By John F. McKenna (McJack): Irish middleweight Andy Lee (27-1, 19 KO’s) had the good fortune to be followed closely as an amateur by legendary trainer Emmanuel Steward. The Limerick southpaw now fights at the Kronk Gym in Detroit after immigrating to the United States so that he could begin training under Steward.

Lee feels that he has what it takes to win a world championship in 2012. Lee will fighting an opponent yet to be determined as part of a St. Patrick’s Day Gala at Madison Square Garden on March 17. Andy will be on the undercard of the WBC Diamond belt middleweight Champion Sergio Martinez – Matthew Macklin bout and is hopeful that he will fight the winner.

In an interview with the Irish Independent Lee said:

“I’m 28 this June with nearly 30 belts under my belt. I have grown as a fighter and am now ready and prepared to challenge for and win a world title.

“I have positioned myself nicely in the world ratings as a legitimate world title contender. In boxing, what you want, what you deserve and what you get are all different things.”

Lee went on to say that just as in every other facet of your life, timing is everything and being in the right place at the right time is crucial.

You would expect a fighter who is attempting to get a title shot to make the comments Lee is making. But when Steward makes similar remarks it adds weight to Lee’s comments. Steward had the following to say about Andy Lee:

“Andy is the most prominent and visible middleweight contender resident in the United States at this time.

“It makes good sporting and business sense for the television executives, promoters and sanctioning bodies to stage an Andy Lee world title fight in 2012.

“Andy is in the prime of his life, and given the opportunity will give champions like Sergio Martinez and Julio Chavez Jr. all the trouble they want. He is a superior technical boxer who can punch with both hands.

“No matter what fight he is in he has the fans on the edge of their seats.”

Lee has a crowd pleasing style of fighting and given the right kind of exposure in 2012 fans will undoubtedly begin to notice him.