Although he has been a father for the third time, the birth of his son Xander has given new meaning to his mission as a boxer.

10 days before his fight for the interim WBC super middleweight (168 lb) world title against American David Benavidez (25-0, 22 KOs), Lemieux made it clear that he was in good shape and ready to fulfill the promises to be the biggest sporting. challenges of his life.

When pointed out that Benavidez had been in the gym for three months preparing for the fight that had been postponed twice, from January to March to May, Lemieux laughed in response that he had been training since he was 9 years old.

I haven’t had a big break since my last fight in October. Once we had news for the fight, we concretely prepared two months for his style.Lemieux added more seriously.

Ignore outside noise

Even with all his background and all his past experiences, David Lemieux has never found himself in a situation like he will experience on May 21, at Gila River Arena, home of the Coyotes, in Glendale, Arizona .

Most observers agree that this match is one of no return for Lemieux, quite similar to the one experienced recently by Trifluvien Mikaël Zewski.

But Lemieux puts aside the notion that for him, in 10 days, it will be make or break.

People can say whatever they want. But every time I step into the ring, I know I’m giving goodness show, he launched. So, no make or break. For me, every fight is important, every fight is important.

Does he use that as extra motivation?

” For me, the real added motivation was my son who had just given birth and needed food on the table. Through boxing I earn my bread. I really want to win this battle and I don’t care what’s going on outside. “

David Lemieux paid tribute to his wife, former diver and Olympic athlete Jennifer Abel, allowing him to sleep well despite the presence of the newborn at home.

My wife is solid please! I’m happy to have a woman like her who takes care of the child 100% because she understands the importance of this fight given that she herself is an athlete.said Lemieux, explaining that the baby was not interfering with his preparation.

For those worried about the final stages of his weight loss (it caused him headaches back then in the lower 160lb category), Lemieux gives reassurance by saying he feels as good as he did in the days before. his against Billy Joe Saunders at Laval in December 2016.

As for the challenge to face Benavidez, at home, in his fort, Lemieux also did not want to impose.

” It’s a big challenge, but when you’re in the ring, a ring remains a ring, no matter who your opponent is. I don’t mind knowing that the fans will be on his side, even though I know it can give him a lot of energy. My focus is such that the external elements will not make any difference. I am really focused and I want this success at all costs. “

Although the picture of the super middleweight category has changed following Dimitri Bivol’s win over Canelo Alvarez last weekend, Lemieux said he just wants to focus on his upcoming duel against Benavidez.

Lemieux did not hide it. He hopes that the eventual victory against the American will serve as a springboard for him to face Canelo. Like what things change so fast in professional boxing.

Coach’s perspective

Marc Ramsay has been working with David Lemieux for several years. Perhaps he knows her better than anyone in all aspects of his boxing.

Ramsay seems less concerned about the state of mind in which his protégé will rule Glendale.

He was in that one placefun. This is the kind of opportunity we have been waiting for. It is out of the question that we fight on a smaller scale. We wanted to go for the home run or none at allRamsay first admitted.

Regarding going into battle in enemy land, Ramsay recalls that Lemieux has fought most of his most recent fights (7 of the last 13) outside.

” It has almost become his habit. This is not really new. For sure there will be a particular energy because the opponent is a local favorite. We must channel this energy and make it a source of motivation. “

Ramsay concluded by saying the young Benavidez, 25 (8 years younger than Lemieux), would have intense pressure on his shoulders against an opponent as seasoned as Lemieux.

You’ll need to take him to less comfortable places to try to warm him up a bit and make him take risks that he wouldn’t normally do.Ramsay’s conclusion, asserted the fact that according to him, David Lemieux’s main weapon was his strike force.

It remains to be seen if its speed is also present.