At the age of 33, Andy Lee announced his retirement from boxing on Tuesday evening.
On Newstalk's Off The Ball, Lee said he had achieved everything that he wanted to do in the sport. His boxing career had endured for 16 years. It saw him fight at the Olympics for Ireland and, most notably, become a world champion.
Lee turned pro in 2006. Eight years later, in victory against Matt Korobov, he became WBO middleweight champion.
Throughout his career, Lee was as equally lauded for being a gentleman as he was for the power of his right hand.
Fellow boxers, trainers and promoters have all paid tribute to the Limerick man.
@AndyLeeBoxing happy Retirement pal a true worrier and hounered to have shared a ring with you 🔥 stay blessed
— billyjoesaunders (@bjsaunders_) February 21, 2018
Congrats to my friend, @AndyLeeBoxing, on his well reasoned decision to retire as a boxer. It was a pleasure and honor to work with him. He represented himself, his family, #Ireland and boxing with class dignity and grace. He leaves healthy, with a beautiful family and future.👋 pic.twitter.com/9KpCzkF54T
— Lou DiBella (@loudibella) February 21, 2018
@AndyLeeBoxing apologies for being late, wanted to say congratulations on an outstanding career Champ. I’ll never forget you KO’ing CarlDaniels in MSG in NYC 16/3/07. Best of luck in everything you do the future Andy #classguy
— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) February 21, 2018
Happy Retirement champ @AndyLeeBoxing pic.twitter.com/X9MVkQh71o
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) February 20, 2018
One of Ireland’s greatest ever boxers amateur and professional @AndyLeeBoxing enjoy your retirement 🥊🇮🇪
— Jason Quigley (@jay_quigley) February 20, 2018
Just read @AndyLeeBoxing has retired from boxing. Congratulations on a fantastic career bud. I remember seeing you at the bar in JFK on your own after the Chavez loss. You kept the belief & went on to achieve your dream..well done!👊🏻👌🏻🇮🇪 Good luck with whatever’s next👍🏻
— matthew macklin (@mattmacklin) February 20, 2018
Happy retirement to the gentleman of boxing @AndyLeeBoxing ☘️
Its been an absolute pleasure training and learning alongside this man for years!
Enjoy the life you've created for you and your family x pic.twitter.com/Xz4lt3x6AH— Ryan Burnett (@ryanburnett01) February 20, 2018
Never met or crossed passed w/ you @AndyLeeBoxing , but I have the utmost respect for you, & that right hook. Enjoy life after boxing, champ.
— Sergio Mora (@TheLatinSnake_) February 20, 2018
.@AndyLeeBoxing Your work is done here my dear friend... you WON! Time to fly to your next life chapter. I’ll be waiting at arrivals! 🥊❤️🥊❤️ pic.twitter.com/WMF4JgrS6C
— Adam Booth (@boxingbooth) February 21, 2018
#The Quiet Man with the right hook from hell” Mr Andy Lee. Rest well my good friend, you reached the top of your mountain. Time to enjoy what is important in life.
— Kenneth Egan OLY (@kenegan30) February 20, 2018
Members of the media have also paid tribute to Lee.
Have a great retirement @AndyLeeBoxing. Fantastic to deal with professionally, never a bad word said about you and the KO of Jackson one of the best nights ever in the @boxnationtv studio. Today begins the rest of your life.
— Steve Lillis (@stevelillis) February 21, 2018
One of my favourite fighters retired today. Thanks @AndyLeeBoxing - a very good boxer and an even better man
— Donald McRae (@donaldgmcrae) February 20, 2018
Andy Lee gave it his all in every match--he was a credit to the sport. Wish him the best https://t.co/PODSbj9K7s
— Al Bernstein (@AlBernstein) February 20, 2018
One of my favourite boxing conversations was one I had with a Mexican waiter in Washington DC who took my @AndyLeeBoxing t-shirt as his cue to launch into a passionate explanation of how much of a hero Andy was to him. Congrats on a spectacular career Andy!!!
— Eoin McDevitt (@EoinMcDevitt) February 20, 2018
Andy Lee was the least fancied member of the Lee-Macklin-Murray-Barker quartet but dedicated himself and had the finest career of the lot. Also retires before declining and having shown promise as an analyst: hope he finds a suitable role
— Declan Warrington (@decwarrington) February 20, 2018
Andy Lee is one of life's good people. Not too many people get to be an Olympian, a world champion & liked by pretty much everyone they meet. He's a superstar. Congrats @AndyLeeBoxing & good luck in the future.
— Jacqui Hurley (@jacquihurley) February 20, 2018
Middleweight @AndyLeeBoxing won a world title and had some memorable fights. On Tuesday, he announced his retirement. Was a pleasure to cover his entire career. Good fighter, better person. My story: https://t.co/HMXZqDOwxi #boxing
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) February 21, 2018
