David Lemieux: Canadian Power-Puncher Goes to War on Friday
By Geno McGahee
Although the heavyweight division may lack in star power, there are some potential megastars on the horizon in boxing, one of which is the Canadian middleweight, 22 year old, David Lemieux, 25-0, 24 KO’s.
Out of his 24 knockout wins, 22 have been within three rounds. He is a devastating puncher with great timing and has not been taking on soft opposition. He’s been taking on potentially dangerous foes. On June 11th, 2010, he took out Elvin Ayala in one round. Ayala had previously gone 12 rounds with Arthur Abraham, losing by TKO in the final round. He would take on ring veteran, Hector Camacho, JR., in October of 2010, and score a one punch knockout victory in the very first round as well. Lemieux is gaining confidence and has everything you look for in a fighter. This Friday is another big step toward title contention, a WBC eliminator against Marco Antonio Rubio, 49-5-1, 42 KO’s.
Rubio carries a big punch himself, and has been in there with some notable fighters, most notably, Kelly Pavlik. When Pavlik was the middleweight champion, he held tough for 9 rounds before he was stopped. Rubio was blitzed by Kofi Jantuah, stopped in 33 seconds, and he must be on his toes when Lemieux comes charging.
Rubio is the toughest foe in the career of the young middleweight hopeful, and there is a lot of danger as he goes for the stoppage. Even though Lemieux’s punching power is not questioned, his defense or lack thereof has certainly raised some eyebrows. Up until now, he has not really had to worry about it too much, but if Rubio can survive early and not be too damaged, he may really test Lemieux.
This fight will be shown on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights…a bout that you will not want to miss.