Andy Lee marks time

29 July 2010 – Jonny Stapleton

Andy Lee returns to action on Friday in a fight he admits is not significant in terms of his World title dreams but important none the less.

Defeating James Brian Cook (11-3-1 8KO) in Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma will certainly not ensure the Limerick native a coveted world title shot, but it serves to keep the ring rust off whilst he actively peruses a bout with a marquee name.

Lee believes if he keeps beating opponents and building his record they, as in the big fights, will come.

The former Olympian’s number one fan and legendary trainer, Emmanuel Steward claims the biggest of bouts is just a couple fights away, as he predicts a March 2011 World title shot.

Lee, however is focused on wracking up the wins in a bid to re-raise his American profile starting with a knock out victory over Cook.

I’m well prepared for the fight, better then some of my bigger fights, Lee explained to the Mirror.

I have had plenty of tough sparring mostly with K9’s Cornelius Bundrage and Domonique Dolton at the Kronk gym. Although it’s not a big fight, I’m happy to be staying busy and to keep building my record. The big fights will come but in the mean time it’ll help to stay shape by fighting these type of fights. I am eager to stay busy there is no point in hanging around. That is why we took this fight at short notice. We are ready for the bigger fights and more of a challenge, but we to keep active too. the Limerick native added before claiming to know as little about Cook as some bemused fans.

I don’t know much about my opponent apart from his record. On paper I’m the favourite. I just have to be prepared for everything. I plan to have a look at him in the early rounds then size him up. I will predict a knock out win, with all due respect, he has been knocked out before so I will try and stop him.