Andy Lee says travelling Irish support will make his world title defence against Billy Joe Saunders feel like boxing at home.

The WBO middleweight champion was scheduled to face the unbeaten Englishman in Limerick only to suffer a virus and see the bout moved to October 10 in Manchester.

But Lee (34-2-1-KO24) has revealed tickets are in hot demand back home and is enthusiastic over the prospect of rewarding his loyal supporters with victory at the Manchester Arena.

The 31-year-old said: "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.

"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.

"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."