By Radio Rahim

This past Saturday night at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York - former IBF middleweight champion David Lemieux (37-3, 33 KOs) secured what might be a runaway winner for Knockout of The Year - when he sensationally knocked Curtis Stevens (29-6, 21 KOs) out cold with a brutal one-punch connection in the third round.

The two boxers had been trading big punches for two rounds, before a a left hand sent Stevens down and full out. He was down on the mat for several minutes before being carried away on stretcher.

Over the years, Lemieux has scored more than his fair share of spectacular knockouts in the ring.

Lemieux says Stevens was not the worst knockout victim on his list.

"I've had some bad knockouts, I've put guys in bad shape. I've had worse knockouts than this, but this was a serious statement. And I hope that he'll get up and be okay, but we came to do a statement and we did," Lemieux said to BoxingScene.com.

Stevens, also known for being a deadly puncher, landed some very big punches himself. He was able to push Lemieux back at times, but never seriously hurt him. Lemieux on the other hand seemed to shake Stevens up on at least three occasions in their short contest.

"Absolutely nothing bothered me [from Stevens]. I was perfectly okay. I just paced myself, picking the shots better, because my corner told me not to punch for nothing. I changed the pace, but once my shots started coming in they were landing," Lemieux said.

"I was ready for anything. I knew what Stevens got. I was ready to do a slugfest or to chase him down and beat him or to even box him. I did a bit of everything so I could give the fans a good show, give them what they wanted to see. I knew that I would land my shot eventually and I did."