Andy Lee’s world title defence is called off again

Andy Lee’s world middleweight title defence against Billy Joe Saunders has been postponed again but there is no chance of the rearranged fight being staged in Ireland, according to promoter Frank Warren.

Lee was initially supposed to face his mandatory challenger Saunders in a homecoming fight at Thomond Park on September 19 but that was put back to October 10 after the WBO champion sustained a virus during training.

As well as the rearrangement, the fight was switched from Limerick to England as part of a treble world title bill at the Manchester Arena. However, the pair will have to wait even longer to meet after Saunders was cut above the eye during a sparring session.