Discussion Ongoing For Lee-Saunders September Clash
By Terence Dooley
It appears that Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders are moving closer to a September dance for the WBO middleweight title. The Boxing Union of Ireland revealed through its verified social media account that Lee will head home to Limerick for the second defense of his title, with the bout reportedly to land on September 19 at Thomond Park.
Frank Warren—who promotes Saunders— has Tweeted that the date and venue have yet to be decided in response to the BUI's claim. The longtime promoter mentioned a September 5 date earlier this week when announcing the fight, with his press office following up Friday afternoon claiming the two camps were still in negotiation.
“Following reports in the media this morning (Friday 19th June) that the Andy Lee v Billy Joe Saunders WBO World Middleweight title fight will take place on September 19 at Thomond Park in Ireland, promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that these reports are incorrect,” read the statement from Queensberry Promotion's press office. “The date and venue for the highly anticipated showdown have not been confirmed yet and are subject to ongoing negotiations.
“It can be confirmed that the fight will take place in September with venues in London and Ireland under consideration. Mr. Warren and Adam Booth—Lee’s manager—are in advanced discussions and will announce details in due course once finalized.”
Lee, 34-2-1 (24), won the title courtesy of a sixth-round stoppage over Matt Korobov in December. The 31-year-old Irishman drew with Peter Quillin in April—Quillin failed to make the weight so the title wasn’t on the line—and is now preparing for his mandatory challenger.
Saunders moved to 21-0 (11) by out-pointing Chris Eubank Junior in November, a split decision; he will have a warm-up at Wembley Arena on July 11 before vying for the world title for the first time. The 25-year-old from Hatfield has done things the traditional way by picking up the British, Commonwealth and EBU titles en route to his title shot.
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