By: Ricky Ray Taylor
It really doesn’t require a deep involvement in the sport of boxing in order to appreciate
the ANDY LEE / BRIAN VERA matchup this Saturday.
Both guys are proven warriors in the ring and if this fight provides the same fireworks as in their first match-up –
then we know we’re in for a true barn-burner.
ANDY LEE was a seasoned amateur fighter competing for his home country of Ireland before turning pro in ’06.
He was a Silver medalist in the Junior World Championships and a Bronze medalist in the European Championships.
His efforts earned him a spot on the Irish Olympic Team in ’04. Eventually, Lee was picked up by Kronk’s namesake trainer EMMANUEL STEWARD. Upon turning pro, Lee devoured his first 15 opponents winning 11 bouts either by KO or unanimous decision.
Then, at 15-0 Andy Lee was matched with BRIAN VERA.
In March of ’08, BRIAN VERA was 15-1 coming into his first fight with Andy Lee.
The lone loss on his record occurred six months earlier on ESPN’s CONTENDER Tournament at the hands of JAIDON CODRINGTON.
Vera avenged the Codrington loss by jumping right back into the ring with 14-1 MAX ALEXANDER to win a 6-round UD.
Still fuming from the only blemish on his undefeated record, Vera went into the Lee fight focused and fueled by the spirit of redemption.
In the fight Vera climbed off of the canvas in the 1st round to come back and stop Lee in the 7th.
The stoppage was not without controversy however,
as many observers considered the stoppage premature. Andy Lee was ahead on the scorecards and even punching back
when the referee for some reason thought he’d seen enough and stepped in.
Although neither Lee or his corner objected of the stoppage, eyebrows were raised for an immediate rematch.
The rematch was not immediate however with both fighters careers, oddly enough, moving in an opposite direction afterwards.
Brian Vera lost 4 of his next 5 fights after the his bout with Andy Lee.
In his defense however, each of the winning opponents sported undefeated records before (and after lol) the bout.
Yet, a loss is a loss and the fact that Vera upended 31-1 SEBASTIAN DEMERS along with the eventual CONTENDER CHAMPION
and former title holder SERGIO MORA since defeating Andy Lee – is nearly meaningless.
The fact of the matter is that Brian Vera is now 19-5 and underdog against a guy he’s already beaten.
Upon losing to Vera, Andy Lee went on a tirade winning his next 11 fights.
The highlight of Lee’s 11 fight win streak was a 10th round TKO victory over formerly undefeated CRAIG McEWAN.
Going into the final round, 2 of the judges had it even and one had it scored in McEwan’s favor by 1 point.
When Lee KO’d McEwan in round 10, amidst plenty of blood and a crowd all on its feet –
the fight vaulted to a weighted down, Fight-of-the-Year candidate.
It seems as though REDEMPTION has been the under-current fueling each man’s career thus far.
The question is – who needs it most?
-Ricky Ray Taylor
www.BoxerDRILLZ.com
“Preach the Gospel at all times,
use words when necessary”