The twice postponed WBO Middleweight title bout between champion Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders has been rescheduled for December 19th in Manchester, England.
“It’s been frustrating as both Andy and Billy have wanted the fight, and the fans and (British broadcaster) BoxNation viewers’ want to see it,” said promoter Frank Warren. “But I’m delighted that it’s set for Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Manchester Arena and we’re closing a great year for the sport with a fight that has the makings of a thriller.”
“The delay in the fight between me and Saunders has just made me more determined, if that is possible,” Lee said. “Once I have beaten him on Dec. 19 I can move on in my career and unify the titles. My fans have been very patient and I’ll give them what they have been waiting for as a Christmas present, beating Saunders and remaining world champion.
“I’m a proud man, and I’m prepared to fight tooth and nail to keep my title. Saunders is in for the fight of his life.”
“Like Lee, I just want to get in the ring and fight. We’ve talked and talked for months, now we just want to fight,” said Saunders, who represented Great Britain in the 2008 Olympics. “I want my chance. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s here now and nobody is going to stop me.
“This isn’t going to be a merry Christmas for him — more like the nightmare before Christmas. We’re both fighting men and one of us isn’t going to be standing at the end, and that won’t be me.
