I don't think there was a lack of commitment this time around. He really was in the best shape of his life. Just a lack of ideas in the ring. :conf
I don't think either of those fights would end well for Lemieux. Alcine isn't a big hitter and he rocked Lemieux a few times from what I've seen. He's easy to hit too. He'd be KO'd in a few rounds with either man.
Another thing i remember is people criticizing Anber for how Lemieux fought Rubio in spite of the fact that he was giving him all the correct advice. David just ignored it and kept headhunting. committment/discipline for physical and mental i.e. sticking to a gameplan are both part of it.
Lemieux's last two fights show that he's probably not going to make it as a top tier middleweight. He's young and he could possibly improve some but I'm unsure how much. He'll probably never become more than a lower top 10 guy at best. But Lemiuex is a fan-friendly fighter who draws nice crowds in Canada. There's no reason why he can't have a nice career by fighting guys at/near his level, on tv, for nice money. Keep him away from certain guys but match him up with guys who are at his level and have a friendly, for him, style and he'll have a decent career.
I don't think Lemieux has the mental make-up to be a fighter. I wouldn't be surprised if he retired early.
I agree. I think talk of retirement at 22 is a little silly. He'll stay going. If I was in charge of him I'd give him a few fights that he's practically guarenteed to win, just to get his confidence back up a bit. Maybe a year down the road then give him another 'decent' challenge, a fighter of Rubio's level or close, see if he's progressed any.
A couple gimmes to get back on track wouldn't be a bad idea at the moment and I agree, retirement would be a silly move for Lemieux unless he is mentally done but I don't think that is the case. Just because Lemiuex isn't going to make it as an elite fighter doesn't mean he has to give up, 99% or more of fighters never become elite and still make it a career. Lemiuex, win or lose, makes for fun fights and with his following there's no reason why he can't have a profitable career if managed right.
Good call on Lemieux vs. Angulo/Kirkland. Lemieux may be a limited fighter, but he can also be exciting to watch. Those would be some good matches.
Russ Anber says a lot of things. I've heard some negative things from people who know him personally.... Flip-flopper.