David Lemieux

With the knockout streak out of the way and a Canadian championship safely in hand, unbeaten David Lemieux (21-0, 20 KOs) defends his super-middleweight belt versus rugged Walid Smichet (20-6-3, 14 KOs) on April 3 in what will be the final Casino de Montreal show for quite some time. Lemieux was able to reel off twenty straight knockouts before being forced to go the distance in winning the Canadian crown versus Jason Naugler. But whether the Lemieux match-up ends early or goes the distance, it will definitely be lights out at the Casino following the fight, when the Cabaret room that has hosted boxing regularly for the past six years shuts off its lights for good as a scheduled three year reconstruction takes place.

While it has been lights out for most of Lemieux’s opponents, Smichet stands as both a local rival and the toughest test to date for the young 21 year-old. Last time out it was a game Smichet who went up against former Contender star Peter Manfredo in a thrilling fight in which the Montreal fighter was stopped in the 7th round for only the second time in his career. Smichet has been known to upset the apple cart before as he managed to ruin the perfect record of Matt O’Brien and put a dent in the armor of John Duddy, losing a majority decision in a close fight. Since the O’Brien fight he has an even .500 record at 4-4 but has faced versus not only Duddy and Manfredo but also Sebastien Demers and Martin Berthiaume.

A split from long time trainer Howard Grant since the Manfredo fight might also add an interesting wrinkle in what promises to be an interesting tilt.

Lemieux meanwhile keeps rolling and Smichet seems the logical next step after going ten versus Jason Naugler. The two have one common opponent, Donny McCrary who managed a draw with Smichet but was blown out in the first round by Lemieux.


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