David Lemieux survives two knockdowns to get a decision over Max Bursak!
Former IBF middleweight champion David Lemieux (41-4, 34ko) made a return to the super middleweight division when he faced Maksym Bursak (35-6-2, 16ko) on December 7 in Canada.
The hard-punching Canadian was coming off a fifteen-month layoff and the rust showed from the moment the bell sounded. Immediately, the Ukrainian wasted little time in the opening round. He jumped on his foe, dropping the former champion with a huge right hand.
Lemieux would get back up only to be hurt moments later in the same round. He was literally being held up by the ropes in surviving a huge scare in front of the hometown crowd.
The former world champion would rally back over the next three rounds landing good body shots coupled with uppercuts while taking control of the bout.
It seemed the Canadian brawler was finding a rhythm until being dropped in the fifth round for the second time in the fight. Showing the heart of a champion, he got back up and survived danger yet again.
However in the sixth round, the power Lemieux is known for finally became a factor. The former champion was able to drop the veteran challenger had to get back up and survive his first adverse moment of the fight and wasn’t as aggressive moving forward.
In the closing rounds of the fight, although both men had moments, it was Lemieux that was favored by the judges winning a ten-round split decision.
WAS THIS A TITLE WORTHY PERFORMANCE
The ring rust was undoubtedly a huge factor in this fight as the former champion showed true grit in gutting out a hard-fought victory. It’s worth mentioning that a possible title opportunity could be in play going into 2020.
Lemieux is currently ranked #3 by the WBC and this victory was crucial in making a case for a title opportunity. The Canadian is a viable name and can still generate pop which makes him worthy of consideration.
Furthermore, this fight proves he isn’t a done fighter and can compete at a high level.
The super middleweight division is on fire and is fast becoming one of the must-watch divisions in boxing and the Canadian brawler is looking to get in on the action!
By: Garrisson Bland
