Saunders Crowned WBO Champ In Manchester

Billy Joe Saunders out-pointed Andy Lee over 12 tough rounds at the Manchester Arena in the north of England on Saturday night to claim the WBO middleweight title

The 26 year-old Saunders, nicked a majority decision to take his unbeaten record to 23-0-(12). Two judge scored the bout for Saunders by scores of 114-112 and 115-111, the third official saw the fight even at 113-113.

The turning point in the fight came as early as the third round when Lee was knocked down twice, which ultimately lost him the fight.

There was not much action in the first two rounds but in the third session Lee found the target with a solid left hand but Saunders countered with an even bigger right hook to send Lee crashing to the canvas. Lee managed to rise but looked dazed but was decked again as soon as Saunders pounced

Lee recovered well in the next few rounds as the fight became more of a tactical battle mainly due to both fighters being fully aware that one power punch could end the fight.

Speaking to BoxNation Immediately after the fight Suanders said: "Andy Lee is a good champion, I beat a good champion here.

"But I used his power against him. When I was boxing him he got a little bit careless - dropping his lead hand and I caught him with the hook.

"I’m not going to start running my mouth but it was a good shot. With someone as fast as me you’ve got to keep your hands up - I’m not the biggest puncher in the world but this shows you that I can punch.

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December 19, 2015