Boxing: Lee return may be put on ice until the New Year
Wednesday October 29 2008
IRISH fans may have to wait until the New Year before they see Andy Lee in action again.
The Limerick southpaw is tentatively scheduled to return to the ring in Germany on December 13 on the undercard of Wladimir Klitschko's world heavyweight title defence against the unbeaten Russian, Alexandre Povetkin. If that falls through, he may opt to rest until Christmas and then go back into full training.
Lee has been out of action since July when he sensationally stopped the tough American, Willie 'The Gladiator' Gibbs in 10 blistering rounds at the University Sports Arena in Limerick.
He was to have boxed either in August or September but wisely decided instead to have an operation on his right eyebrow which was badly cut after a clash of heads against his rugged opponent.
Scar tissue was successfully removed in a Californian hospital a few weeks ago, and the Athens Olympian is now in light training. He is ready to take up where he left off in the summer, and extend his record of 16 wins in 17 fights -- his lone defeat being a stoppage in seven rounds against the unfancied American, Brian Vera last March.
"I'm happy to say the operation was a complete success," said Lee yesterday. "I had to have it done as opponents were simply targeting the injury, either with punches or with their heads. I had scar tissue removed and everything is fine.
"A spot on the Klitschko-Povetkin card in Germany is a possibility but nothing has been signed yet. Whatever happens, I hope to be back in action before Irish fans as soon as possible. Last time out, against Gibbs in Limerick, I got a fantastic reception, one that I will never forget and I would like to return there as soon as possible.
Pressure
"The only downside with boxing on home soil is that there is added pressure on you and that can be hard because when you are out in the streets you have to smile all the time because you are always getting attention everywhere you go. Sometimes you can't be yourself or have a bad day.
"I like to have a quiet time and relax before a fight and over here in Detroit I can do that. But the publicity in Ireland goes with the territory and I have to handle it. Yes, boxing in Ireland is very special but I do feel under more pressure to perform."
Lee pointed out that he has put his shock defeat against Vera behind him, and wants to move on, a decision endorsed by his celebrated manager/coach Emanuel Steward who has predicted that Andy can go on and win a world title before 2009 is out.
"I want big fights and I want to be tested," said Lee. "I feel I have finished my apprenticeship. Even after being beaten by Vera I wanted to move forward because I knew that was not the real Andy Lee the fans saw. I was too complacent and did everything wrong.
"I should have taken him more seriously and so I paid the high price. He had turned up in the best condition of his life. I was goaded into a brawl and he stopped me. But that will not happen again."
Steward said last night: "You can say that Andy is heading for a world title. I've always felt this way and still do despite his loss to Vera. The long-range plan is to box a Top 10 contender in February and three months later, a world title fight. An Irish appearance is also on the cards."
On the amateur scene, the semi-finals of the National U-21 Championships will be run off at the National Stadium on Friday and Saturday, with the finals on Friday week.
Clarification
Paul McCloskey
In an article in the Irish Independent of October 8, 2008, reference was made to boxer Paul McCloskey and Mr Tommy Egan.
We have been asked to clarify that Paul McCloskey is professionally managed and trained by John Breen and promoted by Mr Brian Peters and Dark Night Promotions. We are happy to clarify this matter.
- Thomas Myler
