Andy Lee could face John Duddy in Limerick

ANDY Lee looks set for a mouth-watering battle against one of his fellow world class Irish middleweight boxers.
Limerick’s pro-boxer steps back between the ropes in the US this Friday for the first time since his only career defeat 17 months ago.


Ahead of that fight Irish boxing promoter Brian Peters has upped the ante for a possible clash between Lee and John Duddy.
Brian Peters, who has promoted all of Lee’s fights in Ireland and who has also worked previously with Duddy, wants to pair the star duo in the University of Limerick on Saturday, November 28.
“I see the deal for this fight as a 50/50 one because to me the status of both men is on a par - but to make it that bit more attractive to them I’m prepared to offer a €35,000 bonus to the winner,” said Peters, who also manages Bernard Dunne.
“Dangling the carrot of a bonus of this nature should certainly make the fight more interesting to both parties,” Brian Peters said.
“Although there is a lot of serious talking still to be done,” explained Peters, who is currently involved with reality television show, Lords of the Ring.
Another potential clash for Lee could be a European title fight against another Irish man - Matthew Macklin. Birmingham born Tipperary man, Macklin meets Finnish fighter Amin Asikainen on September 25 for the European title.
“That would be a great fight for Irish boxing fans,” said Macklin of a potential title defence against Lee.
“It would be the biggest all Irish fight for a long, long time and to have a major belt like a European title on the line would make it a massive occasion. Andy’s a good fighter and a decent lad, but business is business at the end of the day and if I’m European Champion then I think it’s a fight that makes real sense,” said Mathew Macklin.
Before all that Lee must keep his career on track this Friday night.
Back in March 2008, the 25-year-old Castleconnell middleweight had hoped to ignite his career with a bout against Brian Vera. Screened live across the states, the contest went horribly wrong as Lee’s unbeaten run of 15 wins came to a crashing end.
In the last year and a half the former Olympian has rebuilt his world title quest with three wins - in Dublin, Limerick and Germany.
This Friday Lee makes his reappearance in the US when he faces Indianapolis’ Anthony Shuler in the Horse Shoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana.
For his 20th professional fight the southpaw brings a career record of 18 wins and one defeat into the ring while his 32-year-old opponent has a record of 20 wins, six losses and one draw. In Friday’s 10-round middleweight contest, Lee was to face Jose Humberto Corral but he had to withdraw due to a training injury.
“He’s a better opponent, better known in boxing and is a step up from the other guy.
“It was always likely to happen you know, that the opponent changes in this type of fight, and it was something I was kind of prepared for,” said Andy Lee ahead of the weekend contest.
Andy’s brother Roger has flown out to the US to assist during a training camp.
“It’s been a good camp,” reported Lee.
“I’ve been sparring Dominique Dalton, who is fighting himself on August 29.
“We’ve been sparring each other and helping each other prepare, and he is definitely one to look out for in the future,” said Castleconnell’s Andy Lee.

Jerome O’Connell