Brian Peters promises Andy Lee a title shot

ANDY LEE will fight for the European middleweight title in Limerick this Autumn, according to promoter Brian Peters. And, the fight will take place in the UL Sports Arena and not Thomond Park as had been speculated.
The news came after the 25-year-old Limerick southpaw defeated Mamadou Thiam by technical knockout at the Yanjing Fight Night in the UL Arena on Saturday night.
Thiam injured his back after three crashing falls in the opening round and failed to come out for the third round.


Promoter Peters told Leader Sport that he hopes to attract European champion Darren Barker to Limerick.
“As far as Andy’s concerned in Ireland we would be hoping to get Mr. Barker over here in October or November.
“We have to have a talk and see, but I think when you see the support that Andy had here tonight this is the place for him. I think it would be a fantastic fight, live on RTE, in the Fall and here in Limerick,” said Peters.
“I believe this is the place for a European title fight,” he said of the UL Arena adding that he would envisage a capacity of 5,000.
Andy Lee’s manager-coach Emanuel Steward is still adamant that the Castleconnell middleweight will be a world champion.
“Let’s move to a championship fight - European or World title,” Steward said after Andy Lee stretched his pro-record to 21 wins from 22 contests.
“The one that everybody thinks is the best one right now is Andy. I received a call from people who want to start making negotiations for the title fight,” said Steward.
“I still say the best middleweight in the world is right here from Limerick. Andy wants to fight for the middleweight title and Brian is working on making that happen. If Andy Lee wins the world title and when he wins it, at least one defence will be in Ireland because of the support of the Irish people. No matter what network or promoter comes we will tell them Andy is fighting one defence in Ireland, be it Dublin or Limerick.”

JEROME O’CONNELL