The red tracksuit associated with Team Benavidez is so numerous that it is impossible to distinguish real local men from the friends and supporters of the man named boogie-manor if you prefer 168 lbs.

Benavidez (25-0, 22 KOs) will enjoy huge support with the approximately 10,000 spectators expected here on Saturday night for the final involving the WBC Interim super middleweight title.

My mind was strengthened. There will also be plenty of Quebec and Canadian fans here on Saturday night. There were even Americans with me. I was even booed entering the ring [contre Gabriel Rosado, à Brooklyn, en 2014, NDLR]. And I walked out to applaud glad to remember Lemieux.

In other words, the winner of Lemieux (44-6, 36 KOs) or Benavidez will be the mandatory contender for the belt held by Mexican Saul. Canello Alvarez.

But in Lemieux’s mind, there was no room for doubt. At age 33, he came here to win, not as a foil to a young rising star. If he wants a war, I will do it for himLemieux repeated at the press briefing.

Both Benavidez’s sharp response. I guarantee you it will end in a knockout, and I will pass it onhe promised to submit to the applause of his clan in the appearance of a small army.

Trust in every way

In a brief interview he gave to Radio-Canada Sports after the press conference, Lemieux showed not the slightest doubt. After all, in boxing, it can be deadly.

I have been well prepared. I am top shape. I have a great opponent in front of me, but I am confident of returning the belt to Quebec.

Wars of attrition were not Lemieux’s prerogative as we are accustomed to seeing him rush head to head at the sound of the bell.

Regarding his first encounter with Benavidez, Lemieux satisfied himself with saluting the fact that his rival was not someone who fired in vain. He’s not saying that … He has a class. He knew what we would do in the ring. This is not Billie Joe SaundersLemieux was overthrown in the memory of the Briton with a streak of bile and speech.

When asked to explain how this fight differs from his other opponents outside of Quebec, Lemieux pointed out that Benavidez is the most feared boxer in the 168 lb division. It’s also a division he made recently in the jump.

He is also not afraid of the undeniable advantage that Benavidez can give to the 10cm extra he can reach him.

This is not the first time. I often know. The bigger they are, the harder it is to fall. It’s not just about size or proportions. At weigh-in, he would be 168 lbs and so would I. It’s all about deciding how we manage our assetssaid Lemieux.

Same story from his trainer Marc Ramsay.

We know we really have challenge. Even in some respects we are probably the ones being neglected. We came here on a mission. We have an accurate plan, and we want to implement it quicklyhe launched.

Ramsay emphasized Lemieux’s realistic point before Saturday night.

Do not underestimate or overemphasize. You need to be realistic, know what you want to do and how to get there. You know David’s aggressive style. We won’t be long around the bush. There is still technical quality to be maintained. Both boys have their natures, and I think it will put on a good show.

Important evening for Benavidez … and Estephan

Beyond the usual boldness, Benavidez has made no secret that adding a catch like David Lemieux to his record means a lot to him.

Although he became world champion at the age of 20, the American was aware of the impact of a convincing victory on his reputation, he with Canelo Alvarez in his sight.

It was really good for my career because he was a former world champion. He tackled the best, the crème de la crème. It really means a lot to me. I have a lot of respect for him. I have seen what he has done since I was a child. He hit hard. To face someone like him, it tells me I’m on the right pathidentified by Benavidez.

Trying to put yourself in the position of promoter and president of Eye of the Tiger Management, Camille Estephan, you quickly understand the impact of success for Lemieux for the future.

Estephan has invested heavily in Lemieux over the past decade. Estephan’s support remained unwavering despite some mood swings resulting from his protégé’s problems meeting the weight limit in the lower 160lb category.

This is a good opportunity. I would love to see how David has the desire to win, fight and suffer for the chance to fight good battles.said the promoter.

That’s why Estephan wasn’t surprised to see Lemieux fight a fight of this magnitude after just three fights at 168 lbs. He emphasizes in wide strokes that we couldn’t get under the rug the forty duels he delivered at 160 lbs and that allowed him to accumulate a solid baggage of experience.

He speaks with great pride on the work Marc Ramsay has done as Head Coach and Head of Development. Estephan pointed out how much his boxers have improved to the point that they find themselves in a lucrative position on the world level.

He mentioned Christian MBilli and Erik Bazinyan, both 5th in the world in their respective categories, Arslanbek Makhmudov, 6th in heavyweight, and of course Lemieux, No. 2 with a world title fight to deliver.

This is so that nothing is left to chance or entirely in the hands of American promoter PBC Estephan was accompanied to Arizona by the former head of boxing at Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux du Québec, Michael Hamelin.

Hamelin has seen it all. He knows a lot and knows how to pull strings when necessary. So, he oversaw the donation of the gloves. David Lemieux will have Grant products (based on foam) to better protect his hands. There is no question of leaving full control of the Professional Boxing Championship (PBC).

Also, Hamelin will monitor people from the local athlete commission to make sure everything is done according to the rules. This can be very important, especially if the fight reaches the limit.

It is also in this sense that EOTTM handles all logistical questions related to the transportation of David Lemieux and his team, costs and organization that are typically entrusted to the host promoter.

Among the nasty surprises made by the PBC, the weigh-in on Friday was held in the plaza outside the Coyotes ’former home. Around 1 pm (local time) the mercury should reach 42 degrees Celsius !!!

Confidence therefore, but also a good dose of distrust on both sides.