Updated at 08.43
ANDY LEE HAS responded to speculation that his first world title defence in March will be in Dublin, admitting that the bout is a possibility.
Reports earlier suggested an event had been set for St Patrick’s weekend, but speaking on tonight’s Late Late Show, Lee denied that anything had been confirmed.
On the subject of the location of his first world title defence, he elaborated that there has been “interest from America” too, and also suggested he was keen on fighting in his birthplace of Limerick in Thomond Park this summer.
Speaking about his famous title win, he explained that he was “quietly confident” going into the fight, despite the bookies favouring his opponent Matt Korobov.
On the fight itself, he added: “I was behind on the scorecards, but I could see I was winning the mental battle. If you watch the fight, the more the fight goes on, the more I grow into it.
“Boxing is about action and reaction — it’s like a chess game, a game of skill.
“I could see in his eyes and demeanour, every time he’d be a little bit more reluctant to engage. As soon as the bell rings you’re locked eye to eye, and the eyes tell you everything.”
Lee explained that “relief” was the overriding emotion when his victory was confirmed.
“When I turned pro people were touting me as a future world champion and I always believed it would come for me even if some people might have thought it was too late.”
The 30-year-old also paid tribute to the thousands of fans who greeted him for his triumphant homecoming.
“It was very important to come home to Limerick — that meant a lot to me. I said I’d fly home to Shannon [rather than Dublin]. The homecoming was a rainy night, so I appreciate everyone coming out.”
After tonight if all goes well conor should get it :)
Ahead of Andy Lee? Seriously?
I think it could be because there has been irish world champion boxers before we’ve never had a world champion in the ufc before if Conor was to win tonight
Whoever gets it needs to have won something major. Conor winning would certainly put him in the running. Andy Lee, Paul O’Connell and Rory McIlroy are all very worthy, as are some of the others nominated
The judging period is from last December to today, Conor winning tonight wouldn’t be considered for this year’s award and would instead count towards his claim for the 2016 award (like Andy Lee wasn’t considered for the 2014 awards for win over Korobov last December)
Manager of the year… Brian Cody. About time he received this award.
Michael O’Neill.
Would like to see Connacht involved .. there having their best season ever
Michael Conlan all the way. World and European gold this year and a brilliant boxer to watch
Paul O Connell. Why?
Because he’s a great lad, mammy’s love him, and he’s retiring!!
6 Nations winning captain. Puts the “fear of god” into people.
Conlan would be my pick
My picks on first thought would probably be McGreggor if he wins tonight, the Irish boxing team for team of the year and Willie Mullins for manager of the year.
Player would be either Paul O’Connell (for 6 Nations unfortunately not WC ) or Conor McGregor (if he beats Aldo) and Jim Gavin for Manager
I love Paul everyone does. Just saying if they are picking a rugby player. I think Ian Henderson. I’m Munster. But there’s eff all there to pick
You’re Michael, no?
Has to be Billy Walsh for manager of the year. He’ll probably win it in the states next year. A special mention for IABA for cock-up of the year.
No John kavanafh for manager of the year ?
Or Stephen Kenny. What does the man have to do?
Two managers unlucky not to be nominated = Pat Lam & John Kavanagh
OK it shd b Maurice Fìtz for his achievements with Kerry team St Marys…Legend
*kavanagh sorry
Conor Mcgregor, northern ireland and Michael O Neill, all amazing achievements in 2015