MATTHEW MACKLIN CALLED on Andy Lee to “put up or shut up” by agreeing to an all-Ireland showdown later this year.
Ireland’s top two middleweights could touch gloves in May after Lee riled Macklin by claiming that the fight would be one of his “easier” next moves.
A meeting between the former world title contenders would be a big hit among Irish fans but if agreed, there is a chance that it will take place in America. Both men are under contract to US promoter Lou di Bella who is planning a televised HBO card for 11 May, and Macklin says di Bella will make the match.
Advertisement
“I know he wants to match myself and Andy on that show,” the Tipperary fighter said in a statement this morning.
We’re both promoted by Lou so as Andy himself said there are no obstacles to making the fight. It could be made in five minutes, Lou has a TV date for it and I want the fight so the only question is does Andy really want it or does he just want to be seen to want it?
He added: “I’ve always said I’m open to fighting Andy but it’s only recently that I’ve heard him talk about a fight between us and now he says it would be an easy fight for him.
“I was surprised when I saw him say that a fight with me would be one of his easiest fights and I pulled him up on it on Twitter but he’s gone very quiet since then. I honestly don’t believe he fancies it and never has but he is after digging a hole for himself with his recent comments so it’s time for him to put up or shut up.”
Lee, 28, made the comments in the run-up to his win over Anthony Fitzgerald in Dublin on Saturday night.
The 98-94 points decision was the Limerick man’s first fight under new trainer Adam Booth, marking his return to the ring following a failed world title shot against Julio Cesar Chavez Junior last summer and the death of his trainer Emanuel Steward.
Save the date? Matthew Macklin calls out Andy Lee for 11 May fight
MATTHEW MACKLIN CALLED on Andy Lee to “put up or shut up” by agreeing to an all-Ireland showdown later this year.
Ireland’s top two middleweights could touch gloves in May after Lee riled Macklin by claiming that the fight would be one of his “easier” next moves.
A meeting between the former world title contenders would be a big hit among Irish fans but if agreed, there is a chance that it will take place in America. Both men are under contract to US promoter Lou di Bella who is planning a televised HBO card for 11 May, and Macklin says di Bella will make the match.
“I know he wants to match myself and Andy on that show,” the Tipperary fighter said in a statement this morning.
He added: “I’ve always said I’m open to fighting Andy but it’s only recently that I’ve heard him talk about a fight between us and now he says it would be an easy fight for him.
“I was surprised when I saw him say that a fight with me would be one of his easiest fights and I pulled him up on it on Twitter but he’s gone very quiet since then. I honestly don’t believe he fancies it and never has but he is after digging a hole for himself with his recent comments so it’s time for him to put up or shut up.”
Lee, 28, made the comments in the run-up to his win over Anthony Fitzgerald in Dublin on Saturday night.
The 98-94 points decision was the Limerick man’s first fight under new trainer Adam Booth, marking his return to the ring following a failed world title shot against Julio Cesar Chavez Junior last summer and the death of his trainer Emanuel Steward.
Night of the Jackal as Carl Frampton claims European title
Win for Nolan at National Championships but O’Neill goes down to Quigley
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Andy Lee Anthony Fitzgerald Boxing Fight night Lou di Bella Matthew Macklin