This was a nasty-looking K.O, and we’re sure it didn’t feel too good for the Cork native either.
Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan was hoping to tee himself up for a title shot against the winner of Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.
Instead, he was brutally sparked out by former IBF middleweight champion David Lemieux in the first round.
O’Sullivan had spoken about the Canadian in harsh terms ahead of their bout – on the Canelo vs. GGG undercard – and claimed Lemieux would get ‘knocked the f*** out’. Going into the fight, ‘Spike’ was highly confident and looking to add win no.29 to his pro record.
Lemieux is known for having one of the most punishing left hands in the boxing business and, 164 seconds into the first round, he connected with O’Sullivan’s cheek and the lights went out.
The force and timing of the connection was enough to see Lemieux record his 34th career knock-out.
Wow! A shocking ending by @lemieuxboxing over @spike_osullivan #CaneloGGG2 @GoldenBoyBoxing If you aren't watching you're missing out! Order NOW https://t.co/JGgYVFNVoX #boxing #boxeo #GGG #canelo #FightDay pic.twitter.com/AHNofcb2gQ
— TrillerTV (@FiteTV) September 16, 2018
Another angle shows the beauty and power of Lemieux’s counter-punch.
David Lemieux takes Spike O’Sullivan out in the 1st round. #boxing pic.twitter.com/CRB1fE9nvI
— ASB (@AstarBoxing) September 16, 2018
O’Sullivan slumped to the mat and referee Russell Mora began to count and then thought better of it, waving the fight off and confirming the KO.
It was the first time O’Sullivan was ever knocked out and, unfortunately, it came with millions watching. Had he been victorious, it would have seen him installed as a mandatory title shot challenger.
Lemieux has won two straight and is the WBA’s mandatory challenger to face Canelo winner, who defeated Golovkin on points.
