Saunders: Lee will have to pull something out of the bag to beat Quillin in New York

BILLY Joe Saunders will be cheering for Andy Lee when he defends his WBO middleweight title against Peter Quillin in New York this Saturday.

The mandatory challenger, who stepped aside to allow Lee v Quillin happen, is set to face the winner within 90 days and believes a World title fight with the Limerick hero would be more lucrative.

However, whilst he will be supporting Lee, Saunders can’t predict confidently the Irish World champion will emerge victorious. The number one contender stresses it is a 50-50 dust up in terms of talent, but believes all the advantages that come with being the home fighter make ‘Kid Chocolate’ the favourite.

“Andy Lee is up against it. He was up against it with Korbov though and he pulled it off. I really do think that it is a 50/50 fight.

“The fact it is out in the States favours Quillin, but Quillin has never been hit on the chin and Andy can punch. He has never been in the trenches either so Andy can pull it off, but its a real pick’em fight,” Said Saunders before discussing which of the two he would prefer.

“It is all about who generates the most money for me. A fight between myself and Andy Lee would generate into a massive fight, so I am hoping Andy wins, but like I say he is up against it. Opponent wise it is a 50-50 fight, but he is in Quillin’s backyard so he needs to pull something out of the bag, but I think he can.”