David Benavidez is “tall, fat and powerful”. On an upward trajectory. But David Lemieux didn’t hesitate when the opportunity to face him arose.
Posted at 5:03 p.m.
“I have never hesitated against any opponent,” launched the Quebec pugilist by videoconference on Tuesday.
A quality that his antagonist on May 21, in Glendale, Arizona, appreciates.
“I have so much respect for David Lemieux, judged the American. He accepted the fight on the spot, without asking any questions. »
It must be said that the opportunity is great for Lemieux. If he wins at the Gila River Arena in May at Benavidez, he will hold the interim WBC super middleweight title.
Which could put him in direct opposition to Saul “Canelo” Álvarez for the title of world champion in the category.
It’s a golden opportunity, commented Lemieux on Tuesday. “Benavidez is a great opponent. A victory against him would put me where I want in the world elite. »
But the challenge is daunting. David Benavidez (25-0-0, 22 KOs) is undefeated. He is only 25 years old. And stopped four of his last five brawls before the limit. The American will also box at home, near Phoenix.
“There is nothing impossible, judged the Quebec boxer. Just do the job. No one is unbeatable or invincible. By not underestimating your opponents, surprises can happen. I plan to bring this title home.
“It’s a very, very big fight. A crucial fight in my career. »
An important issue
At 33, Lemieux (43-4-0, 36 KOs), himself a former IBF champion, may not see such opportunities coming his way again. He is aware of it, even if he does not see this confrontation as the last chance of his career to make a splash.
It’s a big [occasion] that I don’t want to miss. At my age, at the stage where I am in my career, I don’t want to miss my shot. But I don’t feel stuck.
David Lemieux
” No matter the age […], you don’t get many opportunities to leave your mark in a boxing ring. Especially not in a fight of this magnitude. For a world championship. There is a lot at stake for me. And for him too. He wants to make a statement. »
Lemieux moved up the weight class in 2019 to join super middleweight (168 pounds). And he’s undefeated since, in three fights.
“Eight pounds makes a world of difference, explains the one who spent most of his career in the middleweight, at 160 pounds. […] I feel comfortable making the weight at 168. I’m training really hard and feeling great. »
“I think I’ll be at my peak on May 21,” said the Montrealer.
This is also what the other David expects.
“It will not be easy to stop David Lemieux, conceded Benavidez. I have been training for months. […] We both want to take the next step in our careers. »
A slugger matchup is promised on May 21.
“There will be tricks, that’s for sure,” Lemieux said. There will be two bulls in the ring. »
Same story for Benavidez.
“It will be a war from round 1 to round 12, assures the American. We know that Lemieux, when he is ready, is a beast. When I’m challenged like that, it brings out the best in me. »