By Dan Fitz-Simons: “The highlanders are coming down by the hundreds and thousands. Are you ready for a war?!”
– Braveheart
Fans watching the March 12th Sergio Marintez-Sergei Dzinziruk bout on HBO could be in for an entertaining evening. Unbeaten middleweight Craig “MacIntosh” McEwan, 19-0 (10 KOs) is facing Andy Lee, 24-1 (18 KOs) on the undercard. McEwan, a quick-fisted, mobile Scotsman, began boxing in Edinburgh at the age of seven and became one of Scotland’s top amateurs. In 13 years as an amateur he fought 376 bouts, winning 10 gold medals and a bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games.
Craig turned professional in 2006, and because of his outstanding talent was signed up to Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy stable. He trains at the Wild Card Gym under Freddie Roach. More of a boxer than a slugger, McEwan lacks Lee’s power. However, he’s a slick technician and a good counter-puncher, who is difficult to figure out. He has a high work output and throws punches on the move, presenting an elusive target. Roach has also had McEwan sparring with Dzinziruk as a tune-up. The Scot’s game plan could be: make Lee miss, make him look bad, and make him frustrated.
It’s possible Lee is already frustrated by the cancellation of the Urbanski fight, the loss of a title shot against Martinez, and Duddy’s unexpected retirement. If so, Andy’s anxiety could be a psychological edge for McEwan. With the exception of tough journeymen, Bryan Vera and Danny Perez, McEwan’s resume isn’t impressive. But neither is Lee’s. McEwan and Lee are both southpaws, but Craig at 6’1,” gives up an inch to Lee, as well as two years: Lee is 26, McEwan 28. The Castleconnell man also has more professional experience with 25 fights compared to McEwan’s 19.
This “Celtic War” features game opponents from Scotland and Ireland handled by America’s two top trainers; Freddy Roach and Manny Steward. In addition, McEwan defeated Lee’s nemisis, Bryan Vera, by unanimous decision in 2009. Unlike Lee, McEwan refused to get sucked into a war with the hard-hitting Vera. Craig recently expressed amazment at how little Lee had tightened up his defense since his loss to Vera. What he didn’t say was that Lee defeated him in the amateurs. Indeed, the Scotish warrior might be wise to concentrate on his own defense.
There’s no doubt the Irishman can bang (18 KOs to McEwan’s 10). Lee’s advantage in reach has enabled him to throw vicious hooks from the outside. Under Steward’s turtelage, Andy has been going to the body with devastating results. The Shannonsider has 9 wins (5 by KO) since his loss to Vera. Although some of his victims were cheery-picked, the Limerick Assassin’s record can’t be taken lightly. However, if the bout goes over eight rounds, Lee’s stamina could be tested. In his toughest contests against Vera and Belghecham, Lee faded in the late rounds.
Yet McEwan also has a stamina issue. During his last outing against veteran Danny Perez, he was bullied around the ring and thrown to the canvass like a rag doll. Perez used everything from head butts to elbows to dominate the Scotsman. McEwan barely won, attributing his poor performance to lack of conditioning. But even Roach admitted his fighter didn’t look good and recently hired a new strength and fitness coach for Craig. Moreover, while McEwan hasn’t fought in seven months, Lee fought in July, September, and October, which should make him the sharper puncher.
Whatever the outcome, break out the bagpipes and whiskey at Foxwoods. Lee-McEwan will be an exciting battle.