Limerick middleweight sensation Andy Lee has proved a real knock-out on his Irish professional debut at The Point, Dublin on Saturday night.
Exciting southpaw Lee extended his 10-fight winning streak as a professional when he faced Belfast fighter, Ciaran Healy.
The main event of the evening at The Point saw Bernard Dunne defend his European super bantamweight title against undefeated challenger Kiko 'La Sensacion' Martinez.
But he sensationally lost his European title after a first round stoppage loss to Martinez.
Lee's homecoming is eagerly awaited by Irish fight fans as they get a chance to study his development up close under legendary American trainer Emanuel Steward.
With 10 straight wins in the pro ranks, Castleconnell man Lee is already considered one of the leading prospects in world boxing and he couldn't wait for the chance to shine at The Point.
"I'm really delighted to be returning home to Ireland to fight," 2004 Olympian Lee, who is based in Detroit said .
"The last 18 months with Emanuel (Steward) has been a quite an adventure to say the least. I've boxed in places like Detroit, Memphis, New York, Las Vegas, Mannheim and Cologne - but you know what they say, there's no place like home.
"I'm glad my fans in Limerick and across the country have now got the opportunity to come and support me and the other boxers on the show.
Lee's opponent Healy is 10 years his senior and has won six, lost five and drawn one of his 12 fights.
Emanuel Steward was also looking forward to his trip to Ireland with the man he believes has the potential to be one of the biggest stars in boxing.
Steward who has trained the likes of Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Oscar De La Hoya, Naseem Hamed and the Klitschko brothers said: "I'm very excited about Andy making his Irish debut. It's Andy's eleventh fight and the time is now right for boxing fans from Limerick, Dublin, Belfast and across Ireland to see one of their most talented sons perform."
"Since Andy's career began at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit in March of last year the amount of goodwill and support he has received from the Irish in America and around the world is amazing
Andy Lee |
A natural athlete, Lee is tall and lean at 6' 2",with broad shoulders.
Having represented Ireland at the Olympics in 2004, the southpaw ditched the headguard and vest for the paid ranks in 2005 - out of the public eye and thus removing some of the pressures that have plagued the likes of Amir Khan and Audley Harrison in the past.
The belief Steward has in Lee is such that the Limerick man is a permanent houseguest in his home.
"It was a bit strange at the start. His room is right across from mine and at night he would say,'Goodnight Andy,' and I would pinch myself and think,'That's Emanuel Steward.' But I’m used to it now."
After the contest, Steward predicted big things for his charge, claiming that Lee would be world middleweight champion by the end of next year.
