by Richard Cloutier

It was a public training day for Groupe Yvon Michel's big slugger, Montreal's David Lemieux (25-0, 24KOs). This Friday, April 8, he has a big appointment at the Bell Centre with Mexico's Marco Antonio Rubio (49-5-1). The bout is a scheduled WBC middleweight eliminator, which is going to be broadcast live on ESPN.
 
"I've prepared myself for this fight as I've never did before. I started my training camp in Spain, where I spent three weeks at a high altitude with Odlanier Solis, who was preparing for his fight against Klitschko. Currently I'm finishing my training here in Montreal."

Known for how quickly he liquidates his opponents, David Lemieux was obviously asked about his ability to fight for twelve rounds. He kindly reminded that he fought for 10 rounds against Jason Naugler.

"I was as fresh in the tenth round as I was in the first and I was not even close to the level of preparation that I've presently had," he added.
 
Russ Anber, the trainer of Lemieux, wished to add his two cents - "I do not see how this fight could have any chance of going the distance. They are just two big hitters and I can tell you that Rubio, although he is a boxer, will continue to go out with his heavy hands. In fact, I do not remember a time when two big hitters like this clashed over the territory of Quebec."

Asked about the likely strategy of his rival, Lemieux offered his perspective.

"I think he will try to surprise me. I'm fine and I'll protect myself. I'm tempted to test the waters a bit in the first round, to see what he has in his stomach. Then, as I'll hit him solidly, we'll see if he will be able to take my shots. "

"I expect that this is going to be like a chess match," analyzed the promoter Yvon Michel.

"It will be a tactical game in the early going until one of them touches the other. They are both strong. Marco Antonio Rubio has more than 40 victories by knockout, and he is only 30-years-old and he's been a contender for the past six or seven years. It is an extremely decisive battle for David's career. The heads of U.S. television networks will be watching this fight with great attention. David has all the potential to become a star, which will attract attention well beyond Canada's borders."
 
Marco Antonio Rubio will arrive with the press in Canada on Tuesday.