NEW YORK (November 20 , 2023) – As undefeated rising Irish welterweight star Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (11-0, 8 KOs) prepares to fight for his first title as a professional this Saturday against Danny Ball (13-1-1, 6 KOs), former world middleweight champion and fellow Irishman, Andy Lee, has become Donovan’s invaluable chief second.

Donovan vs. Ball is being showcased on a DAZN PPV card presented by Matchroom Boxing, headlined by the rematch between undisputed world super lightweight champion Chantelle Cameron (18-0) and Katie Taylor (21-1), streaming live from 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, in a 10-round bout for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Welterweight Championship.

The 24-year-old Donovan was a celebrated Irish amateur boxer who compiled a sterling 161-6 record, captured 13 national titles, in addition to a silver medal at the prestigious AIBA World Junior Championships. The Limerick fighter, who was born in Ennis, Ireland, trains with Lee in Dublin and the connection has been awe inspiring to date.

Ireland has had numerous world champions, but few in the welterweight division, aside from Hall of Famer Jimmy McLarin and Eamonn Loughran. Donovan embraces the rich Irish boxing history, confident of becoming special before he hangs up his gloves and, perhaps, joining their exclusive club.

“I am a welterweight and don’t have problems making weight,” Donovan said. “I feel brilliant, strong and I believe I’ll be world champion. Right now, I’m the biggest prospect in Ireland.

“It’s amazing how Irish fighters are such big attractions. Fans love the style of Irish boxing. We’re known as sluggers, but it’s starting to change into a more boxer-puncher style today, because we have some great amateur coaches in Ireland.”

Lee (35-3-1, 24 KOs), whose cousin is unbeaten lineal and reigning World Boxing Council (WBA) World Heavyweight Champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs), not only trains Paddy, he also co-manages him along with New York-based attorney Keith Sullivan. Lee is well traveled having also been a 2004 Olympian, later trained by Hall of Famer Emanuel Steward and Adam Booth.

Not only does Lee believe Paddy is the top boxing prospect in Ireland, but he also feels that Donovan is one of the top boxing prospects in the entire world.

“I first met Paddy when he was a really young kid,” Lee remembered. “The first time I saw him was in the gym when my brother, Roger, told me about Paddy and his younger brother Eddie. Fast forward to the next time I saw Paddy; I was blown away with what I was seeing, but I wasn’t involved then as a trainer. I thought, if I was ever to get involved as a coach, this is the kid I want to do it with. He’s so talented and I see that every day I train him. He’s confident and something very special. He is one of the most talented boxers in the world.

“It’s not essential that he’s working with a world champion, but it definitely helps. I try to instill in my boxers what I learned from Emanuel Steward at the Kronk Gym, and the wealth of experience I have as a fighter going from London to Ireland, European and then Olympic competitions, and then working with Adam Booth. I’m finding a way to blend it all together.”

Presently, Lee is working in the Dublin gym with Paddy, as well as former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Heavyweight World Champion Joseph Parker (33-3, 23 KOs), of New Zealand, for his fight next month against Deontay Wilder, and Scottish heavyweight Nick Campbell (6-1, 5 KOs).

“No disrespect, “ Lee added, “because there are a lot of good fighters coming up in Ireland, but I believe Paddy is one of the best prospects in the world. It’s only a matter of time. We need to bring him along at the right pace, getting him experience in the gym. He has all the ingredients to be world champion, he just needs to cook a little more. He’s tough, works hard and is the hardest hitting welterweight. He’s taking the right steps to do what he’s capable of doing in boxing.”

Donovan has dedicated his fight to Pieta, using his boxing platform to promote the suicide prevention charity that provides mental health services throughout Ireland. Paddy lost two relatives to suicide. Lee and Sullivan have also felt the pain of suicide by close relations. The Pietra Crisis Helpline, 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm and also supports those bereaved through suicide.

“I’ve spent countless hours crying for my family members,” Donovan stated powerfully. “We need to speak about this, and Pieta is there to help. If I can get somebody to call that number and change their life, I think my deed is done on this earth.” 

INFORMATION:

X (formerly Twitter): @PaddyDonovan23

Instagram: @paddy_realdeal_donovan

Facebook: /PaddyRealDealDonovan

Former middleweight champion Andy Lee announced his retirement, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I have responsibilities now as a father. To leave my wife and daughter, it would take a big fight to get me to do that and go through all that training,” Lee said. “I took a decision to take some time off, obviously. Then we had a baby that has been the best thing, and that’s my priority right now.”

April 27, 2017 – Leading up to the highly anticipated world class boxing card highlighted by Canelo Alvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on Cinco de Mayo weekend that will be presented live by HBO Pay-Per-View® on Saturday, May 6, HBO Sports will present the exclusive replay of two hard-hitting all-action encounters that highlight the remarkable skill and power of these battle-tested ring warriors.

On Friday, April 28 at 12:45 a.m. ET/PT (HBO2) and Saturday, April 29 at 9:15 a.m. ET/PT (HBO Signature), HBO Sports will replay back-to-back Canelo vs. Cotto 2015 and Chavez, Jr. vs. Lee 2012. On November 21, 2015 in a vintage Puerto Rico vs. Mexico showdown, Canelo displayed incredible ring skill outpointing future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto, capturing a 12-round unanimous decision. In June of 2012, Chavez Jr. showed the boxing world his formidable power with a 7th round knockout over Andy Lee in Texas.

Both fights will also be available 24 hours a day on HBO NOW, HBO On Demand® and HBO GO® subscribers and affiliate portals beginning Monday, April 24.

Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. takes place Saturday, May 6 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

Gennady Golovkin was tested like never before, but he came out with a debated 12-round unanimous decision over Daniel Jacobs at a near-capacity crowd at Madison Square Garden.

It looked like it was going to be another knockout for Golovkin as he dropped Jacobs from a hard left hand.  Jacobs was able to get back in the fight as he switched to southpaw and flicked the jab, and then came behind it with a good combination.  Jacobs seemed to take control of the 2nd half of the fight by using a slick combinations to befuddle to on charging champion.

The 12th round started out with both guys needing the round.  It was a close round with both guys getting in some good shots.

Golovkin won by scores of 115-112 twice and 114-113 and is now 37-0.  Jacobs is 32-2.

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai shocked what most boxing people believed to be the best fighter in the world, Roman Gonzalez by majority decision to capture the WBC Super Flyweight title

In round one, Gonzalez was dumped on the swat of his pants from a left to the body.   In the next round, Gonzalez was cut iver his right eye from a headbutt.  The two had many furious exchanges, and in round five, Rungvisai’s head got in the way again as another headbutt caused more blood over the right eye of Gonzalez.

In seemed that Gonzalez took over the majority of the middle rounds by outlanding Rungvisai in the main skirmishes in the middle of the ring.  Rungvisai closed strong as he stepped on the gas pedal in round’s 11 and 12, gave as good as he got and that may have put him over the hump as he took two cards 114-112 and one card read even at 113-113.

Rungvisai, 114 lbs of Si Sa Ket, Thailand is now 42-4-1.  Gonzalez, 114.6 lbs of Managua, NIC is 46-1.

Former world champion Carlos Cuadras won a 10-round unanimous decision over David Carmona in a super flyweight bout.

Cuadras, 115.6 lbs of Mexico City won two cards 97-93 and 96-94 and is now 36-1-1.  Carmona, 115.8 lbs of Mexico city is 20-4-5.

Ryan Martin dominated and eventually stopped Bryant Cruz in round eight of their scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

Martin controlled the action using his length and outlanded Cruz 233-129.  A hard combination battered carmona and referee Harvey Dock stopped the bout 45 seconds into round eight.

Former middleweight champion, Andy Lee won an 8-round unanimous decision over Keandre Leatherwood in a middleweight bout.

Lee, 160 lbs of Limerick, IRL won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 35-3-1.  Leatherwood, 159.4 lbs of Birmingham, AL is 19-4-1.

Matt McKinney won 4-round unanimous decision over Jay-Carrigan-McFarlane in a heavyweight bout.

McKinney, 243.2 lbs of Oceanside, CA won on two cards 39-37 and 38-38 and is now 3-0. McFarlane, 241.8 lbs of Glasgow, SCOT is 2-1.

Serhii Bohachuk remained perfect by stopping Yasmani Pedroso in round three of their scheduled 4-round welterweight bout.

Bohachuk dropped Pedroso twice in round three, and the bout was stopped at 2:28.

Bohachuk, 146.8 lbs of Vintiza, UKR is 3-0 with 3 knockouts. Pedroso, 147.8 lbs of Miami, FL is 1-2.

NEW YORK CITY (February 9, 2017) Former Middleweight World Champion “IRISH” ANDY LEE,
(34-3-1, 24 KO’s) will celebrate St. Patrick Day with his triumphant return to The Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden on Saturday, March 18 featured on the undercard of the World Middleweight Championship between Unified Middleweight World Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN, (36-0-0, 33 KO’s) and WBA Middleweight World Champion and Mandatory Challenger DANIEL “THE MIRACLE MAN” JACOBS, (32-1, 29 KO’s).

Lee will face battle tested veteran KEANDRE LEATHERWOOD, (19-3-1, 12 KO’s) in a special attraction eight round middleweight clash.

Also added to the star-studded lineup is 18-year-old sensation, Scottish Heavyweight Prospect JAY “KIDD DYNAMITE” CARRIGAN-MCFARLANE, (2-0, 2KO’s) of Glasgow, Scotland in a scheduled four round bout against an opponent to be announced.

“We’re very excited to welcome Andy Lee back to Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend on this entertaining card. Additionally, Jay Carrigan-McFarlane is a young, exciting and charismatic heavyweight and we look forward to his United States debut at The Mecca of Boxing,” said TOM LOEFFLER, Managing Director of K2 Promotions.

“I’m very pleased to be making my return on such a big event, thank you to K2 Promotions, Lou DiBella and Adam Booth for this opportunity,” said Lee. “After taking a year out, I’m back, I feel refreshed and hungrier than ever. My goal is to eventually challenge the winner of ‘GGG’ and Jacobs. March 18 will be the first step on that journey. I’m also very happy to be fighting in Madison Square Garden again, the scene of some of my greatest victories. I’m sure the Irish boxing fans will turn out and I look forward to putting on a world class performance.”

Said Carrigan-McFarlane, “I am humbled and honored to be part of such an exciting and important event at The Mecca of Boxing. Fighting in Madison Square Garden is something I have dreamed about, getting to fight in an arena where so many of my boxing idols have fought before me, it will be a special night and a memory which will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Former WBO Middleweight World Champion Lee had one of his career best victories at Madison Square Garden scoring a highlight reel knockout of John Jackson in the fifth round on
June 7, 2014.

Lee followed that up with a stunning sixth round stoppage of top rated contender Matt Korobov on December 13, 20 14 before battling to a 12-round draw with then undefeated Peter Quillin on April 11, 2015.

In his last start, Lee lost his title in a majority decision loss to Billy Jo Saunders on December 19, 2015.

Lee has also defeated veterans Carl Daniels and Dennis Sharpe at Madison Square Garden over the course of his illustrious 11-year career.

The heavy-handed Carrigan-McFarlane has thrilled crowds in his hometown of Glasgow, Scotland, kicking off his career with two crushing knockouts.

Making his pro debut on December 18, 2016, Carrigan-McFarlane stopped Zheko Zhekov in the third round.

Following up on his highly anticipated pro debut, Carrigan-McFarlane knocked out Tomas Vaicickas on January 20, 2017 in the first stanza cementing his plans to make his United States debut on March 18 at Madison Square Garden.

Presented by K2 Promotions, tickets “MIDDLEWEIGHT MADNESS”, priced at $1000, $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100, are now on sale and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com

Andy Lee Photo/DiBella Entertainment
Jay Carrigan-McFarlane Photo/K2 Promotions

SOCIAL MEDIA — #GGGJACOBS

Gennady “GGG” Golovkin
@GGGBoxing – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Daniel Jacobs
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Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez
@ChocolatitoBox – Twitter
@ChocolatitoOfficial – Facebook
@Chocolatito87 – Instagram

Carlos Cuadras
@CuadrasOficial – Twitter
@CarlosCuadras – Facebook
@CuadrasOficial – Instagram

Ryan Martin
@BlueChipBoxer – Twitter, Instagram
@RyanMartinBoxer – Facebook

Bryant Cruz
@TeamPeeWee05 – Twitter
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HBO
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Madison Square Garden
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Tom Loeffler (K2 Promotions)
@TomLoeffler1 — Twitter

Billy Joe Saunders won the WBO Middleweight title with a 12-round majority decision over Andy Lee at The Manchester Arena in Manchester, England

Saunders dropped Lee twice in round three.  The first was from a perfect counter right on the chin.  Lee was hurt and tasted the canvas again from a flurry of punches that was punctuated by a right hand.  Lee was only occasionally able to land his vaunted power shots.  Saunders was never in any danger and the fight  turned into more of a jabbing contest, for which Saunders held his own.

Saunders won by scores of 115-111 and 114-112 and is now 23-0.  Lee of Limerick, Ireland is 34-3-1.

Follow all the action as Andy Lee defends the WBO Middleweight title against undefeated Billy Joe Saunders.  The action kicks off at 5 PM ET / 10 PM in Manchester, England

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LONDON (18 Dec) – Heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury is expecting a gruelling war when Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders share the ring this Saturday night.

The newly crowned unified champion, who dethroned long time king Wladimir Klitschko last month, believes both men will leave no stone unturned after their background has made them ‘bred to fight’.

Like Fury, the pair are from a travelling background, with the Manchester ace tipping the middleweight world title fight, exclusively live on BoxNation, to be one to remember.

“When two travellers get into the ring what you’re going to have is a real hard and tough fight. No one is going to be conned or fooled because both Andy Lee and Billy Joe have been bred to fight,” said Fury.

“They’ve been raised as real men and I expect them to go out there and produce a great fight. Billy Joe is the better technical boxer out of the two but Andy has the punching power, so it’s a well balanced fight,” he said.

The 27-year-old undefeated fighter is leaning towards a Saunders win, but is well aware of the threat WBO champion Lee possesses.

He has warned the Hatfield man he cannot lose focus like he did when letting Chris Eubank Jr back into their fight last year, a matchup Saunders was cruising in before his arch-rival pulled it back on the scorecards to eventually lose a narrow split decision.

“If Billy can box the right fight and make sure he concentrates throughout the whole 12 rounds then he can win the fight,” said Fury.

“He can’t allow himself to switch off and let Andy back into the fight like he’s done a few times, like he did in the Eubank Jr fight.

“Andy is a superior and more experienced fighter than Eubank Jr so he will definitely capitalise if he does switch off,” he said.

Fury also believes that alongside himself both men are setting the trend as positive role models for the travelling community.

“It’s great to see travellers becoming world champions because we’re the best fighters in the world. Hopefully I’ve set the mark for other traveller fighters by becoming world champion and I know Andy and Billy Joe are going to look to do a similar thing,” said Fury.

“Neither guy is going to take a back step and will leave it all in the ring so it’s a fight I’m really looking forward to seeing on Saturday.”

He was also pleased to hear that Saunders won a big bet after backing him to win the heavyweight world title last month in Dusseldorf.

“I’m pleased Billy Joe won £20,000 betting on me to win – it shows he’s an intelligent man who knows boxing! No one thought that I could become champion of the world except a handful of people.

“It feels good to prove so many wrong and nice that Billy Joe put his money where his mouth was and got rewarded for it,” said Fury.

Remaining tickets for Andy Lee vs Billy Joe Saunders at the Manchester Arena this Saturday are available from frankwarren.com. Or watch exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, Freeview 255, TalkTalk 415, online or app). Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

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Legendary East End trainer Jimmy Tibbs says Billy Joe Saunders’s preparations for his showdown with Andy Lee have been perfect and believes his man will defeat the big-hitting Irishman.

Saunders challenges Lee for his WBO World Middleweight crown this Saturday (December 19th) at the Manchester Arena in what is expected to be a thriller in the 160lb division, exclusively live on BoxNation.

Tibbs, 68, has trained a who’s who of British boxing including world champions Nigel Benn, Michael Watson and Chris Pyatt, and says there is something special in the Hatfield ace he has trained since the beginning of his career.

“I can’t fault Billy in this camp, he’s in fantastic shape, his weight is right, all the hard work has been done and now he’s got to go out there and do what he’s got to do,” Said Tibbs.

“I’ve had him since day one and I can’t think of another fight he’s been in this kind of shape and you’d expect that as he’s fighting for the world title, but it’s all there maturity, thinking, confidence, strength, stamina, conditioning and the biggest asset of all for a fighter, heart.”

“It’s been a team effort with me and my son Mark who’s handled the strength and conditioning, but Billy is the one who’s got to go out there and defeat Lee, who’s a tough, tough, man and take that world from him and I’ve got full confidence that he’ll do it.

“I’ve worked with many many great fighters and they’ve all had their special qualities, but with Billy there is something more. This is the fight that will take him to another level, he’s worked long and hard for six years for this and his time is now.”

NEW YORK (Dec. 17, 2015) – Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs will join the SHOWTIME® announce team as an in-studio guest this Saturday for the Andy Lee-Billy Joe Saunders WBO middleweight world title showdown that airs live on SHO EXTREME (5 p.m. ET/PT), from Manchester, England.

Jacobs will be in New York to share his thoughts, insight and perspective with boxing experts Brian Custer, Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi before and after the UK-based BoxNation coverage of the championship fight.

Jacobs, of course, has more than a passing interest in the outcome of the 50-50 matchup. The WBA Middleweight World Champion who defeated previously unbeaten and former world champion Peter Quillin in one round earlier this month on SHOWTIME, Jacobs could be looking at a unification fight against the winner.

Earlier this week, Jacobs gave his thoughts on the Lee-Saunders matchup:

“I’m excited for the winner of Lee vs. Saunders,” Jacobs said. “I’m rooting for Andy Lee because I think that’s a bigger fight for me. Doing something in the U.S. between the two of us would make a lot of sense. He has a huge following here in New York, just like me obviously. It would be a classic showdown that Brooklyn would appreciate.

“May the best man win between the two of them, but if Andy wins I think it would be very interesting for both of us.”

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL Lee vs. Saunders fight will re-air on SHOWTIME EXTREME on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

WBO World Middleweight title challenger Billy Joe Saunders has fired back at champion Andy Lee who slammed the Hatfield star in an interview today.

With the fight closing in fast this Saturday night at the Manchester Arena, the tension is cranking up between both camps who come face-to-face tomorrow for the final press conference.

In an interview in today’s Independent, some of the quotes Lee said about his rival were:

“I don’t think it is going to be my hardest fight.”

“He’s an Olympian but I don’t think he did what I did in the amateurs and he hasn’t fought anybody of real note yet. I have fought in the States, across Europe, have more experience,”

“He has never lost, not even lost many rounds, so I have to let him know from the start, let him taste the punches, taste the jab, nullify the things he wants to do. A bit of doubt will creep in and then he will get desperate.”

“I know what’s coming. He doesn’t. For the first time in his life he is going to find out that attitude alone won’t be enough.”

Unbeaten Saunders, who’s heading into his first world title fight, said, “He’s been in big fights in America, yes, but he’s also lost some big fights there as well, Julio Cesar Chavez and Brian Vera. I’ve not lost yet and I don’t intend on losing,”

“He was getting beat by Matt Korobov until his punch power got him out of trouble and he drew with Peter Quillin which I would have been disgusted with, I go in to win, not draw.

“Saturday night is Lee’s chance to prove if he is a world champion. I’m the undefeated challenger, if he beats me then I’ll be the first to shake his hand, but as I see it right now there’s only winner, me,”

“There are no doubts in my head at all and he knows that I’m mentally strong and that he can’t get into my head,”

“I’ve was an Olympian at 18 and beaten everyone put in front of me to come through. I’ve beaten everyone in Britain and now I just need Andy Lee who’s just another scalp on my record.”

NEW YORK (Dec. 15, 2015) – WBO Middleweight World Champion Andy Lee and undefeated challenger Billy Joe Saunders held separate media workouts in Manchester, England, as they conclude preparations for their eagerly awaited showdown this Saturday, Dec. 19, live on SHO EXTREME (5 p.m. ET/PT) from Manchester Arena.

Ireland’s Lee (34-2-1, 24 KOs) will make the first defense of his 160-pound title against England’s Saunders (22-0, 12 KOs), the WBO’s No. 1 middleweight contender.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL offering of the BoxNation telecast will feature analysis from SHOWTIME boxing experts Brian Custer, Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi before and after the world championship showdown. An encore presentation of the bout will air on SHO EXTREME later that evening at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Here’s what Lee and Saunders had to say at their media workouts on Tuesday and Monday, respectively:

ANDY LEE:
“I have a punch that can end a fight, lights out, in any given second.

“I won’t rely on the punch. I will look to dominate from the start with educated pressure.

“I’m feeling very dangerous at the moment.

“Saunders’ unbeaten record is a disadvantage. He’s always been in fights he’s expected to win and has been well managed by (Frank) Warren.

“I’ve never lost a fight on points and I never will on points. If I’m down on the cards I will go out swinging in the last round.

“Saunders being a fellow traveler does add another layer, but at the end the day it’s about how good you are and he’s not good enough to beat me.”

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS:
“I’m ready to go for Saturday night. This is the best camp that I’ve ever had. I’m prepared for the toughest test of my career, but I know that I’m in excellent shape to win this fight and become world champion.

“Andy Lee is a tough fighter – he’s proved that by becoming world champion and having the type of career he has had. But I’m undefeated and hungry and know that I’m on the brink of fulfilling a childhood dream. I’m not going to leave that ring without the title.

“Training in Spain allows me to lock myself away from all distractions and focus solely on the fight. It’s hard being away from home, but it’s all part of boxing. It’s been a long camp, a tough camp, but after that I know that I’m ready to go through hell to make sure that I’m successful come fight night.

“The middleweight division is one of the hottest around and I’m prepared to fight any of the other champions in there once I win the title.

“Danny Jacobs had a great win against Peter Quillin, and then there is Canelo (Alvarez) and (Gennady) Golovkin. I know the importance of this fight for the division and I want my name to be among the very best. I’m taking it one step at a time, but I’m open to fight anyone.

“There has been no trash talk with Andy because we know what each person is about. We share a similar background and neither of us is going to take a back step.

“This is going to be a very exciting all-action fight because we’re going to leave it all in the ring. I know I have the skills to beat him and I intend to show the world why I’m among the best around.”

Saunders on fellow Brit Chris Eubank Jr.:

“The truth of the matter is that Eubank Jr. does not belong at the world level – he’s a phony. It’s as simple as that. I wasn’t impressed with his win over Gary O’Sullivan, who I’ve already beat. He thinks he can fool the public with a win like that, but he can’t.

“His aim now is to move up and fight the best guys in the world, but we saw what happened the last time he stepped up a notch and faced me: he was badly exposed. The same thing will happen with him if he fights someone like Danny Jacobs for the WBA title.

“You’re not the best middleweight in your own country and you want to fight a world champion and say you’re going to beat him? I think it’s a delusion and he thinks he’s greater than he actually is.

“Sooner rather than later he’s going to get exposed again as the fraud that he is. You can keep talking, but eventually you have to back it up in the ring against top-level fighters. He’s won his last fight and now he’s back talking (expletive) again like he’s the best fighter in history.

“If he has the balls to fight again, which I doubt, I would happily hand him another beating, this time in even more convincing fashion.”

WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee has told challenger Billy Joe Saunders he has the punch to end his dreams.

Lee defends his title against Saunders this Saturday night (19th December) at the Manchester Arena, exclusively live on BoxNation, in the mouthwatering showdown that has got divided the fight trade.

The Limerick southpaw went through an open training session this morning in Manchester and showed the media a sample of his one-punch power.

With 24 KO’s in 34 wins, Lee is looking to inflict the first loss to Saunders’ unbeaten record and says that the Hatfield star is not good enough to beat him.

Lee stated, “I have a punch that can end a fight, lights out in any given second,”

“I won’t rely on the punch, I will look to dominate from the start with educated pressure,”

“I’m feeling very dangerous at the moment,”

“Saunders’ unbeaten record is a disadvantage, he’s always been in fights he’s expected to win and has been well managed by Warren,”

“I’ve never lost a fight on points and I never will on points, if I’m down on the cards I will go out swinging in the last round,”

“Saunders being a fellow traveler does add another layer, but at the end the day it’s about how good you are and he’s not good enough to beat me.”

Tickets for Lee v Saunders and Smith v Kelly priced from £40 are available from frankwarren.com, ticketmaster.co.uk, eventim.co.uk and manchester-arena.co.uk or watch exclusively live on BoxNation. Go to boxnaion.com to subscribe.

Billy Joe Saunders has goaded Andy Lee ahead of their world title fight saying the Irishman knows about losing unlike him.

The undefeated Hatfield middleweight challenges for Lee’s WBO world title belt, exclusively live on BoxNation, from the Manchester Arena this Saturday night, and says he will have the mental edge when the pair finally clash.

26-year-old Saunders was in relaxed mood as he worked out for the media earlier today and is extremely confident ahead of his first world title attempt.

“I believe I have the advantage going into this fight knowing that I’ve never been beaten before,” said Saunders.

“It definitely gives you confidence knowing that you have overcome everyone you’ve ever faced and I think it does have an affect on you when you lose.

“Some fighters say that losing doesn’t play a part but it has to because you go into a fight weaker mentally and sometimes physically.

“Lee has lost before and I’m going to use that to my advantage. I think he’s a very good fighter but I’m younger and fresher and know I have the skills to beat him,” he said.

Some believe Saunders is the better pure boxer out of the two with Lee carrying the power, but the Commonwealth champion is unconcerned about the Limerick man’s renowned knockout prowess.

“His power doesn’t concern me,” said Saunders. “I know he has a big reputation for knocking guys out but I’m not going to be one of them. In fact, I think he has to be concerned about my punching power because it’s something that we’ve been working on.

“This fight is going to be very fan-friendly because of our two styles and it’s going to be electric when we get into the ring.”

With a record of 22-0, with 12 KO’s, Saunders turned professional at 18 after qualifying for the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

He now stands on the cusp of achieving a childhood dream of becoming world champion and is adamant he will not fall at the final hurdle.

“I’ve worked too hard and too long for this to let it slip me by. I’m ready for whatever is thrown at me on Saturday and will go through anything and everything to become champion,” said Saunders.

“My camp for this fight has been one of the best and most disciplined of my career and my only focus has been on getting my hand raised at the end of the fight – that’s all I’ve been picturing.

“Winning a world title is never easy so I’ve sacrificed everything to get into the shape I am today and come fight night you’re going to see why I’m one of the best middleweights in the world,” he said.

Remaining tickets for Lee v Saunders priced are available from frankwarren.com, ticketmaster.co.uk, eventim.co.uk and manchester-arena.co.uk or watch exclusively live on BoxNation. Go to boxnaion.com to subscribe.

WBA World Middleweight Champion Daniel Jacobs is backing rival WBO king Andy Lee to emerge the winner out his fight against Billy Joe Saunders to set up a unification fight, but the Hatfield ace says he’ll scupper that.

Brooklyn puncher Jacobs smashed neighbourhood rival Peter Quillin – who held Lee to a draw in April – inside a round last Saturday night in a brutal performance that sent shockwaves through the 160lb ranks that also holds elite fighters Gennady Golovkin and Saul Alvarez.

Jacobs will be a keen observer of the Lee v Saunders battle on Saturday 19th December at the Manchester Arena, that will be televised live in the U.S on Showtime, and believes a fight against Lee – who’s fought the majority of his career in the States and is a fight fan favourite with his thrilling KO wins against John Jackson and Matt Korobov – will be a bigger draw than Saunders.

“I’m excited for the winner of Lee vs. Saunders.” Said Jacobs.

“I’m rooting for Andy Lee because I think that’s a bigger fight for me. Doing something in the U.S. between the two of us would make a lot of sense,”

“He has a huge following here in New York, just like me obviously. It would be a classic showdown that Brooklyn would appreciate,”

“May the best man win between the two of them, but if Andy wins I think it would be very interesting for both of us.”

However, undefeated Saunders has told Jacobs not to book any dates to face Lee just yet as he aims to emerge the winner.

“Full respect to Jacobs for winning his fight against Quillin in such sensational style,” Said Saunders

“I did predict beforehand that Quillin would beat him on points and I called that one wrong when he did him in a round. I also said that I’d be too fast for both him and Quillin and I still say that would be the case,”

“So he’s tipping Andy Lee in this one? For the boxing trade and public it is a genuine 50-50 fight and a hard one to call, but I know in my mind what I’m going to do in the fight and win the world title,”

“We’ll see what happens in just under one week’s time when me and Lee clash, but there’s only one winner and that’s me.”

“If Jacobs is getting excited at the thought of him against Lee then I’m going to have to crush that dream for him.”

Frank Warren’s end of year title extravaganza ‘X-Mas Cracker’ is headlined by two massive world title showdowns with WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee defending his title against Billy Joe Saunders and WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith making his first title defence against Jimmy Kelly. A staggering SIX further titles are on the line with Mitchell Smith defending his WBO Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title against George Jupp; Paul Butler challenges for the Vacant WBO European Super-Flyweight Championship against Silvio Olteanu; Tommy Langford defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship; Commonwealth Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Williams and Kris Carslaw clash with the Vacant British title also on the line; Jack Catterall defends his WBO Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Championship, and Tom Stalker and Craig Evans clash again for the Vacant WBO European Lightweight Championship. The undercard features Merseyside favourite Joe Selkirk in a six-round contest, Indian superstar Vijender Singh, Anthony Yarde and top Manchester prospects Jack Flattley and Dale Coyne, plus Razza Hamza.

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from:

www.frankwarren.com

TicketMaster

0844 844 0444

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Eventim

0844 249 1000

www.eventim.co.uk

Manchester Arena

0161 950 5000

0161 950 5229 (disabled access bookings)

www.manchester-arena.co.uk

*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise Daniel Jacobs v Peter Quillin live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

NEW YORK (Dec. 1, 2015) – SHOWTIME Sports® will present the WBO Middleweight World Championship between defending titlist Andy Lee and unbeaten challenger Billy Joe Saunders on Saturday, Dec. 19, live on SHO EXTREME (5 p.m. ET/PT) from Manchester, England.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL offering of the Box Nation telecast will feature analysis from SHOWTIME boxing experts Brian Custer, Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi before and after the world championship showdown. An encore presentation of the bout will air on SHO EXTREME later that evening at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

“We’re excited to deliver this important matchup of top middleweights to the U.S. audience,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports. “The 160-pound class is one of boxing’s hottest and deepest divisions right now, and the winner of this fight should position himself for a major showdown or unification in 2016.”

Ireland’s Lee (34-2-1, 24 KOs) won the vacant WBO title with a sixth-round TKO of then-undefeated Matt Korbov in December 2014. The 6-foot-2, 31-year old was on a six-fight win streak before boxing a split 12-round draw with undefeated former champion Peter Quillin on April 11, 2015, in Brooklyn. Both fighters went down in a highly competitive scrap that was scored 113-112 for Quillin, 113-112 for Lee and 113-113.

Before turning pro Lee was a top amateur and represented Ireland in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

“It’s great that my fans in the U.S. will get to see the fight between me and Saunders and I guarantee it’s going to be exciting,” Lee said.

Saunders (22-0, 12 KOs), of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, is the WBO’s No. 1 middleweight contender. The 26-year-old is coming off a fourth-round TKO over Yoannan Bloyer last July 24 in London.

Two starts ago, in the most note-worth victory of his career, the 5-foot-11, Saunders took a 12-round split decision over Chris Eubank Jr. on Nov. 29, 2014, in London. All but one of Saunders’ fights have taken place in England; the other was Northern Ireland.

Saunders was also an accomplished amateur; he represented England in the 2008 Olympic Games as a welterweight at the age of 18. Saunders is the great-grandson of one of Britain’s most famous gypsy bare-knuckle champions, Absolom Beeney.

“This is a massive night for me and I’m excited that it’s going out live to America,” Saunders said. “The U.S. viewers will get to see just what I can do when I face Lee and become world champion. It’s a big boost for me and takes the fight to another level when American TV comes on board and then you know it’s a big fight on the world stage. I hope that (Gennady) Golovkin and (Miguel) Cotto will be both watching because I’m fast approaching their level and they’ll get to see what I’m all about.”

Promoter Frank Warren said, “I’m delighted that SHOWTIME will now be televising Lee vs. Saunders live in the U.S. as it confirms the importance of this fight on the world scene. My relationship with the network goes back many years with fights like Joe Calzaghe vs. Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton vs. Kostya Tszyu, Frank Bruno vs. Oliver McCall, plus Naseem Hamed and Nigel Benn fights. I believe that Lee vs. Saunders will be another great fight to add to that list because of what’s at stake for both fighters. What lies ahead for the winner will make them fight to their very best.”

Billy Joe Saunders has been backed by the new world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury to become the next world champion from travelling stock and predicts a new era for the sport.

Undefeated ace Saunders, who lives on a travellers’ site in Hatfield, challenges the WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee for his crown on Saturday 19th December at the Manchester Arena, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The 26-year-old is deep in preparations at the MGM training facility in Marbella for his massive showdown against Lee, but made sure he watched Fury’s sensational upset of long-reigning heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko.

“Tyson did what he said he was going to do and shook the world,” Said Saunders.

“A lot of people said he couldn’t do it and it was an impossible job, but I backed him from day one to beat Klitschko,”

“He proved that he’s a real champion by going into the lion’s den and beating a true great in Klitschko in his own backyard,”

“No one has done that to Klitschko before and it shouldn’t be underplayed,”

“I couldn’t be happier for him and his achievement. We spoke the next day and he was over the moon about his win as he rightly should be, Britain has a new heavyweight champion of the world,”

“It fantastic that the world heavyweight champion is a travelling lad, the flagship division is now ruled by a traveller, now it’s my turn to bring another world title to our community and for Britain,”

“Tyson said he’s backing me to win the WBO World Middleweight title against Lee and then we’ll both rule.”

“I believe that this is the start of a new era in boxing for gypsy fighters, Tyson’s world champion, I’m going to beat Lee and become the next world champion, and there are plenty more travelling lads coming through who are all potential world champions.”

Frank Warren’s end of year title extravaganza ‘X-Mas Cracker’ is headlined by two massive world title showdowns with WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee defending his title against Billy Joe Saunders and WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith making his first title defence against Jimmy Kelly. A staggering SIX further titles are on the line with Mitchell Smith defending his WBO Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title against George Jupp; Paul Butler challenges for the Vacant WBO European Super-Flyweight Championship against Silvio Olteanu; Tommy Langford defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship; Commonwealth Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Williams and Kris Carslaw clash with the Vacant British title also on the line; Jack Catterall defends his WBO Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Championship, and Tom Stalker and Craig Evans clash again for the Vacant WBO European Lightweight Championship. The undercard features Merseyside favourite Joe Selkirk in a six-round contest, Indian superstar Vijender Singh, Anthony Yarde and top Manchester prospects Jack Flattley and Dale Coyne, plus Razza Hamza.

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from:

WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee and his challenger Billy Joe Saunders are divided on who wins this Saturday’s mega-fight between Miguel Cotto and Saul Alvarez in Las Vegas, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Lee and Saunders collide in their own super-fight on Saturday 19th December at the Manchester Arena, but they’ll be paying close attention as to who emerges the victor from the Puerto Rican-Mexican shoot-out as it impacts on the talent packed 160lb division ruled by Gennady Golovkin.

With Alvarez the favourite to win in the fight, Irishman Lee reckons Cotto will be come out on top.

He said, “I’m going against the grain and picking Cotto. He’s boxing very cleverly at the moment and I see him using all his experience to box around Canelo. At his best, Miguel has excellent rhythm and I believe he can use that to frustrate Alvarez who I expect will come looking to take him out with one spectacular punch. Cotto on points.”

Unbeaten challenger Saunders is tipping Alvarez, but would love to see Cotto win as he wants to fight him.

“I believe that Alvarez will be too fresh for Cotto. He’s got too much on his side like youth, strength and speed and I think Cotto may be just on the slide now. I think Alvarez will win by late stoppage, but it’s going to be a cracking fight. There’s a side of me that would like to see Cotto win because he was my favourite fighter as a kid and I would have like to have fought a great like him. Maybe I still could down the line, but first things first with me and I want to win that WBO World title from Lee.” Said Saunders.

Frank Warren’s end of year title extravaganza ‘X-Mas Cracker’ is headlined by two massive world title showdowns with WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee defending his title against Billy Joe Saunders and WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith making his first title defence against Jimmy Kelly. A staggering SIX further titles are on the line with Mitchell Smith defending his WBO Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title against George Jupp; Paul Butler challenges for the Vacant WBO European Super-Flyweight Championship against Silvio Olteanu; Tommy Langford defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship; Commonwealth Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Williams and Kris Carslaw clash with the Vacant British title also on the line; Jack Catterall defends his WBO Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Championship, and Adrian Gonzalez defends his WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Championship. Plus the undercard features Merseyside favourite Derry Mathews and Indian superstar Vijender Singh.

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from:

www.frankwarren.com

TicketMaster
0844 844 0444
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Manchester Arena
0161 950 5000
0161 950 5229 (disabled access bookings)
www.manchester-arena.co.uk

*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise Cotto v Alvarez and Lee v Saunders live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

British boxing royalty Ricky Hatton and Naseem Hamed both believe the big end of year blockbuster showdown between Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders on Saturday 19th December at the Manchester Arena is too tough to call.

Lee’s WBO World Middleweight title defence against Saunders, his undefeated mandatory challenger, features alongside another big world title fight between WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith making the first defence of his title against Jimmy Kelly, with SIX further big title fights, exclusively live on BoxNation.

Manchester legend Hatton, a four-time and two-weight World Champion, and the British boxings superstar of the noughties who made the Manchester Arena his fortress, said, “For big blockbusters fights at the Manchester Arena, Lee v Saunders is up there with the best. You’ve got the raw, tough, aggression of Lee who’s got the power to turn things around with one punch, matched against the master boxer in Saunders who has the slick and technical ability. This is a real 50/50 fight and for once I’m stumped on picking a winner.”

The decade before The Hitman was ruled by Sheffield showman Naz, a three-time World Featherweight Champion, who lit up the arena with his own brand of fireworks, said, “This is the fight of the year for me because in my eyes you’ve got two guys who are going to have a real fight, not like Floyd Mayweather Jnr. or Manny Pacquiao, they’re not interested in offence, you know these guys aren’t going to run. It’s a 50/50 fight.”

Frank Warren’s end of year title extravaganza ‘X-Mas Cracker’ is headlined by two massive world title showdowns with WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee defending his title against Billy Joe Saunders and WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith making his first title defence against Jimmy Kelly. A staggering SIX further titles are on the line with Mitchell Smith defending his WBO Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title against George Jupp; Paul Butler challenges for the Vacant WBO European Super-Flyweight Championship against Silvio Olteanu; Tommy Langford defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship; Commonwealth Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Williams and Kris Carlow clash with the Vacant British title also on the line; Jack Catterall defends his WBO Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Championship, and Adrian Gonzalez defends his WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Championship. Plus the undercard features Merseyside favourite Derry Mathews and Indian superstar Vijender Singh.

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from:

www.frankwarren.com

TicketMaster
0844 844 0444
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Manchester Arena
0161 950 5000
0161 950 5229 (disabled access bookings)
www.manchester-arena.co.uk

*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise the show live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

The last time England and Ireland met in the the boxing ring with a World middleweight title on the line was 21 years ago when Steve Collins and Chris Pyatt clashed, now the two nations reignite their rivalry with the potential thriller between Billy Joe Saunders and Andy Lee on Saturday 19th December at the Manchester Arena.

Leicester puncher Pyatt, then the reigning WBO World Champion, lost the title to Dublin hardman Collins, who himself previously lost in two world title attempts, on a fifth round stoppage to finally achieve his dream of becoming World champion on 11th May 1994 at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge Arena.

The same belt will be on the line, now held by Limerick’s dynamite punching Lee, when he makes the first defence of the belt against his mandatory and undefeated challenger from Hatfield, in one of the most important fights in the 160lb division in recent years.

Straight after the Pyatt victory, Collins moved up to super-middleweight and defeated rival Chris Eubank, twice in a row, followed later by back-to-back victories over the Dark Destroyer Nigel Benn in epic encounters before retiring as undefeated world champion in July 1997.

Collins believes the winner of Lee and Saunders can go on to huge blockbuster fights in the division that holds stellar fighters Gennady Golovkin, Miguel Cotto and Saul Alvarez, plus Daniel Jacobs and Peter Quillin, who’s fights all feature exclusively live on BoxNation.

“When I beat Chris Pyatt to become WBO World Middleweight champion it was like a key to the super fights, to the Eubanks and Benns, which made my name, but that fight against Pyatt was absolutely crucial for me to win otherwise those big fights wouldn’t have happened,” Said Collins.

“It was a dream come true when I beat Pyatt, who was a great fighter in his own right, and I knew that I had to KO him to win, he was a tough man, but for me he was the ticket to the big fights. If I’d have lost he’d have gone and fought Eubank and Benn and I’d have been out of the picture. That’s pretty much how Lee and Saunders can look at it, it opens up even more big fights for the winner,”

“Saunders and Lee have got everything to fight for, there are some massive fights ahead for them. Obviously Golovkin is king right now and we haven’t seen the likes of him for a long long time, he’s the best right now. There are great fighters like Cotto and Alvarez, so the winner out of Lee and Saunders is going to have a field day. Back in my day there was Benn and Eubank who I beat twice each, but it created a great rivalry, the only one who didn’t get involved was Roy Jones Jnr. who stayed his side of the pond,”

“The current 160lb division is a very exciting place and it’s one of the best in boxing right now. This fight It’s like going back to the good old days in the division. It has the potential to be a great, great, fight. Both men have the ability to win. If it goes the distance Saunders can win, but Lee can win by stoppage. Whatever, it’s going to be exciting.”

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from

www.frankwarren.com

TicketMaster
0844 844 0444
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Manchester Arena
0161 950 5000
0161 950 5229 (disabled access bookings)
www.manchester-arena.co.uk

*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise the show live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

The winner out of the WBO World Middleweight title showdown between the Champion Andy Lee and challenger Billy Joe Saunders on Saturday 19th December at the Manchester Arena will be hot property on the elite world boxing scene.

Division ruler Gennady Golovkin, the fearsome Kazakh who holds the IBF World, WBA Super World and WBC Interim World titles, will be targeting the missing belt from his collection, the WBO crown, to complete his mission in unifying all the belts.

The winner of Saunders-Lee could also meet the winner out of the massive WBC World Middleweight clash between Puerto Rican and Mexican rivals Miguel Cotto and Saul Alvarez on November 21 in Las Vegas in a world-title unification. Plus there’s another big fight in the division with WBA World Champion Daniel Jacobs defending his title against Peter Quillin, who Lee held to a draw in his last fight, on December 5 in New York. Both fights, plus Lee v Saunders, will be exclusively live on BoxNation.

American superstar and top pound-for-pounder Andre Ward, the reigning WBA Super World Super-Middleweight Champion, has also expressed an interest in the 160lb division and facing whoever emerges as the best in the blue-riband weight class.

With a division bursting with big name fighters and exciting big-money opportunities, Saunders know’s it’s crucial that he wins.

“I keep saying the fight between me and Lee is the most important fight in the middleweight division in recent years and it’s true,” Said the undefeated Hatfield ace.

“It looks like boxing’s elite will be watching with great interest the fight between me and Lee and more importantly who wins as it impacts on what they do in their careers,”

“This is what I’m in boxing for the big super-fights. Me and Lee is a super-fight, I absolute love it and I can’t wait for what lies ahead,”

“Listen, Lee is a great champion and I’m definitely not underestimating him and he’ll have my total focus, but how can you ignore the big fights that lie ahead for the winner? Surely that’s a massive golden carrot to aim for and put the pressure on you to fight to your best and win,”

“The winner out of me and Lee is going to be up there amongst the big names, Golovkin, Cotto and Alvarez and if Ward is looking at fighting at the weight then it’s another superstar name in the 160lb pot, it’s going to be a red hot time in the middleweight division in the next year or so that’s why I’m going all out to win on December 19 and get that belt around my waist.”

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from

www.frankwarren.com

TicketMaster
0844 844 0444
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Manchester Arena
0161 950 5000
0161 950 5229 (disabled access bookings)
www.manchester-arena.co.uk

*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise the show live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee has denied that he is overlooking his forthcoming mega-fight with rival Billy Joe Saunders and is eyeing up a showdown against Gennady Golovkin.

Lee met face-to-face with Saunders at today’s press conference as the clock counts down to their Saturday 19th December barnstormer at the Manchester Arena, but rumours have been circulating that Lee’s team have been negotiating a fight with top pound-for-pounder GGG.

The Irishman shot down the rumours and says he would be a fool to overlook his undefeated mandatory WBO challenger who he recognises as his most dangerous opponent to date.

“It would be stupid of me or Adam Booth to look past Saunders as he’s the next man I’m facing in the ring and he’s a dangerous fighter who could take my title. There’s no way at all I’d be overlooking him. Golovkin is the golden carrot for everyone in the middleweight division but I have to deal with Saunders first,” Said Lee.

Hatfield star Saunders is fully focussed on Lee and the biggest moment of his career and there is no thought of Glolovkin on his mind.

He said, “I do hope that Lee is concentrating on this fight because I’m going all out to take his title. He’s a clever man and I know he wouldn’t be looking past me, so I was surprised to hear that today. Golovkin is the main man in the division at the moment, but when I win the title then he’s going to be calling me out for the WBO belt if he wants to unify them,”

He ridiculed recent comments from Chris Eubank Jnr’s father, Johnny English, who said his son would destroy Golovkin and reminds them that he outclassed Jnr. and handed him his first defeat.

Saunders added, “I’m not going to shoot my mouth off like ol’ Johnny English and Jnr. who are living on another planet if they think they can destroy Golovkin, self confidence is good but that is just plain stupidity. The old man reckoned his son would beat me, but I handed Jnr. back to him beaten and broken and now he’s got to fight the man that I also beat, Spike O’Sullivan, to try and rebuild his career,”

“This is a real fight for the world title between me and Lee, this is the real thing. I guarantee there’s going to be someone going down at some point in the fight, but one’s things for sure I’m coming away with the belt.”

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from

www.frankwarren.com

TicketMaster
0844 844 0444
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Manchester Arena
0161 950 5000
0161 950 5229 (disabled access bookings)
www.manchester-arena.com

*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise the show live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

Tickets are on sale now for the Christmas world championship boxing extravaganza at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 19th December headlined with an amazing THREE world fights featuring the Best of British.

WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee finally puts his world title on the line against rival Billy Joe Saunders in the highly anticipated showdown that everyone has been waiting to see.

Irishman Lee, one of the world’s most exciting fighters, won the title with a dramatic knockout of the previously undefeated Matt Korobov and must now face his mandatory challenger – Saunders.

The undefeated Englishman has claimed the records of four unbeaten fighters in a row in his last five fights, including a victory over Chris Eubank Jnr. and now aims to realise his dream by beating Lee to become world champion.

WBO World Lightweight Champion Terry Flanagan returns to action one final time this year as he makes the second defence of his title against a top challenger to be announced.

The Manchester hero is the new star of British boxing following his mesmerising victory over Diego Magdaleno this month when he destroyed the American challenger inside two rounds with a fearsome display of power-punching.

The new WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith makes his opening defence of the world title as he begins his reign.

Liverpool ace Smith demolished America John Thompson in seven round this month to lift the world title with some devastating punching and aims to show that he’s the top man in the 154lb division.

An action-packed card will also feature former IBF World Bantamweight Champion Paul Butler as continues on his comeback towards a second record-breaking world title at a lighter weight class, plus Lancashire super-lightweight hot-shot Jack Catterall, with both in championship title action.

With more title fights to be added and an undercard full of the best British prospects all in action, Boxing Day has come early for fight fans.

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from

www.frankwarren.com

TicketMaster
0844 844 0444
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Manchester Arena
0161 950 5000
0161 950 5229 (disabled access bookings)
www.manchester-arena.com

Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

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.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the WBO Middleweight title bout between Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders has been postponed for a 2nd time due to a cut suffered by Saunders.

They were originally scheduled to fight Sept. 19 at Thomond Park in Lee’s hometown of Limerick, Ireland, but Lee came down with a virus and postponed the fight. It was rescheduled for Oct. 10 at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, but now will have to wait until Saunders’ cut is healed.

“First of all I’m sorry to Andy and all the fans that this fight has had to be postponed again,” Saunders said. “It’s completely unfortunate that I got a cut during a sparring session, but there’s nothing I can do now until the specialist advises me on when I can resume training and fight again.

“I’m committed to this world title fight. I’m the WBO mandatory challenger, and the WBO have confirmed that I’ll remain the mandatory challenger. It’s just a very frustrating situation at the moment as myself and Andy just want to get in the ring and fight after all the delays.”

“Hugely disappointed for myself and for the boxing public,” Lee said. “These things happen. Me and Billy Joe Saunders will get it on when the new date is set.”

Warren said the card still will go on with the two other world title bouts already on the show. Lightweight titleholder Terry Flanagan (28-0, 11 KOs), who is from Manchester, will move into the main event as he makes his first defense, a mandatory, against Las Vegas contender Diego Magdaleno (28-1, 12 KOs). Also, England’s Liam Smith (20-0-1, 10 KOs) will face Newark, New Jersey’s John Thompson (17-1, 6 KOs), a 2015 ESPN Boxcino tournament winner, for a vacant junior middleweight world title.

“It’s a real shame that Billy has been forced out of the fight because of a cut and we await the report from the specialists so that we can look to reschedule the fight as soon as possible for the fans,” Warren said. “Whilst Saunders versus Lee has fallen through, there are two thrilling world title fights on the show with Terry Flanagan facing a dangerous first defense against tough American Diego Magdaleno, and Liam Smith has a big test against American upsetter John Thompson.

“It’s a disappointment, but I’m very optimistic that the show is still one of the best of the year, if not the best, with a top class lineup.”

LONDON (27 August) – Boxing star Andy Lee has been overwhelmed at the number of Irish fans set to travel to Manchester for his world title clash with Billy Joe Saunders.

The WBO middleweight world champion defends his title against the unbeaten Londoner in an Ireland versus England showdown and has been taken aback at the number of fans snapping up tickets for the October 10th Manchester Arena clash.

Masses of Irish supporters disappointed at not seeing their hero fight on home soil following the rescheduling of his Limerick bout due to illness are refusing to be deterred and are buying up tickets in massive numbers to make the trip across the Irish Sea.

“It doesn’t surprise me to hear that there is a massive contingent of fans coming over from Ireland because they always show tremendous support to me and other Irish sports people,” said Lee.

“I’m humbled at the response for tickets – it just goes to show the loyalty of Irish fans and their love for sport.

“It’s going to be like fighting at home when I’m in Manchester because of all the Irish in the arena. I know they’re going to make it a very hostile atmosphere for Billy Joe and I intend to repay them by making it a night not to forget – it’s going to be very special,” he said.

Together with the local diaspora the travelling contingent from Ireland will be loud and proud in another chapter of Irish-English sporting rivalry.

Lee isn’t going to let that faze him, however, and is focusing solely on taking care of a very dangerous Saunders, who he knows will be at his best.

“Billy Joe is a very talented fighter and I know that he’s going to leave it all in the ring on October 10th so you’ll see the best of me that night,” said Lee.

“I’ve been on this stage before and know what it’s like to be in world championship fights so I have that advantage against Saunders but in no way will I be underestimating him. There’s things he does well and things he doesn’t do so well – my job is to exploit those flaws.

“I’m preparing for 12 rounds but my record shows that I’m one of the biggest punchers in the middleweight division so I have that in my locker if I need to use it.

“I really believe this fight will be one to remember, because both of us can box and fight, but I am the one with the world class knockout power, and that will be the difference” Lee said.

The Lee-Saunders clash headlines a stunning triple world title fight card, with WBO lightweight world champion Terry Flanagan defending his belt against Diego Magdaleno and Liam Smith battling for the vacant WBO super-welterweight title against John Thompson.

Tickets for World War III: Lee v Saunders are priced at £40, £75, £125, £200, £300 and £500* and available now from www.frankwarren.com and Manchester Arena on 0844 847 8000.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise, live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at Livesport.tv or via iPhone, iPad or Android.