Although most of the hard work has now been done World rated Middleweight Andy Lee will still have some verbal sparring left to do when he arrives in Limerick this weekend ahead of next Saturday’s Yanjing Fight Night at the University Sports Arena.
Lee will attempt to play his part in an Irish sporting double by defeating reigning French and European Union Champion, Affif Belghecham on the same night as Giovanni Trapattoni’s ‘Boys in Green’ attempt to make home advantage count in their crucial World Cup play off with France..
Lee returns to his native city this weekend following an intensive six week training camp in New York and his first appointment back home will see him at the Limerick Institute of Technology on Monday as he launches a new Honours Degree in Business Studies with Sports Management. Lee will meet with the inaugural group of students from the new course while discussing his own career with them and taking part in a Q and A session.
The Castleconnell native will follow that up with an open training session in the LIT Sports Hall from 1pm which will give the general public a chance to watch one of Lee’s final workouts ahead of Saturday night’s clash with Belghecham.
The 25-year-old says he’s determined to impress on his third professional fight in his native city. “I love coming home to Limerick and every time I fight there it’s a special occasion for me,” said Lee. “I’ve always had great support from the people of Limerick and I’ll be hoping to repay some of that support with a big performance on Saturday night.
“I don’t think there is any other city that loves it’s sport as much as Limerick. You only have to look at the sporting facilities in the city like Thomond Park, the Gaelic Grounds, the University Arena and this new course at LIT seems perfect for anybody who wants to combine their love of sport with a practical, business grounding.”
Dr. Catriona Murphy, the Head of the Department of Humanities at LIT said, “This new programme is a four-year Honours Degree which is ideal for students who want to pursue a career in the sport, leisure and recreation industries.
“The programme focuses on the skills required to manage, plan and coordinate human, financial and technical resources within the business environment of the sports and recreation sectors.”
The programme, which began this year through direct entry application, has seen 27 learners with diverse sporting interests begin their studies for a career in business management in the sports industry. “Hurling, Hockey, Camogie, Rugby, Tennis, Soccer, Football, Basketball and, of course, Boxing are all sports played by our current student cohort,” added Dr. Murphy.
Lee won’t be the only Limerick man in action on the Yanjing Fight night next Saturday, fellow Shannonsider’s Jamie Power and Willie Casey will also take to the ring at the University Arena in separate bouts.
Fans wishing to watch all the action from Croke Park between Ireland and France will also be catered for with the game shown live on the big screens at the arena while a full bar and food court will also be available. Tickets for the Yanjing Fight Night priced from €40 are available from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie), The George Boutique Hotel in Limerick and all usual outlets.