Boxing:Limerick middleweight Andy Lee was back in his hometown today previewing the latest chapter in his career and outlining where he hopes it will take him.
The Detroit-based boxer’s star has faded somewhat since defeat to Brian Vera in 2008 and some underwhelming wins since, but he hopes a victory over Frenchman Affif Belghecham at the University of Limerick Sports Arena on November 14th will be the fillip he needs to challenge for top honours.
Ideally, Lee wants to be in the ring with European champion and second generation Irishman Matthew Macklin, but defeat to Vera and HBO’s recent refusal to back a once eagerly anticipated fight with John Duddy has taught Lee not to look beyond the next fight.
At number eight in Europe, Belghecham is rated just one place ahead of Lee and has been beaten three times on judge’s decisions in 24 fights. He is the reigning European Union and French champion, so Lee knows he can’t be complacent.
"Obviously that (Macklin) would be a big fight and it would be great if it happened but right now I'm only concentrating on this fight,” said the Kronk Gym fighter at Thomond Park today.
"I've watched him (Belghecham) in action and he's going to be a very tough opponent. 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."
Promoter Brian Peters says it has been tough nailing down opponents for Lee, but thinks they have now found one that could open a few more doors if the Irishman can see him off.
"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, but unfortunately neither party was interested,” said the Meathman.
"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 because he's a quality operator and will provide Andy with a very stiff test, but if he can come through this then I'm sure there could be some massive fights around the corner for Andy."
Lee has 19 wins from 20 professional fights and his meeting with Belghecham will be his third in Limerick.
“It's great to be fighting at home again. It always means that little bit more when you're fighting in your hometown. I've always got tremendous support from the people of Limerick right from my amateur days they have always backed me 100 per cent so I'm always trying to repay that support.”