David Lemieux a stepping stone for hungry Spike O’Sullivan

For most he is a big punching, dangerous former world champion but, for Spike O’Sullivan, David Lemieux is just a stepping stone towards world titles and a massive fight with Saul Alvarez or Gennady Golovkin.

The Cork middle takes on the Canadian in Las Vegas on September 15th on the undercard of the massive GGG-Canelo middleweight title rematch in what is arguably one of the most exciting match ups in recent Irish boxing history.

Such is the magnitude of the card at the T-Mobile Arena that most would forgive the Mahon man for indulging in some excitement and, such is the magnitude of the fight, that some Cork caution might also go uncriticised.

Indeed, Lemieux is sure to be a favourite with the bookies and is considered by many as the middleweight with the greatest one-punch power operating currently.

However, O’Sullvan [28(20)-2(1)] has bigger things on his mind and sees the massive HBO PPV-broadcast clash as nothing more than passage to a world title fight and a clash with one of the biggest names in the sport.

“This fight is just another step towards fulfilling my ambition of becoming a world champion and providing a good life for my family,” he said after the match-up was finally officially confirmed last night.

“David Lemieux is just an object in my way that I fully intend smashing through. Then, I want Canelo or GGG – either one, it doesn’t matter. I’m going to war!”

‘Spike’ believes a win over his promotional stablemate Lemieux [39(33)-4(2)] will propel him toward a clash with the fighter who emerges from the top of the bill with the WBA and WBC world titles – and Golden Boy boss Oscar De La Hoya seems to agree.

The original, who also promotes Jason Quigley and Aaron McKenna, believes any fighter that performs on such an occasion and such a high quality card will be propelled toward topping bills in massive fights.

“This historic rematch between Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin can only be supported by an equally great undercard,” said the former six-weight world champ.

“That’s why some of the best champions and contenders from all over the world will be featured on this event of international proportions, while some of our brightest prospects will have the opportunity of a lifetime on this undercard so they can one day headline events of this magnitude.”