Photos by Aidan Walsh: Both Lee (160.5 pounds) and Gibbs (160.5 pounds) weighed in at the first time ahead of tomorrow night’s bout. In the chief support bout Paul McCloskey (142 pounds) puts his unbeaten record on the line against current English Light Welterweight Champion, Nigel Wright (141.25 pounds) in an all southpaw battle..
Andy Lee went through his final private workout yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s Ladbrokes.com Fight Night at the University Arena, Limerick where he faces Willie “The Gladiator” Gibbs.
Lee wore a t-shirt emblazoned “Failure in not an Option” and he’s confident that will ring true when he steps between the ropes on Saturday night.
“There’s no doubt that this is the biggest fight of my career,” admitted the Limerick man. “It’s in my hometown, against the best opponent I’ve faced and obviously coming off my first defeat I need to make a big statement.
“Training has gone excellently and I just can’t wait for that first bell on Saturday night. I know Gibbs is going to come and have a real fight, there‘s no doubt about it and that’s what I want. I didn’t want a pushover as that wouldn’t prove anything, I wanted a real test so that afterwards I’ll know deep down that I’ve bounced back from the Vera fight and am ready to get on with my career.”
Gibbs though is determined to spoil the party. “I’m coming looking for a knockout. I might wear a mask like the Gladiator but I don’t need any shield and I’ve got all the weapons I need in my two hands. I’m in this guy’s hometown so I know I need to end this early. I don’t mind being in his backyard, that’s a challenge for me and I’m up for the challenge.”
Lee – Gibbs headlines an excellent 8 fight card which also features a showdown between the unbeaten Paul McCloskey and English Champion, Nigel Wright. Also on the card are light welterweight prospects and possible Irish title rivals Stephen Haughian and John O’Donnell.
Former Lee opponent Jason McKay is also in action alongside unbeaten Castlebar puncher Keith Cresham while Canadian – Irishman Logan McGuinness makes his pro debut.
Local interest is also provided in the shape of big punching light heavyweight Jamie Power.
Tickets for the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night priced from €60 are on sale from Ticketmaster.ie, Empire Music in Limerick and all usual outlets.
RTÉ TWO’s live coverage begins at 9.30 with the broadcast also streamed online at RTE.ie and on RTÉ Radio 1.
Doors open at 6pm with the first bout of the evening at 7pm.