Andy Lee doesn’t thoughts catching the odd stray shot — so long as it’s solely verbal.
The previous middleweight world champion discovered himself name-dropped by Edgar Berlanga within the lead-up to the American’s tremendous middleweight conflict with Lee’s cost, Hamzah Sheeraz. However as a substitute of firing again, one boxing’s true gents had amusing — actually.
“He talked about me on the final press convention, and it was fairly humorous,” Lee chuckled when talking to Boxing Social.
“Then I noticed him outdoors the resort and got here up behind him and grabbed him jokingly. We simply laughed. I’ve nothing towards him. I like him as an individual and a personality. Boxing wants individuals like him.”
The sunshine-hearted alternate may appear misplaced within the warmth of a high-stakes struggle week, nevertheless it sums up Lee’s method — composed, respectful, however quietly assured. And beneath the humour, the Limerick man believes Sheeraz could make a severe assertion when he headlines at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Queens, this Saturday.
Whereas Berlanga has completed a strong job of selling himself in recent times — significantly off the again of his bout with Canelo Alvarez — the Limerick man, who already confronted the New Yorker as Jason Quigley’s coach, is satisfied his fighter’s punching energy and poise may trigger issues from the opening bell.
“Berlanga’s an excellent fighter, however I feel he’s going to really feel Hamzah’s energy,” Lee warned. “Even when the shot misses otherwise you catch it on the glove, you continue to really feel it. That’s going to catch Berlanga off guard and earn Hamzah his respect early.”
Lee says he’s seen huge enchancment from Sheeraz since bringing him into his Dublin camp — significantly relating to physicality.
“He can punch — actually punch,” he stated. “He’s lifting individuals off the bottom — gentle heavyweights — and you’ll see it of their eyes. They really feel the jab and all of a sudden they’re reluctant to press. That may present on Saturday.”
Whereas that is Sheeraz’s first check at tremendous middleweight, the previous WBO middleweight champ isn’t treating it like a step-up train — it’s all threat, all reward.
“There’s quite a bit to show, and quite a bit to realize,” he added. “It’s an enormous threat, but in addition an enormous reward. These are the form of fights you need as a fighter. Berlanga is combating in his hometown, he’s talked quite a bit about being in with Canelo, however now he has to show he actually belongs at this degree.”
And if Berlanga is underestimating his British opponent? That, Lee says, may very well be a pricey mistake.
“I do know the angle of lots of American fighters — they don’t respect European or UK fighters. They assume it’s straightforward work,” he stated. “If that’s his mindset, then he’s in for a shock.”
Nonetheless, Lee bears no grudge for the surprising name-check and even appears to benefit from the chaos Berlanga brings.
“I’ve nothing towards him,” he stated. “I truly like him. He brings character to the game, and boxing wants extra individuals like that.”
