Andy Lee, Kronk Irish middleweight contender headlines the ‘Windy City Fight Night’ boxing showcase promoted by 8 Count Productions this Friday night (September 17) at the mult-purpose UIC Pavilion, Chicago, IL.

Lee will be in action in a 10 round bout against the rugged and durable Michael ‘The Midnight Stalker’ Walker from Chicago, IL. The main event promises to have plenty of fireworks with Lee coming to town to take care of business.

The Kronk fighter has clinically taken out 16 of his 23 opponents since his pro debut 4 years ago at the Joe Louis Arena, Detroit and enters the ring with a 70% KO ratio.

Walker an experienced operator from turning pro in 2004 has chalked up a record of 19W (12ko) 4L 2D and has shared the ring with tough opposition such as Fernando Guerrero, Antwun Echols and Danny Jacobs. Fighting in his hometown he will be keen to stamp his authority on proceedings and impress local fans.

Lee, a previous world class amateur boxer, has amassed an abundance of experience, ring craft and skill in both the amateur and professional ranks and is keen to progress his career and be in pole position next year for a world title shot.

The Irish middleweight’s manager and trainer Emanuel Steward has chartered a steady course that has seen Lee fight in venues across the United States, Ireland and Europe in recent years.

Steward commented ‘I’m keen to keep Andy busy and have planned fights for him in the coming months. Andy is now ranked 5th in the European rankings and 9th in the WBA rankings and in the first half of 2011 Andy will be primed and ready to challenge for a world title. The division is now wide open with new young talent coming through and Andy has all the qualities and tools a fighter needs to win a world title.’

 At 26 years of age, the popular Lee is a very rounded individual with his feet firmly on the ground and for him it is one fight at a time. Lee commented ‘I’m looking forward to getting into the ring on Friday night and have been doing a lot of sparring in the gym in Detroit. Michael Walker is an experienced fighter, he will have his job to do and I will have mine, but I aim to come out on top.’

There will be an additional 8 fights on the undercard of the ‘ Windy City Fight Night’, tickets are available through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), the UIC Pavilion Box Office (312 413 5740) and the 8 Count Productions’ Office (312 226 5800).