Limerick's former WBO World middleweight champion Andy Lee will end his lengthy absence from the ring later this spring, with his long-awaited comeback fight now confirmed for New York.
It comes as cracking news to the 1,000 or so Irish fans with flights already booked for Michael Conlan's professional debut at Madison Square Garden's 'Theatre' Arena on Paddy's Day, as Lee is now confirmed to make his comeback at the same venue's larger 'Arena' the following night.
The 31-year-old former Olympian will face unheralded American KeAndrae Leatherwood over 8 rounds on the undercard of Gennady Golovkin's World middleweight title defence versus Danny Jacobs.
Leathwerwood is 19-3-1 in his professional career, and his bout will Lee will be contested over eight rounds.
Though a somewhat tentative comeback for a fighter of Lee's stature, the aim will be to shake off any potential ring-rust before making another assault on the world title scene.
He has been linked with a fight against the all-conquering Golovkin in recent months, and a 2014 fight between the two fell through due to the death of the Kazakh's father. 'GGG's opponent Jacobs, too, recently seemed likely to defend his WBA belt against Lee before landing a shot at GGG.
Nonetheless, victory for 'Irish Andy' Stateside will stand him in good stead for a potential scrap with the winner.
Lee told ESPN:
My goal is to eventually challenge the winner of GGG and Jacobs. 18 March will be the first step on that journey.
I'm also very happy to be fighting in Madison Square Garden again, the scene of some of my greatest victories. I'm sure the Irish boxing fans will turn out and I look forward to putting on a world class performance.
