WBO middleweight titleholder Andy Lee and challenger Billy Joe Saunders will finally collide in Manchester, England, on Dec. 19.

The premier 160 pound fighters are desperate to get in the ring and find out who is best after two postponements – Lee with a viral infection and Saunders with a cut eye – and both are promising to close the year with an explosive ending.

Irish hero Lee has forged his reputation as a fan favorite with his thrilling sixth-round knockout of Matt Korobov, last December, and his up and down affair with Peter Quillin which ended in a draw in April.

“The delay in the fight between me and Saunders has just made me more determined,” said Lee, who is rated No. 2 by THE RING at middleweight. “Once I’ve beaten him I can move on in my career and unify the titles.

“My fans have been very patient and I’ll give them what they have been waiting for as a Christmas present, beating Saunders and remaining world champion. I’m a proud man and I’m prepared to fight ‘tooth and nail’ to keep my title. Saunders is in for the fight of his life.”

Saunders, the undefeated WBO mandatory challenger, is equally excited to finally get it on with his rival. The slick, hard-hitting southpaw has been very patient, having stepped aside to allow Lee to fight Korobov for the WBO title.

“Like Lee, I just want to get in the ring and fight,” said Saunders, who is rated No. 5 by THE RING. “We’ve talked and talked for months, now we just want to fight. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s here now and nobody is going to stop me.”

Tickets will go on sale on Friday 16th October at midday.

Information courtesy of a press release issued by Queensberry Promotions