MONTREAL (April 9, 2014) — Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) is presenting an evening of thunder, “Collision: Stevenson vs. Fonfara,” May 24 at Bell Centre in Montreal. The co-feature will mark the SHOWTIME debut of powerful Quebec middleweight David Lemieux (31-2-0, 29 KOs), who takes on Dominican Republic-born, American fighter Fernando Guerrero (26-2-0, 19 KOs) for the vacant NABF title.
The IBF #10 and WBO #11 rated Lemieux has an incredible opportunity to break into the international scene in the 160-pound division. He has made vital changes since his loss to current WBC interim champion Marco Antonio Rubio ( 59-6-1, 51 KOs), riding a six-fight win streak, five coming by knockout, into his May 24 showdown with former world title challenger Guerrero.
The 25-year-old Lemieux has paid his dues in order to become a more effective and dangerous fighter. Last November in Laval (Quebec), IBF # 6 ranked Jose Miguel Torres (27-6-0, 24 KOs) was stopped in the seventh round, his first stoppage in his career, after Lemieux had floored him six times.
Guerrero had a great amateur career, highlighted by being crowned national champion in 2007. His more notables wins as a professional have been over Gabriel Rosado (21-8-0, 13 KOs), Ossie Duran (28-11-3, 11 KOs) and Ishe Smith (25-6-0, 11 KOs. Guerreo In his lone world title shot to date, by way of seventh-round technical knockout to WBO middleweight champion Peter Quillin (30-0-0, 22 KOs) in 2013. Guerrero has since returned to winning ways and at age 27, he is convinced that he has gained experience and maturity to deserve another world title shot.
“COLLISION,” headlined by the WBC light heavyweight championship fight between defending champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson(23-1-0, 20 KOs) and challengerAndrzej Fonfara (25-2-0, 15 KOs), is presented by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in association with Warriors Boxing, and co-presented by Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron.
According to the president Yvon Michel of GYM, “David Lemieux is the next big star of the World middleweight division! His presence in the ring literally mesmerizes the crowd as he intensively charges with violent intentions His arrival in the big leagues is eagerly awaited.”
Talented light heavyweight contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (14-0-0, 8 KOs) is on a mission to become world champion. The WBO # 2, WBA # 3 and WBC #10 light heavyweight is in an enviable position in world rankings and ready for anyone. On May 24, he faces undefeated 22-year-old Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic (15-0-0, 10 KOs). The Floridian recently upset Lionel Thompson (15-3-0, 9 KOs) in Atlantic City by eight-round decision. Alvarez vs. Kalajdzic is a 10-round bout that promises to be spectacular as well as significant in terms of positioning in the 175-pound division.
Upon his arrival in Montreal from his native Russia, GYM announced it would not drag things regarding the activity and development of its gifted light heavyweight Artur Beterbiev (4-0-0, 4 KOs). Having completed his apprenticeship fighting four bouts Quebec, the two-time Russian Olympian moves up in rounds and clash, meeting former IBF world light heavyweight champion Jeff ” Left Hook” Lacy (26-4-0, 19 KOs) in a 10-round clash on the stacked “Collision” card. After an absence of several years, the 2000 U.S. Olympian won his last fight this past November against Martin Verdin (20-17-2, 11 KOs). Lacy is a sleek, experienced opponent and Beterbiev’s first major test as a professional.
Unbeaten welterweight Mikael Zewski (23-0-0, 18 KOs) also returns to the ring May 24 in front of his Quebec fans. Promoted by Top Rank, the popular Zewski will fight for the seventh time in Quebec. He has fought prestigious locations like New York, Las Vegas or Atlantic City. His opponent, Prince “Too Hot” Doku Jr. (18-5-0, 12 KOs), will be fighting for the third consecutive time outside of his native Ghana.
Additional May 24 undercard bouts fights will soon be announced. However, GYM has confirmed the participation of IBF # 7 middleweight Kevin Bizier (24-1-0, 14 KOs), as well as heavyweight Oscar Rivas (13-0-0, 8 KOs), young welterweight Junior Ulysses (1-0-0, 1KO), and Grant Brothers’ heavyweight prospect Erik Bazinian (3-0-0, 3 KOs) ..
