Andy Lee’s thoughts turn to a potential clash with Macklin

IT will be a number of weeks before Andy Lee charts his next step forward in his pro-boxing career.
The 25-year-old middleweight is to enjoy a few weeks at home in Castleconnell before turning his attention to his future.


The former St. Francis Boxing Club Olympian brought his pro record to 20 wins from 21 bouts on Saturday night when securing a ten-round points win over reigning European Union and French champion Affif Belghecham at a packed UL Arena.
There was no title on the line on Saturday, but Lee now believes that he is getting closer to a title fight.
“That guy was rated in the European ratings so that should move me up the European ratings.
“The middleweight scene outside of Kelly Pavlik is European-based so now it is good to have a foothold in the ratings,” Lee told Leader Sport after Saturday’s fight.
Lee, his manager Emanuel Steward, coach Joey Gamache, promoter Brian Peters and advisor Damien McCann will all be involved in the discussions as to the next step for the Limerick man.
Steward wasn’t in Limerick for Lee’s third fight in his native city as he had television commitments in Las Vegas for Manny Pacquiao’s victory over Miguel Cotto.
Indeed the Detroit-based Hall of Fame coach didn’t have much input into Lee’s preparations for the fight as Lee has spent recent months in New York and was largely under the watchful eye of one of Steward able assistants Joey Gamache.
“The whole team needs to sit down and we’ll take it one fight at a time,” said Lee.
“I am in good shape - I could fight again next week!,” said a smiling Andy Lee after his latest win.
It could be February before Lee returns to the ring, but already thoughts are turning to next summer and a potential title fight against fellow Irish man Matthew Macklin who is the reigning European middleweight champion.
Macklin beat Finnish fighter Amin Asikainen at the Manchester Velodrome, England in September to collect the vacant belt and defends it on December 5 when Macklin meets Uruguayan Rafael Sosa Pintos at the National Boxing Stadium in Dublin and then in the New Year he has a European title defence against Dmitry Pirog before any thoughts could turn to a potential clash with Lee.
“July or August in Thomond Park would be fantastic, but if it happens, it happens,” said Andy Lee.
“It’s a natural fight,” said Lee of a potential fight against Macklin who was introduced to the crowd in the UL Arena on Saturday night.
“There is no bad blood between us - when we fight each other it is going to be a big fight. It would be nice to have a financial benefit from it, but even a European title fight would be big between us. I don’t think either of us would dodge each other,” said Lee.
“The middleweight division in Ireland is in great shape right now, but apart from Pavlik it is all about the Germans and I think we are right there.
“Matthew would fancy his chances now and John (Duddy) and with another few fights I would be ready too.”

JEROME O’CONNELL