By Miguel Maravilla
Photos: Sumio Yamada

Former IBF middleweight champion David Lemieux (39-4, 33 KOs) of Montreal, Quebec, Canada made quick work of Ireland’s Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan (28-2, 20 KOs) in scoring a first round knockout on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. A huge left hook did it as referee Russell Mora stopped at 2:44 of the first. Sweet revenge for Lemieux after a bitter feud with O’Sullivan in the lead up to this grudge match.

Former three-division world champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (47-2, 39 KOs) of Nicaragua returned to the ring after a one year absence as he knocked out Mexican Moises Fuentes (25-6-1, KOs) in opening up the HBO Pay per view telecast. In the opening round Gonzalez started off fast sneaking in the fast hands. Fuentes was cut on the right eye in round two as Chocolatito was on the offensive backing the Mexican. Staying on the inside in round three Chocolatito kept the pressure but Fuentes stood in the pocket trading. Chocolatito continued to overwhelm the taller fighter on the inside unloading his combinations. A left hook followed by a short right hand knocked Fuentes out cold as the referee waived it at 1:44 of the fifth as Chocolatito scores the knockout.

David Lemieux: “I was very happy to win. I’m a happy middleweight. I felt great, and I’m in superb shape. I always give you guys a great knockout and a great fight. I’m looking forward to doing it again. Don’t mess with me – when O’Sullivan talked, I kept it in me. I bring it to the ring, I don’t disrespect my opponents. I don’t trash talk. Canelo and Golovkin are two excellent fighters. I’m looking forward to fighting them both.”

Gary O’Sullivan: “Unfortunately, this is boxing. I got caught, and it just so happens it was against a 179-pound light heavyweight who caught me. That was a big weight discrepancy at fight time.”

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