Andy Lee set for Stateside title defence

Andy Lee has agreed to defend his WBO Middleweight title in New York in April, according to a report today.

Andy Lee after winning the HBO title in Las Vegas

Andy Lee will defend his WBO Middleweight title in New York in April, according to a report in today’s Irish Daily Star.

The Limerick boxer became WBO champion after defeating Matt Korobov in Las Vegas in December and had spoken of his interest in having his first title defence in Ireland. A fight in the 3 Arena in March was spoken of as the most likely option.

Andy Lee showing his WBO belt to his home crowd in Thomond Park in December

But a bigger purse and more high profile fight has reportedly persuaded Lee to instead fight in New York in April.

He is expected to fight Peter Quillin - an American boxer undefeated since he turned professional in 2008.

The New York fight will be broadcast live on NBC and come with a purse of approximately $1m - far more than would have been up for grabs if Lee chose to fight in Ireland.

The Daily Star also suggest that the winner of the Lee v Quillin fight could be in line for a lucrative showdown with undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather.