Lee, Saunders Ready To Fight; Smith Talks Mosley Clash

By Terence Dooley

 

Andy Lee (34-2-1, 24 KOs) and Billy Joe Saunders (22-0, 12 early) came together for what seems like the umpteenth time earlier today to talk about their twice rescheduled WBO middleweight title encounter.  The two fighters once again showed plenty of mutual respect whilst outlining what they intend to do come the 19th of December.

 

Frank Warren promotes the show, which takes place at the Manchester Arena, and he revealed that BoxNation’s early-2016 schedule could be boosted by a fight between WBO light-middleweight titlist Liam Smith—who defends his title on the undercard of Lee-Saunders—and American legend “Sugar” Shane Mosley.

 

“We would do Shane Mosley against Liam if it was on the table,” he revealed.  “Maybe it can be done for 2016—it's a winnable fight for Liam.”

 

“I know what Shane Mosley is after,” added Smith (21-0-1, 11 stoppages).  “He private messages me and said to tell Frank to make it for December.  I know I would beat him.”

 

“On the 19th of December we will find out who the best middleweight in the UK and Ireland is,” said Warren, turning his attention to the Manchester Arena show and confirming that WBO lightweight holder Terry Flanagan (29-0, 12 KOs) will also be on the bill.

 

“I have cleaned up at domestic level, now to world level,” said Saunders before underlining his desire for world domination.  “If the money was right I'd fight [Gennady] Golovkin.”

 

Lee also namechecked the division’s consensus Number One when talking about his own knockout power, saying: “I'm a big strong Middleweight and I punch as hard as Golovkin.  The loser has to live with this fight for the rest of our lives.”

 

“This is an excellent bill, and it's great to see Liam and Terry defending their world titles,” added Lee before turning his attention to Chris Eubank Junior and Spike O’Sullivan.  Eubank fights Tony Jeter in Sheffield on Saturday night and took part in a own press conference this afternoon (more on that to follow).

 

“Eubank and Spike are two guys who talk a lot, but this is the main fight between two Olympians for a world title,” he said, dismissing the talk of a potential fight between the winner of this fight and the mooted encounter between Eubank and Sullivan.  

Although the fact that these fights are potentially out there is an indication of the strength in depth at 160lbs.