Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
Renowned UK promoter Frank Warren spoke with Sky Sports’ Ringside yesterday regarding an update on the progress between potential rivals Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders.
Despite speculation that the reigning WBO Middleweight champion would have a voluntary defense either in Ireland against Dane, Patrick Nielson or a state-side showdown with Peter Quillin before a clash with the 25-year-old Saunders, Warren was sure that there would be no voluntary defense unless a deal was struck by the WBO to accommodate his charge.
“Not unless they accommodate us, and up to now that hasn’t happened. Billy wants the fight with Andy, he just wants to get it on, he stepped aside to give Andy the opportunity and Adam Booth and I have an understanding so that’s where we are,” Warren told Sky Sports’ Ed Robinson.
Warren also claimed that irrespective of the talk regarding Andy Lee’s voluntary defense, purse bids have been scheduled for as early as next week.
“There is talk of it (voluntary defense), but the WBO have ruled today that we go to purse bids next week,” Warren stated.
It is still unclear whether Lee vs. Saunders would take place in Dublin or London, but it seems likely that a lot of work is still to be done before they can get this fight over the line.
