By Mark Vester
Emanuel Steward, trainer and manager of undefeated middleweight Andy Lee (14-0, 11KOs), says a battle between Lee and his Irish counterpart, John Duddy (23-0, 17KOs) is very possible - if the circumstances are right.
“I can see that fight taking place in Ireland and Brian [Peters] should be the man to promote it after what he has done for professional boxing in Ireland,” Steward told Setanta Sports.
The circumstances are plenty because a lot would need to happen for Lee-Duddy to even be considered. Duddy has to win his tuneup against Matt Vanda (37-5, 21KOs) on 2/2. Then he is slated to face WBO/WBC middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (32-0, 29KOs) in June. Pavlik has a non-title rematch with Jermain Taylor on 2/16, at a catch-weight of 166-pounds. Win or lose against Taylor, a Pavlik-Duddy title bout would still be a likely go.
Steward feels Duddy has a much better chance against Pavlik than most people think.
“We watched John’s fight against [Howard] Eastman. I thought John fought a good fight because Eastman is a very cagey, tricky guy. John has a big chance against Kelly [Pavlik] despite what people think. “I know Kelly, I know what he has. John has a much better chance.”
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