GLENDALE, AR | We expected fireworks between David Lemieux and David Benavidez. That’s what we got last night at the Gila River Arena.
However, the backfire came from one side only. Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) scored a third-round technical knockout victory over David Lemieux (43-5, 36 KOs). The American thus won the interim WBC super middleweight title.
From the first round, Benavidez dictated the pace of the fight. He rattled Lemieux in the dying seconds who struggled to retreat to his corner.
The Quebecer tried to open the machine on the second assault, but his blows did not shake the boxer from Phoenix. The latter continued his demolition work to send Lemieux to the floor. The latter got up, but we felt that the end was coming.
Benavidez continued to have fun with Lemieux until the boxer’s corner decided to call it quits. A wise decision because the former middleweight champion would have needed a miracle to get back into the fight.
“Benavidez is quite a boxer. He was just better than me. It was not my evening”, indicated David Lemieux in the ring after the fight.
The right decision
Coach Marc Ramsay made the right decision by stopping the fight. He saw that his protege would not be able to turn the wind sideways in the fight.
“After the first round, David had no legs,” Ramsay said. Defensively, we no longer had the means to move. Even in his offensive charges, I felt he was less dangerous.
“I could see that Benavidez had a good defense and he wasn’t worried by David’s punches even though my boxer tried everything.”
After the second round where Lemieux visited the floor, Ramsay issued a warning to his boxer.
“I gave him a round. Even the referee came to us in the corner that he was ready to stop the fight if David didn’t show signs that he could get back in the fight.
Respect for Lemieux
As for Benavidez, he showed a lot of respect for Lemieux after the fight.
“Lemieux is a special boxer,” said the new interim WBC 168 lb champion. He tried everything until the end. He’s tough. I tip my hat to him. He’s the only one who had the courage to face me.”
Like an Artur Beterbiev, the other boxers do not line up to cross swords with him.
“I expect after all the best that they send me a contract. They know I’m interested. I wait for them. I’m ready to face anyone. I guarantee I can knock them all out.”