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Legend

16 reasons why Andy Lee is a champ in every sense

Ahead of his fight tonight, we outline the reasons the Limerick native deserves respect.

1. In case you haven’t heard, he’s the reigning WBO Middleweight World champion

Andy Lee celebrates winning with his wife Raymond Spencer / INPHO Raymond Spencer / INPHO / INPHO

2. He’s endorsed by another great man — Munster and Ireland legend Paul O’Connell

Andy Lee shows his belt off to the Munster fans at Halftime with Peter O'Mahony and Paul O'Connell Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Paul O'Connell at the fight night James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

(O’Connell ringside for Andy Lee vs Alejandro Gustavo Falliga in 2008)

3. Even Lee’s opponents respect him

Kid

4. He always has time for his fans

Andy Lee is greeted by fans James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

5. He likes breaking records

6. He has a mean right hook

HBOBoxing / YouTube

7. He’s also capable of a devastating KO if you let your guard down for a second

lee-ko

8. He travels in style

9. He has a phenomenal record

Record

10. He’s part of what many people consider to be a golden age for Irish boxing

Jim Rock, Andy Lee, Michael Kelly, Andy Murray, Ray Moylette, Katie Taylor, Ricardo Cordoba and Paddy Barnes James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

(Jim Rock, Andy Lee, Michael Kelly, Andy Murray, Ray Moylette, Katie Taylor, Ricardo Cordoba and Paddy Barnes)

11. He represented Ireland at the 2004 Olympics aged just 19

Andy Lee and Hassan Ndam Njikam INPHO INPHO

12. Former President Mary McAleese is a fan

Mary McAleese and Willie O'Brien meet Andy Lee INPHO INPHO

13. He’s as passionate about other Irish boxers’ chances as his own

Andy Lee cheers on Katie Taylor 6/8/2012 Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

(Andy Lee cheers on Katie Taylor at the 2012 Olympics)

14. He tends to be brutally honest on the rare occasions he’s defeated

Lee 2

15. Even in America, he’s highly regarded

  • Of Lee, renowned boxing pundit Larry Merchant commented: ”He looks like 10 million dollars.”
  • In 2007, ESPN wrote: ”Lee has all the potential to be the next great middleweight star. The 2004 Irish Olympian is a 6 foot 2 inch southpaw with skills, power and a streak as mean in the ring as he is personable outside of it.”
  • He spent much of his career under the tutelage of the late, legendary Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward.

16. He won’t rest until he fights as world champion in Ireland

Andy

‘People are what they consistently do’: How Andy Lee changed since becoming world champ>

‘Watching my uncle pass made me more motivated about living>

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