Wily Argentinian Falliga confident of conquering Lee

WEEK’S of speculation ended yesterday when Alejandro Gustavo Falliga was handed the daunting task of squaring up to Andy Lee in the big homecoming fight at the University Sports Arena in Limerick on February 2.

The 25-year-old from Buenos Aires will have to cope with an enthusiastic if not hostile reception at the UL Arena. Tickets sold out in minutes when they went on sale with fans queuing from 5am.

Promoter Brian Peters has revealed there is a limited number of new tickets available for the fight.

Lee is preparing for the fight in Florida, where he is sparring with current world heavyweight champ Wladimir Klitschko. Unbeaten in 14 pro fights to date, the Limerick hero is expecting a rousing reception in the first ever professional boxing event in Limerick.

Falliga, though, insists he can inflict the first defeat on Lee’s perfect record. Speaking from his training camp in Argentina, he said: “I want to test myself against the best. My chance is here and it’s a big opportunity for me.”

Falliga has suffered three defeats in his 19 bouts since turning pro in 2004 but he has never been stopped and is confident his defeats have made him a better fighter.

“I’m still young and you learn from your defeats,” he said. “My last defeat was in December (to Luciano Leonel Cuello) on a split decision. I was upset because I knocked my opponent twice and I still didn’t get the decision.”

“I know about Lee’s record and reputation but when the bell goes it comes down to two guys in the ring so we’ll see what happens.”

Also featuring on the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night are Paul McCloskey and Matthew Macklin. The exciting duo will be looking to push their claims for European title fights in 2008.

Middleweight Macklin faces Frenchman Christophe Karagoz.

Paul McCloskey’s opponent will be confirmed next week.

The Limerick card also features Irish Light Heavyweight champ Jason McKay, Irish Light Middleweight champ Ciaran Healy and unbeaten Mayo prospect Michael Sweeney.