ANDY Lee will return to his native Limerick and the UL Arena on November 14 next for a what boxing promoter, Brian Peters has described as an “eliminator type fight” that could see the popular Limerick boxer, should he win, fight Matthew Macklin or John Duddy in Thomond Park next September. “A lot would have to happen but it is possible”, according to the promoter.
The November 14 bout at the University of Limerick Arena however, will see Lee face off against the current European Union and French champion, Affif Belghecham as the main event for the Yanjing fight night. The Saturday extravaganza is also likely to see Limerick’s Jamie Power on the under card in a possible Irish title fight. Confirmation from Power and his opposition as well as the entire undercard will be confirmed shortly.
Lee’s return to UL, scheduled for live coverage on RTE, comes after last year’s first ever headline pro boxing night to be held at the Arena where the Castleconnell man defeated his opponent, Willie “The Gladiator” Gibbs, in a hometown win that thrilled the Limerick fans.
Now temporarily based in New York, Andy Lee was in buoyant mood at a press conference held in Thomond Park this week as details were announced of the up coming event. The main focus edged towards Lee’s possible battle with either Matthew Macklin or John Duddy for a title fight next year.
According to promoter, Brian Peters, “This fight was offered to three boxers, Brian Vera, John Duddy and Matthew Macklin. Vera is having managerial problems so that didn’t happen, Duddy refused the fight as did Macklin so we looked for Belghecham. He’s a good fighter and ranked higher than Andy so this will be a tough battle.”
Lee said that he was excited to fight in Limerick again. “I’ve been training hard in the US for this and I know that the Belghecham fight is going to be a rough night. He will be one of the toughest fighters I’ve faced”.
According to Damien McCann, Lee’s Belfast based advisor from the Steward stable, “European fighters are dominating the world rankings and by this time next year we could be talking about Andy’s fight with Duddy or Macklin. Within 16 or 18 months, Andy could be a European champion and that could happen here in Thomond Park”.
Brian Peters added; “We are about doing unprecedented things and an open air fight here in Thomond Park is something that could be great for this sports mad city, but we will look to a great night in November first”.
The Yanjing fight night scheduled for November 14 next will see Andy take his record of 19 wins with just one defeat into the ring against the French boxer.
The night of entertainment will see bars and a foodcourt at the Arena with tickets from €40 currently on sale through Ticketmaster and all usual outlets.
