The 28-year-old faces a tough opponent in power-punching Lemieux and will need to be at his very best fighting in the Canadian’s backyard on December 16.
But former WBA lightweight champion claims Saunders will have the beating of his 28-year-old opponent, setting himself up for lucrative clashes with the giants of the division.
“I fancy him to beat [David] Lemieux but I think Canelo [Alvarez], [Gennady] Golovkin, that’s much tougher,” Crolla told Daily Star Online.
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“I think the class of Billy Joe always gets him in with a shout.
“Would I make him favourite against either of those two? No, I wouldn’t. But very few people would.”
Canelo and Golovkin are expected to face each other early next year in a rematch of their controversial draw in September.
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Kazakh destroyer Golovkin looked to have done more than enough to win on the judges scorecards that night – but the fight was farcically scored level.
And, if Saunders can retain his title with a win over former IBF champ Lemieux in Quebec, the unbeaten star could be perfectly placed to take on the winner.
“I think Billy Joe, from that southpaw stance he’s got lovely boxing skills, on his day, he’s up there with anyone,” Crolla added.