Lee’s comeback date uncertain

29 October 2008 – by Mark Doyle

Andy Lees has revealed that his recent operation on a long-standing facial injury was a success but the Irishman admitted that he might not be in a position to return to the ring until next year.

The highly-rated Irish middleweight, who fights out of Detroits Kronk Gym, was forced to go under the knife to remove scar tissue which had been a significant contributing factor to the savage cuts he has received in recent fights.

Lee had hoped to make his comeback on the undercard of stablemate Wladimir Klitschkos December 13 date in Germany but nothing has been signed yet as he has only just returned to light training.

Im happy to say the operation was a complete success, he told the Irish Independent.

I had to have it done as opponents were simply targeting the injury, either with punches or with their heads. I had scar tissue removed and everything is fine.

Lee added: Whatever happens now, I hope to be back in action before Irish fans as soon as possible.

The 24-year-old Limerick man suffered the first defeat of his professional career when he was surprisingly stopped by Brian Vera in March but Lee bounced back in mightily impressive fashion with a dramatic win over Willie Gibbs in July.

After getting back on track with his tenth-round stoppage of The Gladiator, Lee is now targeting the top men in the middleweight division.

I want big fights and I want to be tested. I feel I have finished my apprenticeship, he explained.

I should have taken him (Brian Vera) and so I paid the high price.

He had turned up in the best condition of his life. I was goaded into a brawl and he stopped me. But that will not happen again.