The game has changed, thanks to DAZN and Matchroom Boxing's huge UK deal that begins with Matchroom Fight Camp on July 31, August 7 and August 14.
Here is the lowdown on one of the faces of the new era, Andy Lee.
Andy Lee
- DOB : June 11, 1984
- Nationality : Irish
- Pro Career : 2006-2017
- Height : 6ft 2ins
- Titles won: Irish super-middleweight title, WBO middleweight title.
- Career Highlight: Stunning fifth round stoppage of Matt Korobov in 2013 to become world champion.
Bio
Born in London but raised in Limerick, Ireland, Andy Lee took to boxing at an early age and represented Ireland with immense pride. After securing a number of national titles, Lee moved on to the international stage as he represented Ireland at the 2004 Olympics where he was eliminated in the second round by Cameroon’s Hassan N’Dam.
In 2005, Lee moved to Detroit where he placed his professional career in the capable hands of Manny Steward. The famed trainer, the man who guided Thomas Hearns and Lennox Lewis to the top of the sport, had high hopes for Lee and their relationship worked well.
Lee made huge strides up the rankings but his momentum was shockingly halted in 2008 when he lost on points to Brian Vera. The Irishman rebuilt and gained revenge over Vera three years later but he would suffer defeat against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in 2012 when challenging for his first world title.
Under the tutelage of Adam Booth, Lee would enjoy the best days of his pro career as he finally captured world title honours by stopping Russia’s Matt Korobov in 2014. Lee would lose the belt to Billy Joe Saunders one year later but his run on top, albeit brief, was memorable. He had his last fight in 2017 as he defeated KeAndrea Leatherwood.
Since retiring from boxing, Lee has lent himself to a number of broadcast roles, most notably with BT Sport, where his sharp punditry has brought widespread acclaim from the boxing community. Lee is also currently training former heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker, and he has helped out in camp with Tyson Fury.