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
INPHO
INPHO
12. Former President Mary McAleese is a fan
INPHO
INPHO
13. He’s as passionate about other Irish boxers’ chances as his own
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
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
16 reasons why Andy Lee is a champ in every sense
1. In case you haven’t heard, he’s the reigning WBO Middleweight World champion
2. He’s endorsed by another great man — Munster and Ireland legend Paul O’Connell
(O’Connell ringside for Andy Lee vs Alejandro Gustavo Falliga in 2008)
3. Even Lee’s opponents respect him
4. He always has time for his fans
5. He likes breaking records
6. He has a mean right hook
7. He’s also capable of a devastating KO if you let your guard down for a second
8. He travels in style
9. He has a phenomenal 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)
11. He represented Ireland at the 2004 Olympics aged just 19
12. Former President Mary McAleese is a fan
13. He’s as passionate about other Irish boxers’ chances as his own
(Andy Lee cheers on Katie Taylor at the 2012 Olympics)
14. He tends to be brutally honest on the rare occasions he’s defeated
15. Even in America, he’s highly regarded
16. He won’t rest until he fights as world champion in Ireland
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16 reasons Andy Lee Champ Legend Mary McAleese Middleweight World champion Paul O'Connell phenomenal record World Champion