Mike Lee Torn Between Two Homes For Bears-Texans

By Jake Donovan

Mike Lee is nobody’s fool. His 3.8 GPA during four years of college will tell you that much.

But the undefeated light heavyweight prospect is also smart enough to recognize his surroundings. Chicago-born but now based out of Houston, Lee’s allegiances are torn for a matter far beyond the squared circle. 

The Chicago Bears host the Houston Texas in tonight’s NFL Sunday Night Game of the Week. Both team boast records of 7-1 heading into this evening, with many experts calling the game a preview of this year’s potential Super Bowl matchup.

Lee grew up a Bears fans but has come to appreciate the Texans during his time spent in Houston while honing his craft in the ring. 

“I know my audience here. I've been advised to say... Go Irish!,” Lee quipped when put on the spot by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum to pick a winner in the game. The question was posed during a recent press conference to promote a December 15 show in Houston. 

Nonito Donaire faces Jorge Arce in the main event, which will air live on HBO from the Toyota Center in downtown Houston. Lee appears on the undercard and made a local appearance, much to the delight of the rabid crowd on hand for the media event. The bout will be his first in Houston, to where he relocated three years ago to prepare for a pro career. 

Lee (11-0, 6KO) turned pro in Chicago and also headlined the first ever boxing card at Notre Dame, his alma mater. The budding prospect is genuinely excited about fighting in Houston and merely expected to talk about the upcoming fight, for which an opponent has yet to be determined.

Instead, he was forced to pick a side on for tonight’s gridiron action.

“I've been a big fan of the Texans since I've been here,” admits Lee, who. I've been to two games this year. It's going to be an exciting game and... (surveys crowd) Go Texans!" 

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com.  Follow Jake on Twitter: @JakeNDaBox