweight division,” Lemieux said. “I am well aware of what kind of power I am facing, but I’m not worried about it. It’s going to be a war. I know he’s going to come to fight. He might break my nose, but I’m going break his too.

“I’ve said very honestly that I don’t care who I fight, so long as they are the best, and Golovkin is the best out there in the middleweight division. And I consider myself fully of his caliber. I don’t want any easy fights. GGG is the fight that people want to see. He wants me, then he’ll get me. On the 17th, it’s going to be fireworks. I want history. I want big, big things. And this is another big step.”

“When you talk about getting bang for your buck it doesn’t get any better than this,” De La Hoya said. “When you think about the pay-per-view numbers we’re being real here. This is not a million-selling pay-per-view. We’re thinking along the lines of between 350,000 and 500,000 buys. You have to start somewhere, and this is a perfect fight for both guys to start off on pay-per-view. Obviously, we are going to stack the card like there’s no tomorrow. We want to give the fans bang for their buck.”

“We put a very fair deal together for Lemieux and Golden Boy, and the Garden put in a very strong offer to get Gennady back,” Loeffler said. “They saw his success in Los Angeles and they wanted him back in New York.”

“New York is not a very far trip from Montreal,” De La Hoya said. “We expect a lot of fans from Canada and a lot of fans there for Gennady. Without a doubt it will be a sold-out arena.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Middeweight belthoders Gennady Golovkin and David Lemieux are talking about a possible unification bout this fall.

Now it seems, however, that the prospect of a Golovkin-Lemieux unification fight — a very fan-friendly fight and one HBO would love to put on (and one that will cost the network a pretty penny) — has a chance of happening. Both sides acknowledge that they are at least talking about a deal. The target is Oct. 17, which is on hold at New York’s Madison Square Garden for the fight.

“We’re exploring options for David Lemieux and discussing things with Tom Loeffler [Golovkin’s promoter from K2 Promotions],” De La Hoya told ESPN.com this week. “We’ll see if we can make it. I’ll sit down with [Golden Boy vice president] Eric Gomez and see if it’s even possible. But my mind is always open to giving fans the best fights and this is one of the best fights.”

“Everyone is asking when are we going to see David versus Golovkin? Well when the financials are right we will do it,” he said. “No doubt in my mind it would be one crazy fight. Obviously, fans want to see. We would not go in there if we didn’t believe that David could hurt Golovkin. David is that throwback fighter that people love and in his last performances he showed that he could box, showed an excellent jab, showed that he has the endurance to be firing bombs from round 1 through 12, and those bombs hurt people.

“We can literally say that David is in the hurt business. Believe me, we think David will hurt Golovkin. Golovkin is certainly a great fighter, but without wanting to divulge our strategy we feel very good about our chances. People want to see Golovkin tested and we are willing if it makes business sense. We are talking and the door is open. Having said that, we are well aware that David is only 26 and is getting better day by day where Golovkin is now 33. So time is on our side. We’re not in a rush.”

“It has always been GGG’s priority to unify all the titles in the middleweight division,” Loeffler said. “If we can make a fight with Lemieux, he would be one step closer to his goal.”

David Lemieux won the IBF Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

In round two, Lemieux landed a huge left that dropped N’Dam. In round five, Lemieux sent N’Da, to the canvas with a thudding left to to body/left to the head combination. Moments later, it was another crunching left hook that dropped N’Dam for a 3rd time.

N’Dam hit the deck again late in round seven from a right hand.

Lemieux, 160 lbs of Montreal won by scores of 115-109 twice and 114-110 and is now 34-2. N’Dam of France is now 31-2.

In a battle of former world title challengers, Dierry Jean won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jerry Belmontes in a Lightweight bout.

In round two, Jean landed an overhand right that made Belmontes glove hit the canvas for a knockdown.

Jean of Montreal won by scores of 99-90, 99-89 and 98-91 and is now 29-1. Belmontes, 134.4 lbs of Corpus Christie, Texas is now 19-7.

Heavyweight Luis Ortiz remained undefeated with a 1st round blowout over Byron Polley in a scheduled 8-round bout.

Ortiz dropped Polley with an left uppercut to the body in round one. Ortiz scored a 2nd knockdown when he pushed Polley down but it was a ruled a knockdown. Ortiz finished the fight with a perfect left hand that dropped Polley and the fight was stopped at 2:38 of round one.

Ortiz, 230 lbs of Miami, FL is 22-0 with 19 knockouts. Polley, 272 lbs of St. Joseph, MO is 27-19-1.

MONTREAL(June 19) – Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) and Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Evenko, King Sports Worldwide, and Videotron, held the final press conference on Thursday, June 18 for the vacant IBF World Middleweight Championship between hard-hitting Quebecer David Lemieux and number one contender Hassan N’Dam to take place on Saturday, June 20 at the Montreal’s Bell Center.

Camille Estephan, Founder and President of Eye of the Tiger Management, Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions Partner and Future International Boxing Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions Eric Gomez, and Vice President of Operations of King Sports Paul Cain, were all in attendance.Below is what they had to say:

DAVID LEMIEUX, IBF Middleweight Title Contender:

“I wouldn’t say I’m overconfident, I’m well aware of who I’m facing. There’s no such thing as overconfidence, at least not in my way.

“There were certain things I wasn’t able to do that I can now. I had a certain way of fighting, there were certain things missing, and now I can say that I am a complete fighter.

“My style’s different and my determination’s different. I believe I have more abilities than N’Dam does and I’ll show that. Just keep watching and you’ll see.

“My defense is my offence. Sometimes I take risks … for the fans.”

HASSAN N’DAM, IBF Middleweight Number One Contender:

“This is what I say to David Lemieux, you can study me, but you don’t know what I am bringing to the ring. You might get Muhammud Ali in the first round, Sugar Ray Leonard in the second, Floyd Mayweather in the third, but when you get N’Dam, he will be the hardest boxer you have ever faced.

“We are very excited about the fight, because we are coming in prepared and ready to take home the belt.”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN, President of Eye of The Tiger Management:

“I would like to welcome our partners Oscar De La Hoya , Bernard Hopkins, Eric Gomez from Golden Boy Promotions, they are part of our family.

“Golden Boy and Eye of the Tiger are cut from the same cloth; we care about the fighters and our fans. We want to give the fans the best fights possible, give them the best of ourselves.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“It’s a great honor to be here today and be part of what we call history in the making. A world title is up for grabs and you have the best possible contenders fighting for it.

“David Lemieux is a tremendous power puncher. He is an all-around skillful fighter who will come with everything and put everything on the line to make his hometown proud.

“Hassan N’Dam is a Hungry and a lion, who is ready and prepared and knows what is a stake when he faces David on June 20.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner:

“This event is historic; this title has been owned by the legends of yesterday and now these fighters are picking up a piece of history and build their own legacy.

“The middleweight division is one of the most exciting divisions in the sport. Fighters can punch like heavyweights and have the speed of the lightweights. You have the best of world worlds.”

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“We are very excited leading up to this event, thank you to all the media for attending, having you here today proves how important boxing is in Montreal.

“We have two tough contenders; a former world champion is Hassan N’Dam, who is a dangerous fighter. He can box he can, he can punch, he and do it all.

“Hometown hero David Lemieux is a hungry fighter who has wanted the title since he was a young boxer.”

PAUL CAIN, Vice President of Operations at King Sports:

“N’Dam is completely ready. Lemieux will definitely get a boxing lesson. He’s prepared. I don’t think Lemieux will beat him.

“We came here for no money, but I think they like drama. Every fight I’ve been with them, there’s always been some kind of drama.”

Tickets are available now for as low as $70 (CAD) (taxes and service charges included), and can be purchased at www.evenko.ca and at the Bell Centre box or at Underdog Gym and Sherbatov MMA gym.

David Lemieux vs. Hassan N’Dam is a 12-round fight for the vacant IBF Middleweight World Championship presented by Eye of the Tiger Management and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Evenko. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET and the first bell rings at 6:45 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the first three matches of the evening live on TVA Sports, free of charge. The entire event will be available on PPV via Indigo and Bell TV for only $54.99 or $59.99 in high definition. Fox Sports 2 and Fox Deportes will air the IBF Middleweight Championship fight in the U.S. live starting at 10:00 p.m. ET. / 7:00 p.m. PT. The live action on FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes is available to customers of participating pay TV providers via FOX Sports GO app and on the web through FOXSportsGO.com. FOX Sports GO is currently available for iOS, Android, Kindle Fire tablets and Fire phones and select Windows devices.

For further information, visit www.evenko.ca, www.eottm.com or www.goldenboypromotions.com . You can also get all the updates about the event on Twitter via @evenko, @EOTMVD, @GoldenBoyBoxing or by using the keyword #LemieuxNDam.

MONTREAL (June 19, 2015) – Former World Boxing Organization (WBO) 160-pound division champion Hassan N’Dam (31-1, 18 KOs) has promised a world-class performance in tomorrow night’s (Saturday, June 20) showdown with David Lemieux (33-2, 31 KOs) for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) middleweight title at the famed Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

A 2004 Olympian who represented his native Cameroon, N’Dam is the IBF No. 1-ranked, mandatory contender, who now fights out of France. Lemieux is ranked No. 4 in the world by the IBF.

“I promise a world-class performance tomorrow night in Montreal against hometown favorite David Lemieux for the IBF middleweight world championship,” N’Dam said earlier today in Montreal. “I will adapt to whatever style Lemieux brings. I can KO him in round one, or in any other round. He has never fought anyone with my skill set. Lemieux is coming into the deep end and I will prove he doesn’t belong here. I will show his handlers that he doesn’t belong at the top tier of world-class boxing.”

N’Dam’s victims, among the more notables, include Max Bursk, Curtis Stevens, Fulgencio Zuniga, Giovanni Lorenzo, Omar Weiss and Autandil Khurtsidze.

“Hassan has had the best training camp of his career and he’s going to put on the performance of his life tomorrow night,” N’Dam’s manager Gary Hyde added. “When he is crowned IBF world middleweight champion, Hassan will be right in the mix of the most exciting weight division in boxing. We are not happy with the appointment of a Canadian judge and Canadian referee, but I have been assured by Quebec Commissioner Michel Hamelin that they will do a good, honest job. I accept that this will be the case. We have a world title to win and that is what we will do. Hassan will be crowned world champion for the second time, against all odds, because he’s just too good.”

Follow on Twitter at @HassanNdam and @NoWhere2Hyde.

LONDON (19 June) – This season’s World Series of Boxing is set to come to a dramatic conclusion this weekend when reigning champions Cuba Domadores defend their title against Astana Arlans Kazakhstan, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The two top teams from Season 5 will do battle over two days from the National Tennis Centre in Kazakhstan in the unique 16-team boxing competition, regarded as one of the most exciting sports leagues in the world.

Leading boxing channel BoxNation has so far screened this year’s quarters-finals and semi-finals and will show the finals live and exclusive on Saturday 20 June at 12.30pm BST and Sunday 21 June at 11.30am BST.

The WSB has proved a huge hit following its launch in August 2008, with the semi-pro competition bringing together the best athletes on the planet – world and Olympic champions – who compete across ten weight categories.

The 2015 final pitches two of the world’s proudest boxing nations up against one another with Cuba Domadores looking to win the title for the second successive season but will have their work cut out against former champions Astana Arlans.

The Cuba Domadores have enjoyed an unbelievable run with 14 consecutive victories in the regular season, including eight whitewash successes, with just seven individual losses against 63 wins.

Furthermore, a Cuban fighter placed at least fifth in the rankings of each WSB division, with five of their competitors finishing in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games quota positions.

They overcame the much respected Mexico Guerreros in the semi-finals 10-0, with star fighters, heavyweight Erislandy Savon, light-heavyweight Julio Cesar De La Cruz and number one ranked flyweight Yosbany Veitía thrilling en-route to the final.

However, despite their flawless season so far Astana Arlans stand in their way and have been in tremendous form themselves as they look to reclaim their former title as WSB champions.

Fighting on home soil the Astana Arlans are a formidable force having finished the group stages undefeated at home, losing just three individual matches in front of their loyal fans.

Having won 80% of their matches across their 14 regular season fixtures, Astana Arlans qualified directly through to the semi-finals after finishing top of Group B where they demolished the Russian Boxing Team 9-1 on aggregate to reach the final.

Star man Vasiliy Levit is one of the most dominant competitors in the WSB, with the top ranked heavyweight winning eight matches, with just one of his opponents being able to go the five round distance with him.

A meeting with Savon will undoubtedly be one of the most intriguing clashes in this final, with the Astana Arlans, who take their name from the alpha male wolf, also known as ‘the leader of the pack’, boasting further talents such as WSB number one super-heavyweight Filip Hrgovic and one of Kazakhstan’s most decorated boxers Daniyar Yeleussinov.

This weekend’s electrifying final brings to an end a six month season of the world’s premier boxing competition with teams having competed across four continents of Africa, Americas, Asia and Europe.

BoxNation will also air the next two WSB series’ in full, live and exclusive, as the channel continues to deliver the very best boxing action from around the world.

In addition to the WSB final, ‘The Channel of Champions’ will also screen the captivating showdown between Canadian big-hitter David Lemieux and the tough as teak Hassan N’Dam for the vacant IBF middleweight title live and exclusive this Saturday at 2am BST.

26-year-old Lemieux has 31 knockouts from 35 fights and challenges for his first world title against N’Dam, who has lost just once in 32 bouts, that a unanimous points decision against then WBO champion Peter Quillin.

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky437/490HD, Virgin 525, TalkTalk 415) for just £12 a month visit boxnation.com.

-Ends-

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LOS ANGELES (June 18) -Former world title contender Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (21-0, 18 KOs) returns to the ring in an anticipated comeback fight against Brian “The Bear” Polly (27-18-1, 12 KOs) of St. Joseph, Missouri in a heavyweight bout on the undercard of the IBF Middleweight World Championship fight between Montreal’s David Lemieux (33-2, 31 KOs) and number one contender Hassan N’Dam (31-1, 18 KOs) on June 20.

Ortiz vs. Polley will be featured as the U.S. televised opening bout in a scheduled FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes tripleheader presented by Eye of the Tiger Management and Golden Boy Promotions in association with King Sports Worldwide and Evenko. In the main event David Lemieux will take on Hassan N’Dam in a 12-round bout for the IBF Middleweight World Championship. In the co-main event, Dierry “All In” Jean (28-1, 20 KOs) of Quebec, Canada will face Jerry “The Corpus Christi Kid” Belmontes (19-6, 5 KOs) of Corpus Christi, Texas in a 10-round fight for the NABF Lightweight title.

Undefeated Cuban heavyweight Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz has had a successful career knocking out opponent after opponent since his professional debut in 2010. Ortiz has faced and defeated some of the toughest fighters of the sport including Luis Andres Pineda, Henry Saenz, Alex Gonzalez and Lateef Kayode, all while adding the WBA FECARBOX Heavyweight title, the WBA Fedelatin Heavyweight title and the WBO and WBC Latino Heavyweight titles to his collection. The contender is returning from a seven-month hiatus after fighting for the interim WBA Heavyweight World Championship in September 2014 and is ready to prove himself in front of fans and critics that he is back as a serious contender in the sport.

Brian “The Bear” Polley of St. Joseph, Missouri is a tough fighter who is coming off a decision victory over Travis Fulton this past March. A professional since 1999, the seasoned fighter has fought for the USA Mid-American Heavyweight Title, the USA Mid West Heavyweight title, the WBC Continental Americans Heavyweight title and the WBA Fedecentro Heavyweight title. In 2014, Polley faced Aaron Green, Bryan Dailey and Yasmany Consuegra, and in his second fight of 2015, Polley is looking to add another victory to his record when he faces Luis Ortiz on June 20.

David Lemieux vs. Hassan N’Dam is a 12-round fight for the vacant IBF Middleweight World Championship presented by Eye of the Tiger Management and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Evenko. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET and the first bell rings at 6:45 p.m. ET. The live PPV telecast airs at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT and the FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes broadcast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT. The live action on FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes is available to customers of participating pay TV providers via FOX Sports GO app and on the web through FOXSportsGO.com. FOX Sports GO is currently available for iOS, Android, Kindle Fire tablets and Fire phones and select Windows devices.

CORK, Ireland (June 10, 2015) – Gary Hyde, manager of International Boxing Federation (IBF) No. 1-ranked, mandatory middleweight contender Hassan N’Dam (31-1, 18 KOs), has objected to two officials named to work the June 20th IBF world middleweight title fight between N’Dam and David Lemieux (33-2, 31 KOs) at the famed Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

Cameroon-native N’Dam, promoted by King Sports, is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) 160-pound division world champion. The IBF No. 4-ranked Lemieux was born and lives in Montreal, Quebec.

“On June 2nd,” Hyde explained, “I learned who the officials were for the June 20th fight at the Bell Centre. I contacted the IBF and objected to two officials who are from Montreal, Quebec, the same city Lemieux is from. Referee Marlon Wright has refereed five of Lemieux’ fights and the judge in question, Benoit Roussel, has worked no fewer than 12 of Lemieux’ fights.

“I also objected to the Quebec Commission on the appointment of the two Canadian officials. The selection of two officials from the same city as one of the fighters in an international world championship bout indicates a flawed and unfair procedure and undermines the appearance of fairness and impartiality. In my experience in world championship bouts the officials must always be neutral.

“We are hopeful that the Quebec Boxing Commission will replace both Canadian officials with a pair of neutral officials, so that we can concentrate solely on the job at hand, to beat Lemieux.

LOS ANGELES (June 3)- Eye of the Tiger Management and Golden Boy Promotions in association with King Sports Worldwide and Evenko are excited to announce the U.S. broadcast of the highly anticipated vacant IBF Middleweight World Championship match-up between the Quebec power puncher David Lemieux (33-2, 31 KOs) and number one contender Hassan N’Dam (31-1, 18 KOs) on FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes on June 20 at 10:00 p.m. ET from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

The FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes triple-header will feature the return of the undefeated Cuban heavyweight Luis “King Kong” Ortiz (21-0, 18 KOs) in the eight-round televised opener. In the co-main event, Dierry “All In” Jean (28-1, 20 KOs) of Quebec, Canada will face Jerry “The Corpus Christi Kid” Belmontes (19-6, 5 KOs) of Corpus Christi, Texas in a 10-round fight for the NABF Lightweight title.

“Being on FOX Sports is a great opportunity to use this exposure and show fans an explosive night of boxing,” said David Lemieux. “I plan to put on a show and draw more people as fans to my sport.”

“We are very pleased to have FOX Sports as a partner helping in the visibility of David Lemieux’s career,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management. “David is a rising star not only in the world of boxing but as well in the world of sports generally and the coverage should help in making a cross over from his sport of boxing to the world of sports.”

“The broadcast on FOX Sports will allow American audiences the chance to see a great fight featuring two of the most exciting stars in boxing,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President and Found of Golden Boy Promotions. “This match-up will deliver action-packed intensity as both Lemieux and N’Dam are hungry to move their careers forward and claim the title.”

Tickets, which will be offered for as low as $70 (CAD) (taxes and service charges included), and are on sale now at www.evenko.ca and at the Bell Centre box office. For further information, please visit us at and www.eottm.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.evenko.ca or call 1-855-310-2525. Follow us on Twitter @Lemieuxboxing, @EOTMVD, @GoldenBoyBoxing and @evenko.

Currently ranked in the top ten middleweight fighters by the IBF, WBO, and WBA, David Lemieux is coming off of his eighth consecutive win and seventh consecutive knockout against Gabriel “King” Rosado in a headlining bout at Barclays Center on December 2014. Lemieux’s previous bout against Fernando Guerrero for the then vacant NABF middleweight title resulted in a dominating win, knocking down Guerrero in the first round, second round, third round and finally a technical knockout in the fourth round. Now David Lemieux is certainly seen as a serious contender against the elite of the middleweight division.

Number one contender Hassan N’Dam of Pantin, Seine-Saint-Denis, France is a fierce fighter known for his speed and endurance in the ring. A professional since 2004, N’Dam has already accumulated the WBA International Middleweight Title and the WBA World Middleweight title beating out seasoned fighters Omard Gabriel Weis and Giovanni Lorenzo for his shot at a world title. Having lost via unanimous decision to Peter Quillin for the WBO World Middleweight Title in 2012, the top contender is ready for prove that he has the makings for of a world champion when he faces David Lemieux for the vacant IBF Middleweight World Title.

Undefeated Cuba heavyweight, Luis “King Kong” Ortiz has had a successful career knocking out opponent after opponent since his professional debut in 2010. Ortiz has faced and defeated some of the toughest fighters of the sport, including Luis Andres Pineda, Henry Saenz, Alex Gonzalez and Lateef Kayode, all while adding the WBA FECARBOX Heavyweight Title, the WBA Fedelatin Heavyweight Title and the WBO and WBC Latino Heavyweight titles to his collection. The contender is returning from a seven-month hiatus after fighting for the interim WBA Heavyweight World Championship in September 2014 and is ready to prove himself in front of fans and critics that he is back as a serious contender in the sport.

Haitian-born Canadian boxer Dierry Jean made his professional debut in December 2006, triumphing over Stephane Fleury in current home of Montreal. Since his debut, the 33 year-old fighter has racked up an impressive record of 28 wins. In January 2014, Jean lost in the IBF Welterweight championship bout against Lamont Peterson but rebounded by recently defeating Mario Perez and Daniel Ruiz in 2014 and Carlos Manuel Reyes in March 2015. He looks to continue his current winning streak as he goes up against Jerry Belmontes vying for the NABF lightweight title.

Hailing from Corpus Christi, Texas, Jerry Belmontes made his professional debut winning over Olvin Mejia in January 2008 and continued his winning streak with an impressive 17 straight wins before his first loss to Eric Hunter in 2012. After tough fights against Francisco Vargas in 2013, amateur rival Omar Figueroa Jr and Abner Cotto in 2014, and Miguel Vazquez in 2015, Belmontes will look to make a comeback against Dierry Jean on June 20.

David Lemieux vs. Hassan N’Dam is a 12-round fight for the vacant IBF Middleweight World Championship presented by Eye of the Tiger Management and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Evenko. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET and the first bell rings at 6:45 p.m. ET. The live PPV telecast airs at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT and the FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes broadcast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT. The live action on FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes is available to customers of participating pay TV providers via FOX Sports GO app and on the web through FOXSportsGO.com. FOX Sports GO is currently available for iOS, Android, Kindle Fire tablets and Fire phones and select Windows devices.