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

Lee returns to UL Arena for a spectacular night of boxing

PRO-BOXING is back in Limerick this Saturday when Castleconnell’s Andy Lee takes another step towards a title fight. In his fourth headline bout in the UL Sports Arena, the 25-year-old middleweight will face Mamadou Thiam.
The Yanjing Fight Night will be televised live on RTE 2, with coverage starting at 9pm.
Andy Lee is expected into the ring at around 10pm.
The television coverage will show Lee’s fight live as well as the super middleweight clash of Luis Garcia and Alexander Sipos, who Andy Lee defeated in Dublin’s O2 last year.
Saturday night’s event will feature Limerick’s first-ever title fight when local favourites Jamie Power challenges Mayo’s John Waldron for the vacant belt. The 29-year-old Norwood Park native is the top attraction on the undercard.
A married father of two, who lives in Caherconlish, Power brings a record of seven wins from eight contests into the title fight. The Power-Waldron title fight will take place at about 8pm.
Promoter Brian Peters was hit with three injury withdrawals this week, but there will still be eight fights in total.
Gone from the event is world and European Lightweight Champion Katie Taylor and the cruiserweight title fight between Michael Sweeney and Ian Tims. Coleman Barrett also withdrew, but this has created the opportunity for a piece of history.
Cuban heavyweight sensation Mike Perez could be set to box twice on the one night.
Aside from the Prizefigher series on Sky television, is appears that no pro-fighter has ever fought twice on the one bill. Perez will open the Yanjing Fight Night when he boxes Edgars Kalnars of Lativa at around 6pm and if all goes according to plan and with the doctors permission, Mike Perez could face Tomas Mrazek of the Czech Republic at about 7.30pm. Perez, a Cork based southpaw, is unbeaten in eight contests and in his last Limerick appearance the former world junior amateur champion needed just 41 seconds to chalk up another KO victory.
Another intriguing contest on the bill will see Limerick based Galwegian Alan Donnellon make his professional debut in a Light Middleweight contest. The LIT graduate in quantity surveying is a member of St Francis Boxing Club and is coach to LIT Boxing Society.
“We’ve put together a great undercard for this show,” explained Brian Peters.
He said that Andy Lee’s contest will be the most difficult of his career to date.
“Thiam cannot be overlooked though, he has a 94 per cent KO ratio which is phenomenal and he also has all that top level experience so he is a real dangerman. He is one of those guys who throws every punch with bad intentions. His record speaks for itself, he’s a veteran of 54 fights and 50 of those have ended inside the distance so it’s safe to say that this is a guy who rarely relies on the judges,” said Brian Peters.
“For me throughout his career both in the amateur and professional ranks Andy has always performed at his best when he’s been faced with a real threat and that’s exactly what he will be coming up against in Thiam. Andy will need to be very careful but he’s no slouch either in the power department so I think it’s safe to say that it’s a fight that will produce fireworks.”
Tickets are still available. Priced from €30 to €100, they can be purchased from the University Sports Arena, the George Hotel and the South Court Hotel, as well as from Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.ie).

Jerome O’Connell

Thiam - Andy Lee’s biggest test

LIMERICK pro boxer Andy Lee can move a step closer to a European or world championship title fight with his 21st win in this Saturday’s Yanjing Fight Night at the University Sports Arena.
The 25-year-old middleweight will face former European champion and two-time world title challenger Mamadou Thiam in his fourth professional fight in Limerick.


Lee headlines the attractive event which will feature a total of ten fights in what is the most exciting pro-boxing event to be staged in Limerick.
Two Irish titles will also be on the line in Limerick as local favourite Jamie Power looks to capture the Irish Light Heavyweight title against John Waldron while Dublin’s Ian Tims will put his unbeaten record on the line in an Irish Cruiserweight title decider with Michael Sweeney.
Tickets for the Yanjing Fight Night are priced from €30 and are available from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie) or from The University Sports Arena, the George Hotel and the South Court Hotel. The event will be televised live on RTE 2 from 9pm on Saturday.
Also boxing on Saturday will be world and European champion Katie Taylor in an exhibition bout in an international amateur contest.
“It’s always an incredible experience walking to the ring in your hometown,” said Lee who flew into Ireland this Monday after a training camp in Florida with coach Emanuel Steward.
“You recognise so many people in the crowd and it really brings it home to you that you are representing Limerick as much as you are yourself. The support is always incredible and the buzz in the city on the week of a fight when I head home is always great,” said Andy Lee, a former St Francis Boxing Club Olympian.
A win on Saturday should catapult Lee up the world rankings as he faces his toughest challenge to date.
Mamadou Thiam is one of boxing’s biggest hitters with an incredible 43 of his 46 wins coming via KO. The 38-year-old has a record of 46 wins from 54 contests over a career spanning back to 1993.
“Of course I am predicting a knockout, that is what I do for a living,” said Thiam as the Senegal-based Parisian vowed to knock out Andy Lee.
“Some people sell cars, some people build houses, some people drive buses, I knock people out. I suppose I’m like a dentist because we both take teeth out for a living. It’s not a personal thing for me, I’m sure Andy Lee is a very nice guy, but this is a business and a very hard business and there is no room for nice guys. Lee is a big name in Ireland, but I have fought at the highest level and I know what it takes to succeed there.
“Lee will be a good scalp for me and put me in a position to win another European title,” said Thiam.
“I’ve fought all over the world and I’m excited about fighting in Ireland. I heard that the scenery there is beautiful, but for Andy Lee the view from the canvas won’t be so pretty!”

Jerome O’Connell

Andy Lee lands in Limerick

ANDY Lee arrives into Shannon airport this afternoon ahead of the Yanjing Fight Night at the University Sports Arena on Saturday.
Ahead of the fight against the former European champion Mamadou Thiam, 25-year-old Lee will meet-and-greet his fans this Tuesday afternoon in the Crescent Shopping Centre between 12 noon and 2pm.


The Castleconnell middleweight and his French opponent will come face-to-face for the first time at the free event which is open to the public.
RTE’s Jimmy Magee will be the master of ceremonies with the boxers also participating in a public workout with a boxing ring specially erected for the occasion and Limerick’s Live 95FM will broadcast live from the event.
Tickets for Saturday’s Yanjing Fight Night are priced from €30 and are available from the George Hotel, the South Court Hotel and the University Sports Arena or Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie).
While Andy Lee headlines the event there is also a most attractive undercard.
World and European champion Katie Taylor features in an international amateur contest while the card will also see two Irish professional titles up for grabs for the first time ever in Limerick.
Local fan favourite Jamie Power clashes with John Waldron for the Irish Light Heavyweight title while Mayo’s Michael Sweeney faces Ian Tims for the Irish Cruiserweight title.

JEROME O’CONNELL

Andy Lee limbers up for public workout

THE Crescent Shopping Centre (12-2pm) will be transformed into a Madison Square Garden type arena on Tuesday when Andy Lee undergoes a public workout ahead of the Yanjing Fight Night at the University Sports Arena on Saturday next, May 15.


Limerick’s middleweight boxer faces former European champion Mamadou Thiam in his fourth pro-boxing event in his native city on Saturday week but next Tuesday the two men come face to face for the first time.
Back in July 2008 when Lee fought Willie Gibbs in UL, the former St Francis Boxing Club Olympian had a workout in the Parkway Shopping Centre, which was attended by big crowds.
Next Tuesday’s event is open to the public and RTE’s Jimmy Magee will be the master of ceremonies when a boxing ring specially erected for the occasion in the shopping centre.
“Essentially it’s about giving the public a chance to see what a professional boxer goes through on a day to day basis in training. Obviously everyone can see the results on fight night but people generally don’t get to see the amount of effort that these guys put in whipping themselves in to shape for a bout,” said Promoter Brian Peters.
“People will even get a chance to see some good competitive sparring as well so it really should be a very interesting event and of course who better to MC it than the voice of Irish boxing, Mr. Jimmy Magee.”
Castleconnell’s Lee has been training for the bout in Florida with his trainer Emanuel Steward and will touch down in Shannon with his team this weekend ahead of the bout.
Tickets for the Yanjing Fight Night are priced from €30 and are available from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie) or from the University Sports Arena, the George Hotel and the South Court Hotel.

Jerome O’Connell

Mamadou Thiam vows to knock out Andy Lee

LIMERICK pro-boxer Andy Lee will jet into Ireland this weekend ahead of his Saturday, May 15 Yanjing Fight Night at the University Sports Arena.
The Castleconnell middleweight is currently finalising his preparations for his fourth Limerick pro-fight in New York, but will be back in Ireland next weekend.
Andy Lee’s opponent is former European champion and two-time World title challenger Mamadou Thiam.
Thiam is one of boxing’s biggest hitters with an incredible 43 of his 46 wins coming via KO.


The Senegal-based Parisian this week vowed to add Andy Lee to his list of knockouts.
“Of course I am predicting a knockout, that is what I do for a living,” said Thiam.
“Some people sell cars, some people build houses, some people drive buses, I knock people out. I suppose I’m like a dentist because we both take teeth out for a living.
“It’s not a personal thing for me, I’m sure Andy Lee is a very nice guy, but this is a business and a very hard business and there is no room for nice guys.
“Lee is a big name in Ireland, but I have fought at the highest level and I know what it takes to succeed there. Lee will be a good scalp for me and put me in a position to win another European title,” said Thiam.
“I’ve fought all over the world and I’m excited about fighting in Ireland. I heard that the scenery there is beautiful, but for Andy Lee the view from the canvas won’t be so pretty!”
Two Irish titles will also be on the line in Limerick as local favourite Jamie Power looks to capture the Irish Light Heavyweight title against John Waldron while Dublin’s Ian Tims will put his unbeaten record on the line in an Irish Cruiserweight title decider with Michael Sweeney.
Tickets for the Yanjing Fight Night are priced from €30 and are available from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie) or from The University Sports Arena, the George Hotel and the South Court Hotel.

JEROME O’CONNELL

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

Andy Lee faces a tough task

BREAKING into the world’s top 10 is to the forefront of Andy Lee’s thoughts ahead of his third pro-fight in Limerick.
The 25-year-old former St. Francis Boxing Club Olympian faces reigning French and European Union Champion Affif Belghecham this Saturday night in the Yanjing Fight Night at the University Sports Arena.


The Limerick middleweight is seeking a win that will lift him into contention for a world title fight.
“I am expecting a hard fight. It is a risky enough fight. I had better be on my best to beat him,” said Andy Lee of his fight which will be televised live on RTE 2.
“Two of the world champions are from Europe so it is good to be ranked in Europe.
“This guy is highly ranked so if I can beat him it will be a good step forward. It’s good to remind people what you can do. This guy is ranked above me so if I can beat him it will be a small statement. It is a significant enough fight; it will be a real test,” Lee told Leader Sport yesterday when launching the new Honours Degree in Business Studies with Sports Management in LIT.
“If I can go out and impress and look good it will be a nice way to finish up the year and set me up nicely for next year,” said the ambitious Castleconnell southpaw.
“I love coming home to Limerick and every time I fight there it’s a special occasion for me. I’ve always had great support from the people of Limerick and I’ll be hoping to repay some of that support with a big performance on Saturday night. I don’t think there is any other city that loves it’s sport as much as Limerick,” he explained.
In what should be a memorable night of sport Lee will be joined in the ring by the only other two Limerick professional boxers, Jamie Power and Willie Casey.
Power will be hoping to return to winning ways after his defeat to Michael Sweeney on the undercard of Bernard Dunne’s loss to Thai boxer Pooswat Kratingdaenggym.
“Since I turned professional 18 months ago I have received great support, but since my first and only loss to Mike Sweeney in my last contest that support has increased hugely. People are stopping me on the street wishing me the best, telling me not to be too disappointed about the loss and look to the future. It really has been humbling.
“I firmly believe there is no other place in the world not to mind the country that I would receive this backing from the sporting public,” said Power.
Jamie has split his training between St. Francis BC and the UL Sports Arena.
“The training in my old amateur club is great - my coaches Finbarr and Mario push me to the limit every time as do the other boxers in the club. I have trained all over the world and can honestly say I have not trained in a better amateur club. It’s little wonder both Andy and I have done so well with the skills we learned there,” he said.
“I am already on my fighting weight and I feel fresher and more confident than I ever have before a fight. I really can’t see myself leaving that ring Saturday night without a win. I just want to do Limerick proud,” said the Caherconlish resident.
Also among the six bouts on the night will be Willie Casey, who will be attempting to extend his unbeaten record to three wins in his fledging career.
On Saturday night fans wishing to watch all the action from Croke Park between Ireland and France will be catered for with the game shown live on the big screens at the UL Arena while a full bar and food court will also be available.
Tickets for the Yanjing Fight Night priced from €40 are available from Ticketmaster, The George Boutique Hotel in Limerick and all usual outlets.

Jerome O’Connell

Trio set to thrill fans

FOR first time ever all three of Limerick’s professional boxers are set to appear on the same bill.
Earlier this month Andy Lee confirmed his 21st pro fight for the UL Sports Arena on November 14.
Leader Sport can now reveal that the 25-year-old Castleconnell middleweight will be joined on his undercard by fellow Limerick men Jamie Power and Willie Casey.
Lee, the US based southpaw, will headline the event when he takes on Frenchman Affif Belghecham on the Yanjing Fight Night.
Their opponents have yet to be confirmed, but Power and Casey will also fight in front of the passionate home crowd.
Power also fought on Lee’s undercard last year in Limerick in what was only his second pro fight.
The 28-year-old boxer from Norwood Park has since progressed his record to six wins from seven contests.
The ex-St. Francis amateur boxer lost his perfect record last month to Michael Sweeney, when they fought on the undercard of Bernard Dunne’s ill-fated WBA super bantamweight title defence against Thailand’s Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym in front of a capacity crowd of 9,000 spectators in Dublin’s O2.
For Casey it will be a first fight in front of his local supporters.
Just last Saturday night the 27-year-old featherweight recorded his second win. One year after his professional debut Casey was an impressive points winner over Bulgarian Stoyan Serbezov in the National Boxing Stadium in Dublin. The featherweight made his pro debut last October with a second round stoppage in the INEC in Killarney, however his career then stalled until last Friday night.
A former Irish intermediate featherweight champion, Casey is who is a former member of Our Lady of Lourdes Boxing Club and Southill Boxing Club, is being coached in Dublin by former Olympian and double European Championship bronze medal winner Phil Sutcliffe.
Now nicknamed ‘The Big Bang’, as an amateur Casey had up to a dozen fights with the Irish A team including bouts against fancied Russian and USA sides.
Further details of the undercard for the November 14 event will be confirmed in the coming days.
Tickets for the Yanjing Fight Night, priced from €40, are on sale from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie).

JEROME O’CONNELL

Andy Lee plans Limerick bout

CASTLECONNELL middleweight Andy Lee will have his third professional fight in Limerick next month when he faces Affif Belghecham, the reigning European Union and French middleweight champion, at the UL Arena on Saturday, November 14.
Southpaw Lee has racked up 19 wins from his 20 professional fights to date and has registered knockouts in his last 16 consecutive fights.


Lee, who was in Thomond Park this Tuesday afternoon to announce details of his fight, has won his two previous bouts at the UL Arena, stopping Argentina’s Alejandro Falliga in five rounds and thrilling hometown fans with a final round knockout of Willie ‘The Gladiator’ Gibbs.
The Lyon native Affif Belghecham is rated just ahead of Lee in the current European ratings occupying eighth place, with the Shannonsider just behind in ninth place.
The list is headed by newly crowned European champion Matthew Macklin.
There had been plenty of speculation in recent weeks about a possible all-Irish European title showdown between Lee and Macklin, but the Limerickman insists that his sole focus is on dealing with the formidable threat posed by Belghecham in Limerick on Saturday, November 14.
“I’ve watched him in action and he’s going to be a very tough opponent,” US-based Lee said.
“He’s the current European Union champion and is coming into this fight on the back of some very good wins. He’s never been stopped so it could be a tough night, but I’m really looking forward to it.
“It’s great to be fighting at home again. It always means that little bit more when you’re fighting in your home town. I’ve always got tremendous support from the people of Limerick right from my amateur days.
“Even the week building up to a fight in Limerick is special because everyone’s wishing you luck and coming up to say hello and it’s great to have that kind of support. Then on the night you can pick out so many people in the crowd that you know and it really gives you that extra push.”
While a possible fight with Matthew Macklin isn’t on Lee’s immediate agenda he admits it’s something he’d relish in the future.
“Obviously, that would be a big fight and it would be great if it happened, but right now I’m only concentrating on this fight.
“The European scene at middleweight has really come to the fore recently and outside of Kelly Pavlik the other champions in the division, Felix Sturm, Sebastian Sylvester and Sebastian Zbik are all based in Germany.”
Promoter Brian Peters believes that a win over Belghecham could lead to some major opportunities for Andy Lee.
“We tried to make a fight between Andy and John Duddy for next month and when that didn’t come off we looked at a rematch with Brian Vera, (the only man to beat Lee to date), but unfortunately neither party was interested.
“To Andy’s credit he was up for both of those fights and that shows you his mentality. He doesn’t want any pushovers and he’ll certainly have his hands full with Belghecham.”
Details of the undercard for the University Sports Arena on November 14 will be announced shortly.
Tickets for the Yanjing Fight Night are priced from €40 will go on sale from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie) and all usual outlets from 9am this Wednesday, October 14.

Colm Kinsella

Lee has Duddy in his sights

LIMERICK could be set to play host to one of the biggest nights ever in Irish boxing - November 28 in the University Arena in UL has been proposed for the fight most thought not possible between Limerick’s Andy Lee and his fellow Irish boxer John Duddy.


The Castleconnell 25-year-old brought his record to 19 wins from 20 fights when knocking Anthony Shuler out in the eighth round last weekend in the Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, Indiana. And, in the aftermath of the fight Andy Lee threw down the gauntlet to Duddy: “I’m up for the fight with John Duddy, this is a fight the public have been speculating about for some considerable time and I believe it will be a memorable occasion with plenty of edge and drama”.
Last weekend was Lee’s first fight back in the US since his shock defeat to Brian Vera 17 months ago.
Andy Lee’s opponent Anthony Shuler was knocked down in the second and fourth rounds and hit the canvas three times in the eighth before the referee stopped the fight.
While the Duddy fight has captured the imagination of boxing fans in Ireland and across the Atlantic, a fight against another renowned Irish middleweight Matthew Macklin could also be on the cards.
“I would be willing to meet any of them, just name the venue. These would be the type of fights that would sell out any venue in Limerick, Dublin or New York,” added Andy Lee.
Top Irish promoter Brian Peters is behind the ambitious plans to stage the Lee and Duddy contest in Limerick: “I see the deal for this fight as a 50/50 one because to me the status of both men in on par, but to make is that bit more attractive to them I’m prepared to offer a €35,000 bonus to the winner. Dangling the carrot of a bonus of this nature should certainly make the fight more interesting to both parties, although there is a lot of serious talking still to be done”.
However, any deal must wait until after October 10 when Duddy fights on a Top Rank Card in New York’s Madison Square Garden.
Meanwhile Macklin meets Finnish fighter Amin Asikainen on September 25 for the European title and has already hinted that he would like to defend that potential title against Lee.
“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 Macklin.
After Friday’s 20th fight of his pro-career Andy Lee is due back in Limerick next week.
In the last 12 months the Limerick southpaw has been quietly working under the radar picking up valuable experience in the gym and his four outings in Germany, Ireland and the United States and is currently ranked third in the European Boxing Association (EBA) and 14th in the World Boxing Association (WBA) rankings.
“I am happy with the win and so is Andy,” said the Limerick boxer’s manager-trainer Emanuel Steward.
“We move on from here as I want to keep him busy.
“Andy is an excellent prospect and I’m convinced that we haven’t seen the best of him.”

Jerome O’Connell

Andy Lee has Irish rival John Duddy in his sights

ANDY Lee has thrown down the gauntlet to fellow Irish middleweight boxer John Duddy.
On Friday night in the United States Limerick’s pro boxer brought his record to 19 wins from 20 fights when knocking out Anthony Shuler in the eighth round.
Now the Castleconnell southpaw has his sights set on an all-Irish clash.


“I’m up for the fight with John Duddy. This is a fight the public have been speculating about for some considerable time and I believe it will be a memorable occasion with plenty of edge and drama,” said Andy Lee after his latest career win in the Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, Indiana.
The fight is being proposed for Limerick’s University Arena on November 28.
Top Irish promoter Brian Peters is hoping to entice the duo to what would be a sell-out fight in UL.
“I see the deal for this fight as a 50/50 one because to me the status of both men in on par, but to make is 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 although there is a lot of serious talking still to be done,” explained Peters.
However any deal must wait until after October 10 when Duddy fights on a Top Rank Card in New York’s Madison Square Garden.
Another option for Andy Lee is another potential all-Irish clash against Matthew Macklin. Macklin meets Finnish fighter Amin Asikainen on September 25 for the European title and has already hinted that he would like to defend that potential title against Lee.
“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 Macklin.
After Friday’s 20th fight of his pro-career Lee is due back in Limerick this week.
In the last 12 months, the Limerick southpaw has been quietly working under the radar picking up valuable experience in the gym.
Following four outings in Germany, Ireland and US he is currently ranked as high as third in the European Boxing Association (EBA) and 14th in the World Boxing Association (WBA) rankings.

JEROME O’CONNELL

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

Lee returns to the ring

LIMERICK pro-boxer Andy Lee steps back between the ropes in the US this Friday for the first time since his only career defeat 17 months ago.
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 was forced 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 this weekend’s 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 with 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 Lee.
The Emanuel Steward-managed middleweight has not fought since June when the former St. Francis Boxing Club star had a six-round points win over Latvia’s Olegs Fedetovs in Germany’s Gelsenkirchen’s Veltins Arena.
All going well Andy Lee will return home to Limerick next week and could be back in the ring again in October.
On this side of the Atlantic, British and Irish middleweight champion Matthew Macklin has spoken of the possibility of fighting Lee.
Birmingham-born Tipperary man Macklin meets Finnish fighter Amin Asikainen on September 25 for the European title and a win could set up a massive all-Irish clash.
“That would be a great fight for Irish boxing fans,” said Macklin of a potential clash with 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.”
The Brian Peters-managed Macklin has recently linked up with friend and former sparring partner Ricky Hatton to join his new promotional outfit and his first outing for the ‘Hitman’ comes at the Manchester Velodrome on September 25 when he tops the bill against Asikainen.
“A defence in Ireland against Andy Lee would be great, but for now I’m just concentrating on winning the title,” said Mathew Macklin.

Jerome O’Connell

Lee sees off Fedetovs for 18th pro win

LIMERICK’S Detroit-based professional boxer Andy Lee could be back in the ring in the late summer after Saturday night’s 18th win of his pro-career.
The Castleconnell middleweight’s latest win came at Germany’s Gelsenkirchen’s Veltins Arena with a six-round points win over Latvian boxer Olegs Fedetovs.
The 25-year-old sustained a cut above his right eye, which will be monitored this week, but all going according to plan Andy Lee’s coach-manager Emanuel Steward will have him back in the ring within two months.


“I’m really delighted to win tonight, this was my 19th fight in my career and I see the victory as another building block in moving forward in my career and obtaining experience.
“It was a real honour to be on the undercard of a world heavyweight title fight in a sold out 60,000-capacity venue here in Germany,” said Lee after the win which brought his record to 18-1.
“I hope to get a fight in July or August in the states and keep myself busy, but tonight I am going to relish and enjoy the win and feeling of success,” said the Limerick man.
“It wasn’t my best performance, but it’s a win all the same.”
On Saturday night the three scoring judges awarding Lee victory by 60-51, 60-53 and 59-55.
Top-of-the-bill action saw German-based Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko retain his IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles with a late retirement victory over out-jabbed Ruslan Chagaev of Uzbekistan in front of a crowd of 61,000.
Prior to that encounter - in front of an arena barely a quarter full - Lee was in charge of his contest from the outset.
Sporting a beard Andy Lee, who took to the ring in the second bout of the evening, proved untroubled by the significant lack of atmosphere.
He made sure of the opener by regularly following his jab with lefts to the head to force his tattooed opponent onto the back foot, one such left rocked Fedetovs onto his heels as the bell neared at the end of a one-sided opener. The former St. Francis Boxing Club Olympian, who had even doubled as a light southpaw sparring partner for the giant heavyweight bill-topper Wladimir Klitschko in the run up to this bout, dominated the second round, but found Fedetovs a little more game in the third.
However, much of what the Latvian threw was wild and he frequently fell short of his intended target, allowing Lee to score with counter lefts.
With the Limerick man having taken his foot off the gas a little, the fight firmly under his control, the fourth and fifth rounds proved closer-fought affairs.
Fedetovs managed to reply against the run of play with the odd right hook to the head, but whilst this was undoubtedly his best spell of the evening, the Latvian was still lacking accuracy and his fate was sealed mid-way through the last round when he was sent to the canvas with a glancing left to the chin.
Despite rising at a count of four, Fedetovs was mentally and physically defeated and the loss brought his pro record to 10-6.

JEROME O’CONNELL

Mike Tyson, Andy Lee & that nasty cut

The cinematic release this week of James Toback’s documentary Tyson, showing in the Irish Film Institute in Dublin, reminds me of 1985. That year made me a boxing fan - a year when Barry McGuigan won a unanimous fifteen-round decision against Panama’s Eusebio Pedroza to claim the WBA world featherweight title at Loftus Road, but it was also the year when Mike Tyson made his professional debut beating Hector Mercedes to within an inch of his life in the very first round.
Pay-per-view wasn’t an issue back then. Dad would wake me and my brother up in the middle of the night to take in the travails of Iron Mike. Tyson, a mere 19 at the time, was ferocious winning 26 of his first 28 encounters by knock-out. Tyson earned his shot at the WBC title in November 1986 when he destroyed Trevor Berbick and it wasn’t long before Iron Mike became the first heavyweight to hold all three major belts (WBA, WBC, & IBF).
It took me a long time to realise how dangerous a man Mike Tyson really was.
In 1954 Joe Williams published a book, the TV Boxing Book, and in it he addressed a fascinating question: does television give the fan a complete picture of the fight? Are there things the fan at the ringside will see that the home viewers don’t?
Williams contended that a ringside seat was the only way to truly comprehend what the combatants really go through.
For years I was po-going around the place concocting opinions on fighters based on knowledge borrowed from the TV screen and it wasn’t until February last year, when I sat ringside for Andy Lee’s clash with Alejandro Gustavo Falliga in UL, that it finally dawned on me that boxing truly is the hardest game.
It’s nothing like a fight on the side of the street where fists meet crossed arms, elbows and shoulders, but never jaw or head until someone finally gains the upper hand and sensing his chance, steps forward, teeth clenched, his fists hammering away with all the speed and precision of a heavy-rock drummer until his opponent falters and falls to the ground.
Professional boxing is far more intense and all the more devastating - I could not find more respect for men like Andy Lee if I tried. Here he was in his home town of Limerick walking the tightrope of possible defeat - it was a test of the kind of man he was. Gay Talese once wrote a brilliant article, entitled The Loser, about Floyd Patterson and the potential humiliation a boxer faces every time he steps into the ring. Indeed, after losing to Sonny Liston in 1962 Patterson left his dressing room in disguise; flew to Spain and booked himself into a Madrid hotel under the name of Aaron Watson.
Andy Lee passed the test against Falliga, but failed it against Brian Vera seven weeks later. Vera knew what he was doing that night. He asked a question of Andy’s manhood as opposed to his skills as a professional boxer and the Limerick middleweight fell for it. Andy was drawn into a brawl and suffered the consequences (TKO round seven) - by the way Vera was knocked out after seven rounds by James Kirkland last November.
The wonderful Sugar Ray Leonard also fell for it against Roberto Duran in 1980 and lost.
“He had that bully’s mentality and he always tried to intimidate opponents,” explained Ray Leonard after that fight, “but he did challenge my manhood and I wasn’t mature enough to know how to respond.”
Within months of that defeat Sugar Ray comprehensively won a re-match against Duran. And, in many ways Andy Lee has already won his re-match with Brian Vera. Last week at The O2 Alex Sipos tried to draw Andy Lee into a brawl, but Lee just boxed his way out of trouble and made the German look ordinary. Andy would probably like to set the record straight by having another go at Vera, but there’s no need. Andy is better than Vera and he should know it.
Since Andy Lee is ranked 47th by the International Boxing Organization right now he will have to notch a handful of decisions before getting a shot at Kelly Pavlik (WBO & WBC champion), Felix Sturm (WBA) or Arthur Abraham (IBF). But the real concern is whether he will be able to move his boxing career forward at all.
Following a clash of heads Andy Lee shipped a nasty gash against Willie Gibbs in the UL Arena last summer. The cut required surgery and kept Lee out of the ring for eight months. Against Alex Sibos that cut opened once more and it must be a big concern. How horrible it would be if a fighter as pedestrian as Willie Gibbs brought an end to the promising career of this gifted 24-year-old?

Brian McDonnell

Andy Lee sees off Alex Sipos to register seventeenth win

THERE were no howling epithets at The O2 on Saturday night for Andy Lee, just solemn contentment at business smartly done after the Limerick southpaw saw off the challenge of Germany’s Alex Sipos in front of a 9,000-strong crowd in Dublin.
Referee Emile Tiedt scored the contest 99-91 in favour of the Castleconnell middleweight and although Andy Lee always looked comfortable Sipos did present the Limerick man with a tricky obstacle to surmount.
In the immediate aftermath of his 17th professional win Andy Lee was relieved to earn the referee’s decision: “That was as tough as I expected. Alex is tough and has a lot of pride. He’s a hard fighter and he forced me back.
“The ten rounds will stand to me and I will move on from here. I was very rusty because of the long lay off, but there are no excuses. Thankfully I won the fight so it’s onwards and upwards from here.”
Andy Lee had not stepped into the ring since defeating Willie Gibbs in the UL Arena on July 19 last and had spent the intervening months nursing a troublesome cut over his right eye which required surgery. And, the Lee corner, led by Emanuel Steward, were concerned when Andy sustained another cut over that right eye as early as the opening round on Saturday night.
“I thought he (Alex Sipos) fought a good fight,” explained Emanuel Steward.
“We knew it was going to be tough. Sipos is a strong fighter, who keeps his hands up high and makes it very difficult.
“We were concerned about the cut over Andy’s eye so considering everything we’re very happy to get away with this victory.”
Saturday’s bout marked the one-year anniversary of Andy Lee’s only defeat in the professional ranks - on March 21, 2008 Lee suffered his first defeat (TKO) at the hands of Brian Vera. So defeat against Sipos was unthinkable for Lee who weighed in at a sturdy 11 stone eight pounds.
Lee had planned to take on Antwun Echols in Madison Square Garden on March 16, but that bout was cancelled at the last minute. Ironically Alex Sipos proved a much more able opponent than Echols - Sipos won a World Military gold medal and also challenged for the European middleweight title as a pro.
After an eight-month lay-off Andy Lee looked rusty in the opening round and although he caught Sipos with a good left hand the German recovered to connect with a barrage late in the round which left the Limerick man nursing a cut over his right eye.
Lee steadied himself in the second round however and proceeded to take control of the fight keeping the physically powerful Sipos at bay with a stinging right jab.
The third and fourth rounds followed a predictable pattern with Lee in complete control.
Sipos looked a one-dimensional fighter, but he did catch Lee with a dangerous left in the fifth round.
Andy Lee regained control in the sixth and dropped Sipos with a stunning right hook late in the round - Sipos survived referee Emile Tiedt’s standing eight count.
Sipos struggled through round seven and eight, but rallied significantly in the last two rounds of this ten-round contest.
The German charged forward in search of a knockout and although he caught Lee with several dangerous right hands the Limerick man never looked in any real danger.

Brian McDonnell

‘I need to get back into the ring and get busy’

ON March 21 last year Andy Lee’s pro-boxing career was knocked off course when Brian Vera stunned the Castleconnell man in a fight that was supposed to launch the Limerick middleweight’s bid for a world title fight. Exactly one year later the 24-year-old former St. Francis Boxing Club Olympian relaunches his career this Saturday night as the chief support bout for Bernard Dunne’s world title fight in The O2 in Dublin.


Lee will face former European title challenger, Alex Sipos, on the undercard of the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night - Andy Lee was a late addition to an already packed O2 line-up after a scheduled headline appearance at Madison Square Garden fell through; coverage of the historic night of boxing, before a 9,000 capacity crowd, will be carried live on RTE Two.
TV coverage starts at 9.00pm with Women’s World and European amateur champ Katie Taylor and Andy Lee fighting live before the main event - the Limerick boxer is expected in the ring at around 9.40pm.
“It’s a long time since I fought and I need to get back into the ring and get busy,” Andy Lee told Leader Sport this Monday after a workout at the National Boxing Stadium.
“Every fight is big, but this is a big one because I have not fought in while. This is going to be one of the hardest fights of my career,” said Andy Lee, who is well aware of his opponent.
Since losing to Vera last March, Lee has fought just once - a July stoppage of Willie Gibbs in UL.
In advance of that fight Lee and Sipos sparred at a Wladimir Klitschko training camp in Austria. The German has 19 wins and two draws from his 26 pro outings and his only stoppage defeat came courtesy of an elbow injury.
“We sparred maybe three or four times and he is very tough.
“He has a very awkward style and has a very tight defence,” said Lee of his Munich opponent.
Despite not entering the ring in eight months Lee dispels any thought that he may be rusty.
“I have been out for so long, but I have done a lot of sparring.”
Lee’s long absence from the ring was to allow for surgery to a persistent eye injury.
“I have sparred plenty and everything has held up ok,” the southpaw says of that injury.
Speaking to the Limerick Leader on Monday Lee sighed at the thoughts that he should be preparing to box in Madison Square Garden on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day.
“After the cancellation of the New York fight, there was great disappointment,” he said.
“After waiting so long for a fight and then when it was cancelled I was left not knowing what was happening for a few days until everything was agreed with Brian Peters.”
Saturday is Ireland’s first world title fight in 13 years - a fact not lost on Lee: “It is good to be part of it. I am looking forward to it - it will be a historic night for Irish boxing and it will be a night that people will remember.”
Brian Peters Promotions are expecting a 9,000 sell-out.
“I have fought in The Garden in front of big crowds, but I was early on the cards and I fought in Vegas, but this will certainly be the most enthusiastic support - it will be 9,000 Irish fans screaming and roaring,” said Andy Lee of Ireland’s biggest pro-boxing night since the Collins v Eubank rematch in Millstreet.
“To be fighting on the undercard to Bernard Dunne in his quest to win a world title in Dublin is a great honour for me.
“The Irish are the best sport supporters in the world, the atmosphere will be electrifying and it will be a memorable occasion with it being the first world title fight in Ireland in 13 years.”
Saturday will be Lee’s 17th pro fight and after kick-starting his career he hopes to spend some time in Limerick before returning back to Detroit’s Kronk Gym.
“There are a few things in the pipeline, but I will just take Saturday night first,” said Lee of the remainder of 2009.
“My plans for the rest of 2009 is to advance my career with developmental fights taking me to the next level of being in the top 10 of the world ratings.
“Although my career is based in America, I relish the opportunity of fighting at home. But it’s fight one fight at a time and my focus is now firmly on March 21.”

Jerome O'Connell

Shock cancellation stuns local boxers

THE economic downturn has been blamed for the shock cancellation of the Limerick pro-boxing double bill in New York on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day.
Castleconnell’s Andy Lee was to headline the event in Madison Square Garden with another former St. Francis Boxing Club member Jamie Power on the undercard.
Just 10 days before the event, Irish Ropes Promotions announced that ‘Erin Go Brawl II’ at the WAMU Theatre in Madison Square Garden had been cancelled, citing “the poor economy in the United States and Ireland that adversely affected advance ticket sales” for its decision.
“This was a very difficult decision to make, but ticket sales were way off compared to two years ago when the economy was much better here and back in Ireland,” Irish Ropes president Eddie McLoughlin explained.
“We apologise for any inconvenience, especially to all of the boxers who worked so hard to prepare for their fights.”


Detroit-based middleweight Lee was scheduled to fight three-time world title challenger Antwun Echols in the main event while former WBC bantamweight champion and 1992 Olympic silver medallist Wayne McCullough had been set to meet Alex Becerra in the 10-round co-feature. Jamie Power, a 28-year-old married father of two from Norwood Park, was to face Reggie La Crete in a six-round contest.
Jamie Power’s manager Ken Moore described the cancellation as a “huge” blow to the popular light heavyweight.
“This is a huge disappointment to Jamie - it was always his dream to box in Madison Square Garden.
“He has done so much work to get ready for this fight and everything was ready for him to fly out next Thursday,” Ken Moore told Leader Sport.
The cancellation has caused major travel problems for over 30 Limerick boxing fans who were due to fly to New York for the event.
“My brother Jamie Moore was flying out with Jamie Power next Thursday and nearly everyone on the flight was going over to see Jamie and Andy box,” explained Ken Moore.
While Andy Lee and manager Emanuel Steward take time to decide his next move, Jamie Power is hoping to get into the ring as soon as possible.
“Jamie has worked really hard since Christmas and is in the best shape of his career. We will try our luck and maybe get him on the undercard of the Bernard Dunne world title fight on March 21 and there is also a possibility of a Galway event at the end of the month,” said Ken Moore.

Jerome O'Connell

Boxing Blow: Lee and Power disappointed as Madison Square Garden cancelled

LIMERICK'S boxing double-bill in Madison Square Garden has been sensationally cancelled.
Castleconnell middleweight Andy Lee was to headline an event at the famed boxing theatre on the eve of St Patrick's Day, but the event, which was promoted by Eddie McLaughlin of Irish Ropes was called off during the night.
Poor ticket sales have been blamed for the cancellation.
On the undercard of Lee's 10-round fight was to be Limerick city light heavyweight Jamie Power.
The 28 year old married father of two from Norwood Park was to face Reggie La Crete in a six round contest.
Power's manager Ken Moore described the cancellation as a "huge" blow to the popular former St Francis Boxing Club member.
"This is a huge disappointment to Jamie - it was always his dream to box in Madison Square Garden. He has done so much work to get ready for this fight and everything was ready for him to fly out next Thursday," Moore told the Limerick Leader this Friday morning.
"I was working the fight shift at work, when an email came though at about 2am to say that the event was off," explained Moore.
"The reason given was poor ticket sales."
The cancellation has caued major travel problems for over 30 fans, who were due to fly to New York for the event.
"My brother Jamie Moore was flying out with Jamie Power next Thursday and nearly everyone on the flight was going over to see Jamie and Andy box," revealed Ken Moore.
Joining Andy Lee and Jamie Power on the March 16 event was Wayne McCullough.

Jerome O'Connell