by Francisco Salazar
Mike Lee is still looking for respect as a prizefighter. Ever since making his pro debut in May of 2010, Lee has tried to prove he is a legit light heavyweight contender and not just promoting ads for Subway sandwiches.
Lee is doing just that as he is currently ranked by major sanctioning bodies and showing his worth as a prizefighter.
The unbeaten light heavyweight will face Jose Hernandez tonight at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, just outside Chicago. The 10-round bout will air live on CBS Sports Network (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT).
Lee (20-0, 11 knockouts) will turn 31 next Sunday, so time may be ticking against him, considering he has not fought an elite fighter yet at 175 pounds or had a breakthrough performance.
He has fought and beat modest opposition over his last three fights, including a one-sided decision victory over Chris Traietti in September of 2016, claiming a vacant regional title belt. In his last bout on Sept. 15, Lee stopped Aaron Quattrocchi in the opening round.
For the last several months, Lee has been training in the Los Angeles area.
“Training camp in Los Angeles has been great,” said Lee earlier this week. “We had a good camp. I’m 20-0 for a reason.”
Lee will face an opponent in Hernandez (19-3-1, 9 KOs), who resides in the Los Angeles suburb of Lancaster and is unbeaten in his last seven bouts.
“I am not looking past Hernandez,” said Lee, who has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame in finance. “My dream has always been to win a world championship since day one. I have everything in my mind and body towards that, and when I am determined, I am very difficult to beat.”
Lee is ranked number three by the WBO and number 11 by the WBA. While a world title belt is still a long way’s away, Lee has had to overcome things outside of boxing, including his personal health.
Lee just stepping back in the ring after several months out of the ring has strengthened his psyche and has allowed him to return prizefighting.
He is also eager to put on an impressive performance in front of family and friends.
“My career was almost taken away with autoimmune disease, and I (have) wanted to tell my story. I have been lucky to speak to people and give techniques of visualization and mindset.”
“I am excited to fight in my hometown with a great crowd. I love fighting in a bigger venue, which is a phenomenal arena. I have waited for this moment, and I can’t wait for (tonight).”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing
