Frank Warren compared the performance with Joe Calzaghe’s masterclass over Jeff Lacy back in 2006, the one-sided nature follows the same pattern whilst the comparisons were also made on Lacy and Lemieux being these ferocious punchers that would turn off the light quick on the opposition.

In both instances it didn’t run true, the puncher was nowhere to be seen, the boxer instead came to the forefront making every move an educated one in handing out a wide decision on the judges scorecards with the look of ease.

It becomes hard to not be impressed with the showing of Billy Joe Saunders on Saturday night, the champion arrived with the feeling that he had bitten off more than he could chew, he was travelling to the challenger’s backyard, a challenger who had amassed 33 knockouts from his 38 wins.

Supremely confident Saunders undeterred by the expedition, being that he is from a travelling community, took the opportunity to perform in front of a North Amercian audience with open hands.

Putting on such a display that it would be an injustice to simply say it was one-sided, Lemieux in bad taste afterwards, searched for any reasoning behind the contest ending, shuffling around giving excuse after excuse.

Lemieux simply put, couldnt hit Saunders if he had an handful of sand, he threw big shots which hit nothing but air as the silky skills of Saunders were exhibited to the fullest, evading the heavy artillery that came his way, making the Canadian pay for every false move.

The performance was one of the best of 2017, putting him firmly in the unification picture for a shot at Gennady Golovkin or the money spinner of Saul Alvarez.

I was the first to say that he wouldn’t fare well with either but on his latest showing, I have to admit that it makes me think he could run both close.