Lee ready for Bunema challenge

17 May 2011 – Jonny Stapleton

Irish contender Andy Lee admits he is taking a big risk facing such a seasoned opponent in Rosemont, Illinois, on Wednesday with a potential world title eliminator with Bryan Vera on the horizon.

However, the Limerick native is ready to go to war with the durable Alex Bunema (31-7-2) in a 10 round battle for the NABF and NABA Middleweight Championship Titles. The Kronk fighter, who produced a sensational last round knock out to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Craig McEwan last time out, was looking for two warm up bouts before trying to rectify is sole career blemish against Vera on HBO in the Autumn.

But Bunemas involvement ensures the former Olympians so called warm up clash has just got a lot hotter. Considering The Technician has shared the ring with current middleweight king Sergio Martinez, Jermain Taylor aswell as former world champions Roman Karmazin and Vince Phillips he could be viewed as Lees toughest test to date. Lee, however wants to build a good reputation and not a record and is confident he will defeat a potentially troublesome opponent.

The Limerick native believes youth is on his side and points to the fact he has been more active in recent years as a distinct advantage.

I’m really looking forward to this fight. I expect a hard challenge. Bunema will be one of my toughest opponents so far. He’s a tested warrior, he’s fought at the top level and mixed it with the best, Lee told www.irish-boxing.com.

I feel I have the advantage with my recent fights, I should be sharper then him. I’m younger and fresher and plan on boxing him for the early rounds. If there’s a chance to get him out of there early I’ll take it but I plan to box. If I have to go the distance then so be it, I’m well prepared, before admitting Bunema could ruin his Vera plans.

This fight is a risk with me coming off a big win and the Vera fight in the offing, but I like to fight and stay busy. I didn’t want to wait till August for Vera so I took this fight. Its a good test and another leaning experience and hopefully win number 26.