Canadian trip is a real risk for Saunders

A PAT on the back for Billy Joe Saunders for defending his WBO middleweight title on foreign turf.

He obviously believes in himself enough to risk travelling to the home town of a dangerous opponent to make a mark.

And David Lemieux is dangerous in any town, especially Laval, Montreal with the crowd behind him.

Lemieux (below) has lost only once in the past five years and that almost doesn’t count since it was against Gennady Golovkin. Saunders has fought only twice in two years and changed trainers. Momentum is particularly important in boxing. Once you lose that fighting rhythm it can be difficult to get back.

Just look at James DeGale, who lost his title last week after almost a year out of the ring. He was unable to find what he needed in a crisis.

Since beating Andy Lee (top) two years ago Saunders was idle for a year and when he did come back 12 months ago looked terrible in his first defence against Artur Akavov. A further nine months of inactivity saw him return in September against Willie Monroe. He was better but must raise his level again against this fellow.

At his best Saunders brings fast hands and variety, attributes that will trouble Lemieux. He has a sound chin, which will be tested.

The questions is how close to his best will he be? In two of his three defeats Lemieux was done by punchers, an overhand right began his decline against Marco Antonio Rubio. The same punch ended the Golovkin fight.

Saunders does not have that power shot. He will have to control the fight with pace and intensity to frustrate him and walk him on to counters, however he tends to fade in the second half of fights.

Against any but the very best Lemieux carries his power right through 12 rounds. If this fight goes long, I’m not sure Saunders can keep him off.

As with all big risks the rewards can be great. Saunders is looking at the winner of the Golovkin-Saul Alvarez rematch. He has to reboot his career and victory in Montreal will put his name in lights. Yet I fear the worst tonight. I hope I’m wrong.