World champion boxer Andy Lee is adamant that his title defence at Thomond Park in September does not require any extra hype.
The Limerick middleweight takes on Billy Joe Saunders with his WBO belt on the line and speaking to Off The Ball after today's joint press conference with his opponent, he explained why he and Saunders have not felt the need to engage in any verbal barbs in the lead-in.
"He's the No 1 contender and I'm the champion so we're the best two fighters in the division. It doesn't need any manufactured hype. This fight is as big as it gets in the division and will be a massive occasion. But there was really good respect and I was relieved that it didn't turn into any cheapness, especially being in a rugby stadium and the respectable reputation that Thomond Park has. It was nice to see everything above board," he said.
We also chatted to Saunders and he was also adamant that trash talking was not on the agenda.
"This fight doesn't need selling. Some fights might need trash-talking and building up, but this fight doesn't need any of that. It's got everything," he said.
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