LIMERICK and London boxer Andy Lee has landed the first blow against Matt Korobov, claiming his Russian opponent “has not done anything of note” ahead of their WBO world middleweight title showdown in Las Vegas this weekend.
The Bow-born fighter, who is based in London, goes into the fight as second favourite but believes he has a strong chance of becoming world champion.
“On paper, probably, he is the slight favourite,” Lee told The Irish Post.
“He was a very good amateur boxer. But as a pro, he hasn’t done anything of any note.
The 30-year-old continued: “He hasn’t fought anyone of the calibre I’ve fought. From his performances, he’s not been that impressive.
“I’ve knocked out nearly as many men as he’s even fought. I’ve a lot more experience even though I’m a year younger. I know he’s a very good boxer, but on the day if I box to my best I’ll beat him.”
Lee, who moved to Limerick as a teenager, meets Korobov late on Saturday night after former holder Peter Quillin chose to vacate the title rather than face the Russian, who was the mandatory challenger.
Korobov has fought 24 times and is yet to experience defeat (14 ko's).
From his research, the Irish middleweight believes he knows what to expect from his opponent.
“He (Korobov) is a quick starter. [He has] some good, fast hands and fast footwork early in the fight,” said Lee, adding:
“From his previous fights he has a noticeable drop-off in the second half.
“That’s where I’m hoping to come on and use my experience and dominate him physically and mentally.
“He’s a good offensive fighter, but he’s not great defensively. I’ve seen him hurt three or four times in fights and I’m just going to have to expose those holes I’ve seen in his defence.”
The fight in Vegas is the Irishman’s second crack at a world title, having previously fought Julio Cesar Chavez Jr for the WBC title in Texas in 2012.
Lee lost that bout by a technical knock-out in the seventh round.
The 30-year-old believes his experience from that previous shot at a world title will stand him in good stead against the Russian.
“I’ve been there once before under a lot tougher circumstances. Chavez Jr was a much better fighter [than Korobov] and in, more or less, his backyard,” said Lee.
“Everything in that fight was geared in his favour – small ring, very soft canvas. It messed me around a little bit.
“This fight will be a lot fairer. It’s neutral ground. All the adversity I’ve faced in the past will stand to me.”
