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David Lemieux has all the time been referred to as an enormous puncher.
The Montreal native stopped his first 20 opponents as an expert, first at 154 kilos after which at 160. And he has carried his energy to 168, at which he has stopped two of his three opponents since shifting up in weight.
However he knocked out Francy Ntetu and David Zegarra. On Saturday, he fights considered one of greatest, strongest and greatest 168-pounders on the planet for the WBC’s “interim” title, David Benavidez., who is best than a 10-1 favourite.
Might Lemieux, who has misplaced his greatest fights, preserve his streak in opposition to a fighter like that?
David Lemieux (proper, in opposition to Marcos Reyes) faces a stiff check in opposition to David Benavidez on Saturday. Ethan Miller/Getty Pictures
“I do consider that my energy will translate at 168 kilos,” he mentioned. “I’ve been working lots to combine into the 168-pound division, and I consider my energy might be at its peak on struggle evening. Benavídez is an enormous man. We all know that. However we’re getting ready and now we have the best sparring companions. I’m going to go in there and be very sturdy.
“It’s been a very long time since I’ve had an opponent like Benavídez, however I’m excited. I’m very overestimated about this struggle. I do know what a victory will do for my profession and I received’t miss my shot.”
Lemieux (43-4, 36 KOs) mentioned he grew out of the 160-pound division. Now, he mentioned, he’s extra snug.
“The eight kilos makes a world of a distinction,” he mentioned. “160 kilos was very troublesome to make, particularly in the direction of the top. I really feel nice coaching at 168. I’m very snug making that weight. I’m coaching very exhausting, constructing energy and muscle and never worrying about chopping weight. I’m feeling nice.”
Lemieux, 33, isn’t outdated. On the similar time, he in all probability received’t obtain many extra alternatives to struggle at this stage until he has a break-through victory.
He received the IBF middleweight title when he outpointed Hassam N’Dam in June 2015 however misplaced it 4 months later it to a major Gennadiy Golovkin, who blew the Canadian out in eight one-sided rounds.
Then, in his most-recent title shot, in 2017, he misplaced a large determination to then-WBO beltholder Billy Joe Saunders.
He must beat Benavidez (25-0, 22 KOs) on Saturday.
“No matter your age, it’s actually now or by no means in each struggle within the boxing ring,” he mentioned. “You don’t get many possibilities to depart a superb mark within the recreation, so each struggle must be taken very significantly, particularly a struggle of this magnitude. There’s lots at stake for me.
“I do know I’m the underdog, however I don’t care. I’m simply entering into there to struggle, underdog or not. I’ve been the underdog previously and I’ve received the fights. It doesn’t actually hassle me.”
“… I really feel like I’ve been underestimated throughout my profession. However the one technique to come again is with a powerful victory in opposition to an opponent of an elite stage. That’s what I’m planning on doing on Could 21.”
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