The fight, which will be broadcast on NBC (USA) and Box Nation (UK/Sky Channel 437) at 1.30am Irish time, will see Lee fight the man who originally gave up the WBO Middleweight title which Andy won in Las Vegas on December 13 against Matt Korobov.
Quillin, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, was brought up in Grand Rapids, Michigan but now fights out of New York City, will have a huge home support at the title fight.
‘Kid Chocolate’s record of 31-0, 22 KO is impressive with many bookies having the challenger as a slight favourite for the clash. The fact remains that there are many who question the standard of the opponents he faced thus far, with many boxing pundits Stateside agreeing that Lee will be a step up in class for the US fighter.
The punching power and tactical nous of Lee makes the Irish fighter a real threat if the fight is to be a short one. Lee’s record of 34-2, 24 KO shows he is a worthy champion and credit must also go to Lee and his camp for taking on this fight, in what will effectively be an ‘away’ bout.
Speaking ahead of the fight Lee added, “We’ve made unbelievable progress in the last year on my skills and everything has really just clicked for me and my team and now we’re seeing the results in the ring. I’m very proud to be an Irishman from Limerick defending his world championship in New York. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Kid Chocolate expects a tough fight, which could go the 12 rounds.
“‘It’s a big fight for him and a big fight for me. He’s a smart fighter when he’s in trouble so I have to watch out for that. I’m getting paid for 12 rounds so I’m preparing for 12 rounds but if I can get him out of there early I will.”
Fighting talk indeed. The time for that is nearly over now, as Limerick awaits ‘Fight Night’.
