David Lemieux has always had a special character. The scale of his challenges never affected the way he trained. He still believes in his chances of winning even if the majority of observers see him as the loser.

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Next week it will be the same as the former world champion (43-4, 36 KOs) takes on the dangerous David Benavidez (25-0, 22 KOs). A fight that will take place at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

Lemieux is the underdog of the bookmakers in this duel where the interim WBC super middleweight title will be at stake.

“People can think what they want, mentioned David Lemieux during a public training. When I step into the ring, I know I'm giving a good show. There is no “make it or break it”. I am here to stay.

“For me, every fight is important. Every fight is crucial.”

Time flies. The last time Lemieux fought in a world title bout was in 2017 when he lost to Billy Joe Saunders at Place Bell.

Since this hard evening of work, the Quebecer has experienced a few pitfalls. His weight cuts had become a nightmare to move up to middleweight (160 lbs). In 2018, in New York, he found himself in the hospital a few hours before the official weigh-in for his duel against Tureano Johnson. Canceling his fight had been costly on many levels.

Then, in the super-middleweights, it was more difficult than expected. Benavidez will be his most formidable opponent since making the jump to this category.

Xander's Influence

Lemieux's partner, Jennifer Abel, gave birth to the couple's first child last week. Xander doesn't know it, but he gives his father an extra dose of motivation.

"He needs food on the table," said the 33-year-old slugger. My bread, I earn it by boxing. I've been doing this since I was 9 years old."

For the rest, his boxer's spouse holds the fort so that the boxer can be fully focused on his next challenge.

“My wife is solid. I am happy to have a woman like Jennifer who takes care of our child 100% because she understands the importance of this fight. For us, the important thing is that the baby arrived before my fight.

“Jennifer wanted me to be there. This step is taken and I can put all my concentration on my duel of May 21. I want Xander to have the belt next to him growing up.

“When I have this belt around my waist, all my children will have their hands on it at the same time. We will have achieved this goal together with the strength they give me outside the gym.

On the ground of the other

In addition to facing an opponent who is part of the elite of 168 lbs, Lemieux will have the task of fighting in the court of Benavidez. It's never an easy situation.

"It's a big challenge, but when you're in the ring, it doesn't change much. I don't mind knowing that the fans will be on his side.

“I love fighting at home at the Bell Center in front of my family and my fans. It gives me energy. On the other hand, my concentration is so great that the environment will not make any difference.