DiBella: Lee begged to face Martinez and could face ‘Kid Chocolate’

By Jonny Stapleton

Lou DiBella revealed Andy Lee begged to be put in with SergioMartinez and claims he never suggested the Irish middleweight fears the Argentine.

The DiBella entertainment boss said quotes attributed to himstating Lee didn’t believe he was ready for the best middleweight in world weremisconstrued.

The American promoter was keen to point the situation was to thecontrary and stressed the Limerick southpaw wasdesperate for a fight with the pound for pound number 3.

The 2004 Olympian’s desire  wasn’t enough to secure theworld title fight, however as DiBella hinted TV Network HBO choose Lee’sfellow Irish middleweight Matthew Macklin as Martinez next defence.

“I just want to say I was misquoted in the  press recently.I want to make it clear Andy Lee is not afraid of Sergio Martinez. In fact hebegged me to put him in with Martinez on March 17.”

The Kronk fighter, who has 2012 world title ambitions, is awareMacklin has beaten him to the punch and will face the 36 year old champion onwhat is shaping up to be a bumper Irish card.

The Emmanuel Steward trained professional is now looking for anew opponent- and after being turned down by English middleweights DarrenBarker and Martin Murray Lee could indulge in some Chocolate by fighting HBOpick Peter ‘Kid Chocolate’ Quillin.

“Every day it’s somebody new.Darren Barker hasbeen offered the fight, Martin Murray’s been offered the fight – Sergio Morawas mentioned. It’s looking like it could be ‘Kid Chocolate’ now. That’sanother situation where I’m fighting a really dangerous fighter whohas a lot to gain from fighting me. So I could be forced by HBO, by whoever, tofight him. It’s a fight I can win, but he’s definitely one of the bestmiddleweights so it could be a good scrap,” Lee explained.

The Freddie Roach trained ‘Kid Chocolate’ wasrated as high as No. 5 by the IBF before a series of unfortunate injuries costhim 18-months of his career. He is a dangerous prospect but Lee is planning toput on the type of performance that will force promoters to give him a worldtitle shot.

“My plan on March 17th is to go out and put ona really good show, turn the place out make them demand anothertitle fight for Andy Lee.”