WBO Middleweight title challenger Billy Joe Saunders is excited to make history with his fight against Andy Lee being the first-all traveler world title fight. Hatfield star Saunders and Limerick hero Lee collide at the Munster Rugby’s stadium Thomond Park in Limerick on September 19th.
Saunders and Lee came head-to-head today in London today for the final time before they enter hard training for “The Showdown at Thomand Park”.
Unbeaten Saunders, who defeated rival Chris Eubank in his last fight and claimed the records of four undefeated fighters in his last four back-to-back fights, is relishing his fight with Lee.
Saunders said:
“For me it’s about walking away with the world title belt. I’m the first traveler to win a Lonsdale belt outright, but this is absolutely huge, two travelers making history and fighting for the world title and plus the bragging rights on top.
“This fight is massive in the traveling community, but it isn’t just about the traveling community, it’s for the boxing fans everywhere, Ireland, England, the world, it’s doesn’t get any bigger than this.
“We’re both proud fighting men and I could sit here and say ‘I’m going to smash him up or knock him out’ but to me this is a genuine 50/50 fight.
“You’re going to see one of the best fights in a long time.”
Lee makes the first defense of the belt in his hometown that he won with a thrilling sixth round stoppage of Matt Korobov in December. Although he battled top American Peter Quillin to a draw in April, the belt was not on the line. Lee said:
“Mine and Billy’s upbringing and the pride we bring into the ring is why we have been so successful.
“We’re men’s men who come from a travelers’ background and we can’t let anyone beat us. Whoever wins will be the hero and, unfortunately, who ever loses, won’t be shamed, but will be known as the loser.
“Billy is the mandatory challenger and I had to fight him, there was no way I was ever going to avoid him, I’m too proud.
“I’ve worked too hard to win this title and I don’t intend on giving it up and it was important for me to defend my title.”
