David Lemieux has been seen for years as a potential opponent for Canelo Alvarez, as they are both promoted by Golden Boy. Could it happen in September?
Lemieux reportedly is among those being considered for Alvarez’s next opponent, an idea the French-Canadian embraces. At the same time, he said he wants to get paid what he believes he deserves, which makes things tricky during coronavirus.
If it happens, Lemieux told BoxingScene.com, he’ll be ready.
“If we were to fight Canelo next, we would do everything I need to prepare,” he said. “I’ve been in the game for a long time, and I can build a camp to be in super shape for a fight against Canelo.
“The interest is there in a Canelo fight, and it’s been a fight that has been talked about for years. We were supposed to fight years ago. Until the contract is signed, it’s all talks.”
Lemieux (41-4, 34 KOs) has always been a dangerous fighter because of his power. However, he has fought only once since September since 2018 because of injuries.
And he didn’t look sharp in that one fight, his first as a full-fledged super middleweight. Lemieux went down twice against Maksym Bursak – once in the first and again in the fifth – but rallied to win a split decision in December.
Could he possibly give Alvarez a tough fight?
“He’s a great fighter, and is very strong and dangerous,” he told BoxingScene.com. “He’s very well-rounded. He’s a tremendous fighter who’s improved through the years. He’s not a stationary fighter, but he doesn’t run either. Styles make fights, Canelo would be a great matchup for me, and fireworks for the fans.
“I’ll be prepared for any scenario. And not just ready, but ready to win.”
That is if he accepts whatever offer he might receive.
“I want to get paid too, of course,” he said. “No one is going to be picking on me for a cheap fight. If that’s the case, I have some great people around me to make sure what’s due is due. We’re staying ready and prepared for Canelo.
He went on: “The [Covid-19] situation is terrible, but I have a family to feed as well. I will not be going way under the minimum purse [versus Canelo]. I do the fighting, my manager Camille Estephan does the calculating.”