David Lemieux and Billy Joe Saunders have come face to face for the first time in Montreal since their WBO Middleweight title clash was announced last week. “This fight has good fight written all over it. There is a lot at stake. I’m going to be very aware because as you all know, boxing is a funny game. It can end very quickly with one punch and it goes both ways. David is going to eat some and he’s going to beg me to finish him off.” Lemieux said before the assembled media at the fight’s opening press conference
Saunders appeared characteristically bullish about his chances as he shared his view “Styles make fights. It’s the classic matchup between the boxer and the puncher and I’m looking forward to it. I was born to fight and I’m going to prove it by unifying the belts as soon as I’m done with David.”
Saunders shared his opinion that while Lemieux’s fighting style is admirable, it has its flaws and Saunders believes someone of his skill set can pinpoint those weaknesses “Lemieux shows a lot of heart when he comes to fight, but the truth is, I’m too slick and too good for him. I’m in boxing to win and defend my belt all over the world”. Saunders then shared a claim that he believes Lemieux is a litmus test before moving on to bigger fights against the other champions. Lemieux is my tester for the winner of Canelo and Golovkin.”
“Billy wants to fight Golovkin and wants to measure himself against Lemieux. It’s a great test for him.
Dominic Ingle, Saunders’ trainer then also acknowledged they have a stern test in front of them on December 16th but it is a test that he has assured his fighter will be ready. “David is a great fighter, big puncher and a clever boxer. Billy is in a very good place and he’s had some brilliant training and a great camp so far. He is super confident to put on a great show. Hopefully, Dec.16 is going to be a great night of boxing!”
The thunderous punching Montreal native, Lemieux then had his chance to address the media “I think that you are in for a surprise. I will be at my best and take the title from you,” Lemieux assured those in attendance he will be raring to go come fight night. Lemieux then explained whatever approach Saunders takes on fight night, he will be prepared and ready for anything. “If the fight demands me chasing you, I will chase you. If the fight demands me to go toe-to-toe, I will. On December 16, I promise that I won’t leave the Place Bell without the belt. I’m extremely excited. Let’s get it on!” Lemieux concluded.
Marc Ramsey, the head trainer for Lemieux then said: “I’m proud to train a boxer such as David Lemieux, who is a true warrior, a real champion, always up for real challenges.” Ramsey like all who took to the podium before him, he demonstrated total confidence in their team’s ability to pull off the victory “Once again, he will give the fans a show to remember and a beautiful Christmas gift.”
Ramsey then added on a final note, that the fight represents an opportunity for Lemieux to emulate Canadian boxing legend, Arturo Gatti by winning his second world championship “This fight is a great opportunity for David to write history and follow the steps of great Arturo Gatti, by becoming two time World Champion”.
Information courtesy of a press release from Vincent Ethier / Eye of the Tiger Management