ANDY LEE TO SHUT SAUNDERS UP ON BEHALF OF WOMEN‏

LIMERICK southpaw Andy Lee has vowed to strike a blow for “Mná na hÉireann” and women everywhere against Billy Joe Saunders.

Lee described Saunders as immature and foolish after the English southpaw outrageously claimed last week that women are for cleaning, cooking and sex.

The Irish 2004 Olympian puts his world WBO world middleweight title on the line against the British 2008 Olympian, the mandatory challenger, at Thomond Park on September 19.

The promoters are confidently predicting that the fight night will sell out, with over 30,000 expected to attend.

“It was an immature and foolish comment that he made publicly, said Lee ahead of his first title defence in his hometown.

“I will make sure he feels immature and foolish on fight night. I urge all the women who have been offended by him to sit back and enjoy the painful lesson I will give him on your behalf.”

Olympic champion Katie Taylor could be added to the Thomond Park undercard, but Saunders was also dismissive about women’s boxing.

“They’re not to put a head guard on and get punched in the face, although, I must say, Katie Taylor’s done extremely well and she once punched Frankie Gavin up in sparring,” he said.

However, Taylor and Gavin, whose parents are Irish and who won a World Elite title for Britain in 2007, never sparred, according to Taylor’s coach and dad, Pete Taylor.

Taylor hit back at Saunders via social media, tweeting that she felt sorry for his wife and daughter if those are his views on women.

Saunders improved to 22 straight wins in a warm up fight after stopping French journeyman Yoann Bloyer in the 4th round at Wembley Arena in London last Friday.

Bloyer was down twice in the third and the ref called a halt 53 seconds into the fourth after the Gallic puncher was once again left occupying a large area of floor space.

Lee is in training camp in Surrey, England. He added: “People’s boxing styles reflect their personalities. I’m a defensive fighter. I’m a strategic fighter, but if stunned I retaliate.

“We can’t let anyone beat us. As long as we live we will have to face this fight in our community, win or lose. Whoever wins will be hailed a hero.”