Andy Lee (19-1) will fight France's Affif Belghecham (19-3-1) on November 14 at the University Arena in Limerick.

The 25-year-old will fight in his home town against the French and European Union champion in a battle of the southpaws, and it is something the 2004 Irish Olympian is very much looking forward to.

“I’ve watched him in action and he’s going to be a very tough opponent,” said Lee at a press conference earlier this week at Munster Rugby's Thomond Park to announce the fight.

“He’s the current European Union Champion and is coming into this fight on the back of some very good wins. He’s never been stopped so it could be a tough night but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Lee, who is New York based, has been looking to step up a level after defeating  Anthony Shuler (20-7-1) by TKO in the eighth round at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana  in his last fight in August. 

Lee is once again delighted to be performing in front of his own people in Limerick.

“It’s great to be fighting at home again,” revealed Lee. “It always means that little bit more when you’re fighting in your hometown. I’ve always got tremendous support from the people of Limerick right from my amateur days they have always backed me 100% so I’m always trying to repay that support.

“Even the week building up to a fight in Limerick is special because everyone’s wishing you luck and coming up to say hello and it’s great to have that kind of support. Then on the night you can pick out so many people in the crowd that you know and it really gives you that extra push.”