Boxing: Irish middleweights John Duddy and Andy Lee will finally meet at on March 12th, the latter's camp has confirmed.
A bout between the pair has often been mooted and has been eagerly anticipated by fight fans, who were hitherto left disappointed by false dawns.
However, the meeting will finally come to pass on the undercard of the Sergio Martinez/Serhiy Dzinziruk fight, live on HBO, from Foxwoods Casino, Mashantucket, Connecticut.
“There is a great appetite and interest amongst Irish boxing fans and boxing fans in general about the showdown between these two young talented fighters,” said Lee’s trainer Emmanuel Steward today. “Both fighters are ranked in the world ratings.
“It has all the ingredients for an epic and classic battle. Styles make fights and the contrasting styles of Lee and Duddy are very evident. Andy is a technical boxer who carries a lethal punch and John is a courageous ring warrior who likes a bloody war. Both fighters have plenty of heart and can fight in the trenches when the going gets tough, it will make an unbelievable fight.”
Limerick fighter Lee admits “neither fighter can afford to lose”, as he targets a world title bout and Derryman Duddy seeks redemption after defeat to Julio Chavez Jr.
“I want to make my mark this year in boxing,” said Lee. “I turn 27 in June and have five years and 25 fights under my belt as a pro now. I want to move from fringe contender into a World Champion in 2011.”