Lee wants title shot
12 December 2010 – Jonny Stapleton
Limerick middleweight Andy Lee would jump at the chance to fight Sergio Martinez – the WBC world champion everyone else wants to avoid.
The Kronk trained Southpaw has this week emerged as one of the favourites to trade leather with the champion that has the worlds leading middleweights running scared.
The Argentines promoter Lou DiBella and Lees coach and manager Manny Steward have both admitted to discussing a potential March 12 Madison Square Garden hosted world title fight.
And whilst most are not to keen to enter the squared circle against the fighter who sensationally stopped Paul Williams last month, Lee is excited about a potential world challenge.
I’m really excited about the prospect of fighting for the middleweight title, Lee told Mirror Sport. Martinez is a good fighter and a lot of guys are avoiding him right now but if I got the chance to fight him I’d jump at it. My manager Emanuel has spoken to Martinez promoter and told them I would love to fight him so we will see what happens in the next week or so.
However, the former Olympian is avoiding over excitement until rumour becomes reality and a contract is signed.
The Limerick native has been linked with a number of big fights and big names in recent months to no avail-not least an all Irish clash with John Duddy- and as result team Lee have a back up plan in place.
If the world title tilt doesnt materialise Lee will get his rematch with sole defeater Brian Vera, a bout that would hold as much significance for him as a world title challenge.
If the fight with Matinez doesn’t come off I will fight a rematch with Bryan Vera in February, which for me is just as meaningful a fight as a title fight. I’ve wanted to avenge my loss since it happened and it looks like that fight could be finalised in the next week or two. My plans are to have a little break at home, then head back to the States after Christmas and get ready to make a mark in 2011.
