Booth: Lee has to defend against Saunders if he beats Korbov, but Macklin fight is inevitable

ADAM Booth believes an eagerly anticipated Irish derby between Matthew Macklin and his charge Andy Lee is inevitable, but confirmed if the Limerick native claims the WBO World middleweight title on December 13 he will first have to defend against Billy Joe Saunders.

Macklin bring big time boxing back to Dublin this weekend when he fights against Sebastian Hieland World title eliminator  at the 3Arena and Irish fight fans believed his return home could lead to a massive domestic derby with Lee.

Booth claims that fight will most likely be made, but revealed Lee’s focus is firmly on Matt Korobov for now and if he wins in Las Vegas on December 13 will be obligated to defend against Billy Joe Saunders.

“It could be a big fight, but first there is Billy Joe Saunders. We have agreed what comes directly after Korbov with Frank and what is in the future is in the future,” Said Booth to IFL TV about the possibility of fighting Macklin.

“It feels like one of those inevitable fights. It doesn’t need a title and they both suffered defeats at World title level. It is a fight that doesn’ t need a belt and a fight that could well happen. All we are worried about at the moment in Korobov.”