IABA hope Lee will spurn cash to chase gold

THE Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) is still hoping to persuade their top fighter, Andy Lee, to ignore the latest offer to turn professional and focus on Olympic glory in Beijing in 2008.

The Limerick-based Irish middleweight champion met with legendary trainer Emmanuel Steward in Belfast on Monday. It wasn’t the first time the American tried to sign Lee, but reports this week suggest he will sign a contract within two weeks.

Lee was a bronze medallist at the European Championships this year and claimed a silver at the 2002 World Junior Championships in Cuba.