Notre Dame grad and World Ranked Light-Heavyweight contender Mike Lee (WBO#12, IBF#12) looks to continue to defy odds and make it a perfect 20-0 June 23 on CBS Sports Net when he goes up against  Aaron Quattrocchi (10-1-1), in a 10-round main event in Chicago, IL.

Unfortunately, nothing Mike Lee does comes easy.  It wasn't easy getting into Notre Dame, but he graduated top of class with a degree in finance; it wasn't easy turning pro with limited amateur experience, but he's now World Ranked, picking up the USBA-IBF title in the process; it wasn't easy getting a National Sponsorship in a sport seemingly avoided by all major advertisers, but he attracted one of the biggest brands in America, Subway, and appeared in commercials airing during the Super-Bowl. Mike Lee has made a career exceeding expectations and doing what others say can't be done.

Now, the question is, can he win a world title?

If history repeats itself...Don't Bet Against Him!

From the beginning of his career, Mike Lee has conducted himself with a degree of class and dignity that undoubtedly has the ability to attract much needed sponsors to the sport.  Simply put, Lee is good for the sport. He has, quietly, given a significant amount of his earnings to kids fighting cancer. 

The way Mike Lee sees it, "One of the reasons I do this is to use my platform to make a difference in the lives of others.  The bigger I get, the more I can do for others. It's as simple as that."

Although you'll never hear about Mike Lee getting arrested, bragging about his accomplishments, or being disrespectful to others, there is little doubt he is a breath of fresh air for the sport. 

Recently, legendary Evander Holyfield appeared on a morning television show and was asked about the future of Mike Lee and said, "He has a great future. Mike is a highly educated guy, but he can still fight.  He's proven that you don't have to be mean. You can love something, work hard, and be good at it."

Only time will tell if Mike Lee can make the leap from world-ranked contender to world champion.  But nothing for Mike Lee has come easy, and I don't think he'd have it any other way.