Lee Vera II to be announced next week

June 15 Jonny Stapleton

Andy Lee will finally get the chance to redeem his sole career defeat after Lou DiBella confirmed he will announce Lee Vera II next week.

The Limerick native has been actively seeking a rematch with Brian Vera ever since the Texan recorded a surprise reverse over him in his first American televised fight in 2008.

And the Southpaw has finally got his fight wish as the middleweight clash will be officially confirmed as the chief support bout to Sergio Martinez and Darren Barker’s October 1 WBC world title fight over the coming days.

The promoter, who recently signed The Contender winner and made him Lee’s stable mate, claims the Irish contenders desire and determination to clean the sole stain on his record was the catalyst behind the intriguing fight being made

He also commended both set of fighters for taking a bout were the have everything to lose and stressed it is refreshing to see two fighters willing to take risks.

“I am very excited about this fight and I can’t wait to announce it officially next week. It is a great match up,” DiBella told Mirror Sport.

“The fight will take place on October 1 on HBO on the under card of Martinez’s defence against Barker. It will be a highly competitive clash. It is a very high risk fight for both. It is refreshing to see both fighters eager to take the fight and to take a risk. The main reason this bout was made is because Andy has been insisting on it. He has been on a mission to get a Vera rematch for a long time now. He has one stain on his record and he wants to get rid of it. Once we put it to Vera he was up for it. Again its refreshing to see two fighters willing to take a fight were they have everything to loose.”

The middleweight duo might, as DiBella suggests, have it all to lose, but they also have everything to gain, as securing a win will put one or the other firmly on the world title track.

The big time American promoter is adamant he can secure the rematch winner a world title shot.

DiBella has touted clashes with world champions Julio Chavez Jnr, Felix Sturm and Sergio Martinez as well as an all Irish fight with Matthew Macklin as potential bouts for the former Irish Olympian if he emerges victorious from the eagerly awaited return.

“The winner of this fight will move on to championship level fights. If Andy Lee wins he will get a world title fight. There are massive fights out there for him. A fight with Sergio Martinez on St Patricks day would be massive. A fight with Matthew Macklin is also a possibility and a great clash. There is Sturm and even Chavez Jnr. Andy is in the mix and there are great fights for him out there.”

The talented 27 year olds last the display against Scot Craig McEwan, were he needed a last round knock out to secure victory, had some questioning if he was indeed ready to challenge at the top level.

But his new promoter is keen to look at the positives of Lee’s 26th victory and claimed the Irish contender showed the heart and power of a champ last time out.

“Andy has the skill to go all the way. He still has to work on certain things, but he has one of the greatest trainers of all time in Manny Steward working with him. He got hit a little too much in his last fight with McEwan, but he showed his grit and that he has a lion heart. He also showed his power. He can compete at championship and can beat anyone.”