Was Lemieux sacrificed to GGG ???

[MindGame]

I've been very curious as to why Lemieux was willing to fight GGG before making a single defense of his IBF title....

The most probable conclusion that I've come up with is Golden Boy trading the Lemieux fight (And his IBF Middleweight Championship belt) to GGG in exchange for GGG not contesting the WBC belt in the upcoming Canelo vs Cotto fight.

As we know, GGG was the WBC mandatory for Cotto.... GGG could have forced Cotto to either fight or vacate the title... A step aside agreement would have to be reached....

(Oscar showing some business savvy behind the scenes?)
Canelo and Lemieux are both tied to Oscar De La Hoya.... So I think some kind of understanding was reached at the expense of Mr. Lemieux thus allowing Canelo to fight for the lineal Middleweight belt...

Make no mistake, Lemieux will make a boat load of cash... But he would have anyway after a few defenses.... GGG is on a mission to unify the Middleweight division and would come knocking at the door of the IBF eventually anyway....

It's just my opinion, because making a easier defense or more for Lemieux makes more sense... The GGG fight would happen regardless as long as Lemieux holds the IBF title...

Thoughts ???

[creekrat77]

At this point what else is Lemieux gonna do. Sounds to me like GB is putting all their eggs in one basket and hoping he can pull it off. Win or lose. It still diverts attention away from Canelo fighting GGG

[HeroBando]

Good thread. It's either that, or HBO put the squeeze on Oscar. He's trying to rebuild, got some fighters but the only one they really care about is Canelo, so he better play ball.

[niceguy45]

I believe it was a move by oscar dlh im not sure if he is playing his cards right, but its a great match up

[bopbopbbe]

They're basically banking on Lemieux putting up a good fight and not getting too damaged. Because even if Lemieux loses he will still be a marketable fighter just cause of his style. Unless he gets completely embarrassed which is unlikely.

[Mr.Fantastic]

Because it was a risk and both Lemieux and his promoter took it like real fighters. We want to see exciting fights, here's one that will most likely be fireworks. Us the fans win. I'm definitely buying it.

[Scott9945]

There is no guarantee that Lemieux will ever make this much money again. He's already proven that he is vulnerable to inferior talent. Go for it now and if he catches GGG with a big enough shot then his value will skyrocket.

[Build That Wall]

At this point what else is Lemieux gonna do. Sounds to me like GB is putting all their eggs in one basket and hoping he can pull it off. Win or lose. It still diverts attention away from Canelo fighting GGG

No it doesn't. Once Canelo beats Cotto, GGG vs Canelo is the fight.

[nivek535]

i dont think lemieux is being sacrificed.
gbp is redefining greatness in boxing.

if you look at lemieux's status from before signing contract til now, u will see a huge rise in stock.

GBP is doing their best to bring boxing back up.
first hopkins, now lemieux.

its not about keeping the 0, its about fighting the best, and giving it ur all.

NOBODY's giving lemieux a chance.
but win or lose, people will respect lemieux as long as he puts up a fight.

[Eff Pandas]

The most probable conclusion that I've come up with is Golden Boy trading the Lemieux fight (And his IBF Middleweight Championship belt) to GGG in exchange for GGG not contesting the WBC belt in the upcoming Canelo vs Cotto fight.

From my understanding GGG is already getting it on with the winner of Canelo vs Cotto. In fact part of making Canelo vs Cotto was getting the winner to fight GGG next so I doubt what you are suggesting is whats going on. And in fact I think Canelo is ready & willing to fight GGG next if he wins (hell he might still be ready & willing to fight GGG if he lost). Cotto I have some questions about & if he doesn't get his way (catchweight, venue, etc) I could see him throwing this belt in the garbage if he were to win.

I think Lemieux legit thinks he can win & Oscar has always been pro-his boxers so I tend to think Oscar legit thinks Lemieux can win too. Lemieux can hit & I've thought for awhile GGG has a poor defense for an elite level guy (not like he really needs it vs most of his opposition, but I can't see that not biting him vs better guys at some point) so I think there is some chance of an upset here, but obviously the most likely outcome is GGG within 3 rounds.