(Glendale) It took courage, yes. But courage alone could not prove everything. David Lemieux was completely downgraded against American David Benavidez on Saturday night in Glendale.
Posted at 1:16 a.m.
The crowd favorite won by stoppage at 3and round. He had seen enough.
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” commented Lemieux on the arena after the brawl. [Benavidez] is quite a fighter. »
Benavidez won the interim WBC super middleweight title. He should, theoretically, face Saul “Canelo” Álvarez to try to steal his world champion belt in the category.
The outcome of the fight quickly became clear. Even Lemieux’s strong start, a prerequisite for trying to defeat the still undefeated Benavidez (26-0, 22 KOs), didn’t change anything. The Phoenix native hit the mark quickly, and Lemieux’s legs were giving out near the end of the first round.
The Quebecer then went to the mat in the second. He also started bleeding from his face after a cut to his left eye. But he showed courage, got up and continued. The new father of a third child was stubborn in throwing punches, but his punches didn’t do much damage.
On the other side, Benavidez’s attacks, quick as those of a scorpion, surprised and rattled Lemieux.
I was okay after the first round. He got me with a few good shots. I returned.
David Lemieux, about David Benavidez
“I have to give him all my respect. He’s a good fighter. He has good hands. »
Asked if he was thinking of retiring, the Quebecer said he had to take the time to “talk with his team”.
“It was not my evening. »
PHOTO ESTHER LIN, PROVIDED BY SHOWTIME
Jonathan Fierro vs. Luis Núñez
Semi-finals under the whistles
We entered what is now the former home of the Coyotes as the blazing, hot, dry sun still shone over Glendale. Inside, Mexican music was played between rounds. A more rhythmic entertainment than the spectacle offered by the two semi-finals preceding the main fight.
The Dominican Luis Núñez (17-0, 12 K.-O.) won by unanimous decision of the judges, and under the sustained whistles of the crowd, in front of the Mexican Jonathan Fierro (13-1, 12 K.-O. .). The favorite of the supporters thus suffered his first defeat.
PHOTO ESTHER LIN, PROVIDED BY SHOWTIME
Yoelvis Gomez and Jorge Cota
Right after, the Cuban Yoelvis Gómez (6-0, 5 K.-O.) dominated the Mexican Jorge Cota (30-6, 27 K.-O.) and won by unanimous decision.
These preliminary bouts generated a muted level of energy at the Gila River Arena. The only moment that aroused passions was when we showed David Benavidez on the giant screen. It must be said that the two local favorites did not offer great opposition in the semi-finals.