by Richard Cloutier, Netboxe.com
Rubio vs. Lemieux: "The offer we made to him seemed to draw interest" - Yvon Michel
BoxingScene.com/Netboxe.com met earlier today with promoter Yvon Michel to get an update on the forthcoming presentation of a final eliminator between current WBC International champion David Lemieux (24-0 -0) and Mexico's Marco Antonio Rubio (48-5-1), and obtain some info on a few other topics. Remember that this eliminator was sanctioned last week during the annual convention of the WBC in Cancun, Mexico.
In regard to the date of this fight, Yvon Michel had mentioned a few days ago that the fight would not take place on December 3 as part of a scheduled event at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
"Rubio already has a fight scheduled in November. As David will still fight in December, it was agreed with his manager to talk after December 3. The offer we made seemed to interest him, but he was so focused on the battle ahead that he did not want to go further into the negotiations. Now if we can finalize it by February 11, that's what we'll do. "
In the event that an agreement could be reached for February 11, a date set aside for another chapter in the series "Fast & Furious" at the Bell Centre, will David Lemieuxc still headline the card in view of the importance of his clash with Marco Antonio Rubio?
"If we don't finalize this fight by the 11th, it would surprise me if David is still not part of the card. We will talk with his team, but now their desire is to keep David as active as possible."
With the event on December 3, Arash Usmanee will finally be involved in a championship bout.
"Yes, I'm working on it. His team asked me to engage in a battle for the North American championship and we see the possibility of obtaining a sanction for a 10 or 12 round bout, depending on the length of the other battles of the card. We already have the name of his opponent, but to my knowledge the contract is not signed yet."
Montreal prospects, Colombians Oscar Rivas (3-0) and Eleider Alvarez (3-0), have upcoming dates as well. If you recall the two former Olympians (2008) currently under contract with Groupe Yvon Michel, are held outside of the country due to immigration issues.
"They should appear on the card for February 11."
Antonin Decarie is also expected on the Feburayr card.
"He should also be there on February 11. We are currently negotiating a fight that is extremely exciting for him. A fight involving a North American belt. We will meet next week with the identity of the opponent. "
