The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Tureano Johnson and David Lemieux had an opportunity to discuss predictions and strategy on their upcoming bout as fight week promotion is in full swing.

Both fighters participated in public workouts yesterday at Chase Square, Madison Square Garden, ahead of Saturday’s bout.

Johnson said he has accounted for Lemieux’s punching power and has implemented tactics to take advantage in the bout.

“After being in boxing for so long, you do have to grow and you do have to adapt. Indeed David Lemieux is a ferocious puncher, a devastating puncher, so you know you definitely don’t want to get hit with any of those blows. I know what it is to get hit from big punchers and I don’t want to get hit again,” he said.

“David Lemieux is like a shark in the sea and you got to have that respect and I definitely have that respect to know his power is devastating, but we have a little trick for that. We have a real good trick for that, it’s a treat for the fans and come Saturday it’s going to be an explosive night. I’m expecting him to bring his ‘A’ game because I’m definitely bringing mine.”

This weekend’s bout marks Johnson’s return to the ring since an August 2017 loss to Serhiy Derevianchenko.

“I have to give the almighty God thanks for all that he has done in my life,” he said. “I fight to make my country proud – the Bahamas, I fight to provide for my family – my wife and daughter, and ultimately, I fight to win, not just to fight, to win. To fight David Lemieux on this stage in MSG, this is the third time I’m going to be here, but is an awesome experience. It’s not a crossroads for me, it’s just another major fight, another world title opportunity for me to go out there and prove to the world exactly what Tureano has to offer.”

Final press conferences will be hosted today at 11am and the weigh-ins take place in MSG at noon on Friday.

Johnson (20-2, 14 KOs) will face Lemieux (40-4, 34 KOs) in a 12-round middleweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Eye of the Tiger Management.

Their co-main event will take place on the undercard of the Canelo Alvarez and Rocky Fielding bout for the World Boxing Association Super Middleweight title, broadcasted live on DAZN.

Lemieux guaranteed a knockout win.

“The round will depend on Johnson, but it’s going to happen,” he said. “Tureano Johnson is a great fighter, we respect his ability, but I had a great camp, I’m well prepared and I can’t wait to demonstrate what I have for you guys.”

Lemieux views Johnson as a stepping stone to a bigger fight and and ultimately a title shot against Alvarez.

“He’s going to be in for a big surprise. I’m not here to lose, I’m here to look spectacular. I’m here to make a big statement so I can get on with the fight I want. He’s a respectful opponent I guess, I didn’t get to know him too much but business is business,” he said. “When I’m in the ring I’m brutal and I’m devastating. I took one week break since my last fight. I’ve been in the gym, I’m ready and I’m a beast so wait until we see Saturday.”

Both Johnson, 34, and Lemieux, 29, look to reclaim positions in the spotlight as contenders.

Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) is coming off of a career-defining win over IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KO) last September in Las Vegas, Nevada.