Andy Lee overcomes two knockdowns to salvage draw in Brooklyn

By John Riordan, New York

Andy Lee will be targeting a high profile rematch against Peter Quillin after the pair fought out a pulsating split-decision draw in Brooklyn last night.

Lee rallied well after being knocked down twice early on and he even shipped a further leveller that was only rendered null and void by the bell.

Indeed, it was the third-round knockdown inflicted by Quillin which ultimately proved crucial in the overall decision.

On closer inspection, Lee looked to have been tripped as he was hit and one judge, Glenn Feldman, decided to call the round 10-9 rather than 10-8 in favour of Quillin.

What had been billed as a middleweight title fight for the WBO belt which was clinched by Lee in Las Vegas last December was instead a duel for pride and career stats after Quillin arrived slightly overweight to Friday’s weigh-in, thereby taking the title off the table.

“It was pretty unprofessional of him not to make weight,” remarked a disappointed Lee earlier on Saturday.

“We had 10 weeks to prepare. But I sympathise with him because making weight is the hardest part.

“He did make a genuine effort to make the weight and he really struggled. I sympathise with him but really he should have been on top of it long ago.”

A message to my fans... pic.twitter.com/gkD7OHk5aK

— Peter Quillin (@KIDCHOCOLATE) April 10, 2015

Played out on prime time network television across the US but with nothing overly significant at stake, the boxers still managed to produce a compelling tussle for those who tuned in as well as the roughly 12,000 fans in attendance at the Barclays Center in Downtown Brooklyn.

Lee looked in big trouble after a stunning right hook in the first round gave Quillin early hope and when Lee was again on the canvas in the third, it looked as though Lee’s five-month rein as champion would end up being tainted by failure against the former champion.

But instead, Lee took his opponent the full distance having managed to gradually pull in Quillin’s advantage with the help of a seventh round knockout which was the highlight of Lee’s patient rally which began in the fourth round and carried through to the dramatic final seconds when both fighters ended the 12th round determined to knock the other night.

Similar tactics made for a cagey opening with both men proving to be patient enough to bide their time and wait for the big shot. Surprise greeted the split decision (113-112 for Lee, 113-112 for Quillin and 113-113 with Feldman).

.@AndyLeeBoxing it was an honor to share the ring with you. You're a gentleman and a champion.. God bless. #PBConNBC pic.twitter.com/CVMVXrcy5N

— Peter Quillin (@KIDCHOCOLATE) April 12, 2015

“I thought it was a hard fight to score,” admitted Lee.

“He had the knockdowns but I boxed consistently I thought - especially going down the stretch which is where it counts.

“A draw? I’m satisfied. Honestly, if they’d have given it to Peter in his hometown, I wouldn’t have had much to argue about. I’m being honest. But I think a draw is a fair decision.

“I never give up… You keep fighting. We’re fighters, that’s what we do. He would have done the same. He’s a great fighter, we had a great fight and we can do it again.

“I’m happy to have a rematch. And for a title next time,” Lee added.