Land of the Brave and Faithful will come out in force to welcome home Lee
Image: Photos by Ricardo
THOMOND Park creates an unrivaled atmosphere on a big rugby night, but that may just be eclipsed when Andy Lee comes home on September 19, claims Stadium Director John Cantwell.
The home of Munster Rugby plays host to a Lee homecoming as the Limerick man puts his WBO middleweight World title on the line against England’s Andy Lee in what Cantwell calls ‘the biggest fight ever to take place in Ireland’.
Cantwell expects Limerick to come out in force to lend their support to the 160lbs Irish star and is encouraging all sport fans not to miss out on a once in a life time opportunity.
“Andy is a home town boy defending his title in his home town, the home of the brave and faithful. It is a dream come true for Andy and for us too. I am sure Limerick will come out in it’s thousands and shout Andy home,” said Cantwell.
“It is a once in a life time not to missed occasion. Thomond Park for a rugby match when it’s full is an atmosphere second to none for a boxing match with an extra 7000 on the pitch I think it is going to be unique.”
Cantwell as well as many others is confident Limerick won’t disappoint and expects nothing less than a full house for a Limerick hosted fight with global significance.
“We have done our figures based on 34,000 and that is what we expect to get. Andy is a great champion, Billy Joe is a great challenger and it is going to be a special event. It is the biggest fight in Irish boxing history.”
“Hosting this event is a huge boost for the stadium and region, and we are very much looking forward to a first for Thomond Park with the staging of this WBO Middleweight Championship. Off the back of winning his title we were fortunate to have Andy Lee presented at half-time during the Munster v Leinster game last December and the reception he received that day was fantastic. I’m sure the supporters will be out in force again to cheer their local hero on as he defends his world title on home soil in September.”