Lee faces Bunema for NABF title

27 April 2011 – Jonny Stapleton

Andy Lees May 18 keep busy fight has been upgraded to a NABF middleweight title clash with the potentially dangerous Alex Bunema.

Lee was expected to fight two unproblematic opponents before making his return to big time boxing on HBO in the autumn, but is determined to improve rather than pad out his record over the summer. The Emanuel Steward trained professional is keen to prove his worthy of a world title contender status by defeating a fighter who has experience at world level.

Considering the American based Congo native has shared the ring with the likes of Vince Philips, Jermain Taylor and indeed the man deemed the best middleweight on the planet Sergio Martinez, Lees warm up clash has just got very hot. The two time Irish amateur champion and former Olympian, who has his sights set on a July clash with fellow Irish middleweight Anthony Fitzgerald as well as an September bout with Brian Vera, would be favoured to defeat the 36 year old who usually campaigns at light middleweight.

However, there is no doubting the veteran puncher will provide Lee with one of his toughest tests to date. The Kronk fighter is delighted to have secured a bout with Bunema (31-7) as he is a ‘real fighter’ and wants to earn rather than be handed his fight wins.

Speaking about the fight which will take place in Rose Mount, Chicago Lee told the Mirror Sport, Bunema is a tough opponent but I’m a real fighter and do not want to ruin my reputation by fighting a push-over opponent. This fight is for the NABF title which is a subsidiary of the WBC.

Again Bunema is tough. He is very experienced and strong, he can punch with both hands. He’s fought some of the worlds top fighters and will be a good test for me. I’ve been working very hard in the gym, I took little time off after my last fight so I am in excellent shape. I’m ready to win and bring the NABF title back to Ireland.