WBO world middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders (25-0, 12 KOs) is promising to do a lot of damage to former IBF champion David Lemieux (38-3, 33 KOs).

On Monday in Canada, the two boxers officially faced off at a press conference to announce their showdown on December 16 at the Place Bell in Laval, Quebec. The contest will be televised live on HBO World Championship beginning at 9:40 p.m. ET/PT.

This will mark Saunders' third defense of the world title since capturing the belt from Andy Lee in the fall of 2015.

Lemieux has been far more active and he's viewed as one of the most dangerous punchers at the weight.

But Saunders, now with new head trainer Dominic Ingle, predicts that he will batter Lemieux in a one-sided boxing match that will force the Canadian star to get overwhelmed and quit.

"There is a lot at stake. I'm going to be very aware because as you all know, boxing is a funny game, it can end very quickly with one punch. And it goes both ways. David is going to eat some, and he's going to beg me to finish him off," Saunders said.

"Styles make fight. It's the classic match-up between the boxer and the puncher and I'm looking forward to it. I was born to fight, and I'm going to prove it by unifying the belts as soon as I'm done with David.

"Lemieux shows a lot of heart when he comes to fight but the real truth is, I'm to slick and too good for him. I'm in boxing to win and defend my belt all over the world, Lemieux is my tester for the winner of Canelo and Golovkin. "

Ingle has really whipped Saunders into shape. They had their first fight together last month, with Saunders winning a solid decision over Willie Monroe Jr.

"Billy wants to fight Golovkin and wants to measure himself against Lemieux. It's a great test for him," Ingle said.

"David is a great fighter, big puncher and a clever boxer. Billy is in a very good place and he's had some brilliant training and a great camp so far. He is super confident to put on a great show. Hopefully, Dec. 16 is going to be a great night of boxing!"