Lemieux KOs Stevens in all out war

  Story and photos by Boxing Bob Newman at ringside

A clash of big-punching middleweight contenders that figured to be an all-out war, turned out to be all that and more. Former IBF world champion David Lemieux (37-3, 33 KOs) scored a spectacular third round KO over Curtis “The Cerebral Assassin” Stevens (29-6, 21 KOs) on Saturday night at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY. Both traded bombs the entire way and both had their moments. Lemieux ended matters with a crushing left hook in round three that put Stevens on the deck out cold. Time was 1:59.

“I told you what I was going to do tonight,” said Lemieux. “What I saw was a ‘check mate.’ The punch was made with perfect landing. I am in great shape, and I prepared myself for him. He is physically strong but nothing special. Stevens is a solid fighter, and we were successful. I wish him the best, and I hope he is OK.”

Smith was conscious when taken from the ring on a stretcher to a local hospital for observation.