CHICAGO, IL (August 25, 2010) Notre Dame Boxing Champion Mike Lee will make his return to action on Saturday, September 11th against Las Vegas native Alex Rivera in a scheduled four round light heavyweight bout in The Pearl Theatre at The Palms Casino and Resort in Las Vegas. The Lee/Rivera bout is a feature attraction to the HBO broadcast of “The Battle of Champions” featuring the World Featherweight Championship bout between Cuba’s Yuriorkis Gamboa and Mexican veteran Orlando Salido..
The 23 year old Lee made his pro debut in sparkling fashion on May 29th before a large and enthusiastic hometown crowd at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion, winning a four round shutout unanimous decision over Emmit Woods. The bout was broadcast internationally on Fox Sports Net’s, “Top Rank Live” boxing series.
Among those impressed by his pro debut and looking forward to his Las Vegas bout is longtime Top Rank Inc. matchmaker and recent International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Trampler.
“Mike Lee is one of those kids who make you proud to be in boxing. A very bright, personable young man outside the ring, and a real fighter inside the ropes. His presence in the pro ranks enhances the sport.”
After graduating from Notre Dame with a finance degree and winning the 2009 Chicago Golden Gloves, Lee decided to turn professional and headed to Houston to train under the tutelage of highly regarded trainer Ronnie Shields.
Shortly after the sensational performance in his pro debut, Lee returned to Houston to train for the Rivera bout. The 29 year old Rivera brings a record of 2-2-0 (2KO’s) into battle.
Said Shields about Lee’s trainng and upcoming bout; “This is a terrific test for Mike. Rivera is a southpaw but Mike has been terrific sparring with southpaws recently and has adjusted very well.”
“For a young fighter it’s important to adapt to different styles and Mike has done very well in the learning process. He’s very anxious to get back in the ring.”
“Mike is a hard worker and a great learner; he wants to be a champion and realizes there are no shortcuts.”
Lee is a Wheaton, Illinois native and a graduate of Benet Academy.
Over a hundred supporters from the Chicagoland area are scheduled to make the trek to Las Vegas for the bout on September 11th.
The Palms Casino and Resort is located at 4321 W. Flamingo Road in Las Vegas. Tickets for “The Battle of Champions” may be purchased by calling 877-530-4269 during business hours or after 5pm at 630-400-6380. The first bell is scheduled for 4:30pm on the night of the event with the televised bouts to begin at 7pm.
“The Battle of Champions” is promoted by Top Rank Incorporated in association with ArenaBox Promotions and Zanfer Promotions.
For more information on Mike Lee, please visit his website at www.mikeleeboxing.com and follow him on Facebook at Mike Lee (Boxer). Further information can also be obtained on the Top Rank website at www.toprank.com