Lee plans to get revenge in world title stepping stone

June 21 Jonny Stapleton

ANDY Lee believes he can kill two birds with one punch by avenging his sole career defeat and securing a World title shot when he fights Brian Vera on October 1.

The Limerick middleweight finally secured the fight he has been searching for since his surprise defeat in 2008, but claims there is a lot more to this eagerly awaited clash than revenge and Vera redemption.

The former Irish Olympian believes victory over the much improved Texan battler will also put him in world title pole.

The Kronk southpaw admits his 2008 reverse still weighs heavy on his mind and is adamant will set record straight by cleaning from his record his only career blemish on October 1.

However, he also believes a win live on HBO on the under card of Sergio Martinez and Darrren Barkers WBC middleweight title fight will leave him as the 160 pound divisions leading contender.

“This is the fight I’ve been waiting for. This fight mean a lot to me, its still gets to me that I lost the first fight. I’ve been plugging for a rematch since the loss. I want to set the record straight,” Lee told Mirror Sport.

“Not only do I have the chance to avenge my only loss but also beating Vera will solidify me as the top middleweight contender out there. We are both riding high in our careers so this fight makes sense for both of us. The winner of this fight will be the leading contender to face any of the champions.”

Before he returns to Detroit on Monday to start preparations for the biggest fight of his career the 27 year old Manny Steward trained fighter will support his cousin Tyson Fury in his break through fight.

Lee is in London to cheer on the giant heavyweight and predicts Fury will send a significant message to all heavyweight contenders by defeating Derek ’Del Boy’ Chisora in Wembley on Saturday night.
“I am here in London supporting my cousin Tyson. He has a tough fight on Saturday but if he wins he’ll make a statement in boxing.”