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Andy Lee loving life leading Paddy Donovan and Jason Quigley

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Andy Lee is reveling in life as a coach.

The former WBO middleweight champion of the world wasn’t always certain he’d take up the mentor role and become a trainer after he retired.

However, he has found himself coaching the new to the scene Limerick youngster Paddy Donovan and Jason Quigley, a fighter who could be just two to three good wins away from a massive fight.

The respected pundit and noted ambassador for the sport will man Qiugley’s corner for the first time in LA this weekend, before taking the reigns for a third time for Donovan, as the limerick 20-year-old fights on his third #MTKFightNight later in the month.

Lee claims he is enjoying the role and speaking when asked about Top Rank’s ‘Real Deal’ Donovan he revealed the benefits of working with a talent so early in his career.

“It’s such an advantage to be this active at such an early stage in Paddy’s career.

“It’s of benefit because it’s not just about learning in the gym but it’s about having a fight each month where he can exercise the things we’ve worked on.

“I’m loving this experience more than I thought I ever would. It’s very gratifying to see Paddy and Jason Quigley improve as boxers and to see something I’ve taught them work in a fight or in sparring.

“Each day we are working on small things that will lead to the fighters improve as overall boxers. It may be specific to the next fight but it’ll be something they always have to call on in the future too.”

Joining Donovan on a busy bill at the University of Bolton Stadium bill – live, exclusive and FREE on iFL TV, are fast-rising Dublin prospect Pierce O’Leary and Liverpool’s former Team GB sensation Blane Hyland.

A host of local stars such as Raza Hamza, Ross Cooksey, Sahir Iqbal, Mike McGoldrick, Macaulay McGowan, Muhammad Ali Zahid and more.

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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