Andy Lee gets his hometown fight against mandatory challenger BJ Saunders. The 160 lb. WBO title holder took a voluntary defense with Peter Quillin, which ended in a draw. Saunders took step aside money and now both men will square off September 19th in Limerick, Ireland.
“I’ve dreamed of fighting here,” Lee said at the pre-fight press conference to announce the fight. “As soon as I won the world title, I wanted to defend it here. This is a global event, and I’m proud to put Limerick on that stage, and to bring an event like this to my city is an honor and goes some way to repay the people who have supported me.”
The fight will take place in Thomond Park with Boxnation televising in the UK. Lee knows the challenge ahead.
“I’m fighting one of the best middleweights in the world,” Lee said of Saunders. “He’s the British, Commonwealth and European champion. He’s undefeated, he’s waited his time, and he will come in with a spirited challenge. But I’ve got to hold on to my belt.”
Lee has admiration for Saunders for coming to Ireland and traveling for the shot.
“I’m looking forward to putting on a great show at Thomond Park. I take my hat off to Saunders for coming to Ireland, my home, as I know what it’s like to fight away from home for years, and this is going to be a very special night for me.”
Lee also knows the challenge in front of him
“I respect him,” Lee said. “He’s an undefeated Olympian. This is going to be a hard, hard fight, and he’s going to take a lot of beatings. His strongest strength is his will and how much he wants to win a fight. This isn’t a hand-picked fighter. He’s mandated. It’s a real fight.”
