EL PASO, Texas — Irish southpaw Andy Lee will fight for a world title for the first time in his career Saturday when he faces unbeaten World Boxing Council middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Lee, who is 28-1 with 20 knockouts, has won his past 13 fights in a row over four years to earn a chance at the crown.

vez Jr.
“I relish this opportunity,” Lee said. “I’m totally focused on the fight and I’m ready to take care of business. I have never been more ready.
“This is the pinnacle of a lifetime’s work and the opportunity is not going to pass me by. I’m going to win the title. This is my date with destiny.”

But to take the prize, he will have to dethrone the undefeated Mexican, a ring legend’s son who at 26 is making his own fame and will be supported by throngs at Sun Bowl stadium, just across the US border from his homeland.
“This will be the toughest fight of my career,” Chavez said. “I am facing a tough, difficult opponent in Andy Lee.”

Chavez, 45-0 with one drawn and 31 knockouts, will be making the third defense of his first world title, won last June when he edged previously undefeated German Sebastian Zbik by majority decision.

Chavez, who has won 22 fights in a row since a 2005 draw, stopped American Peter Manfredo in the fifth round last November and took a unanimous decision over Mexico’s Marco Antonio Rubio last February in prior title defenses.

“Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has been a proud champion and has kept himself busy in the last 12 months, but I will be too strong and have too much ring craft for him,” Lee said. “I will be the fighter who will leave as the new champion.” — AFP