Middleweight Andy Lee (28-1, 20 KOs) defeated Saul Duran (40-20-2) by knockout in round two of their fight at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.

In what was an obvious mismatch, Lee felt out his 39-year-old opponent in the first round and was easily the dominant fighter.  Lee, a native of Limerick, must have been advised by trainer Emanuel Steward to up the pace in the second stanza and he came out throwing much sharper combinations. 

A body shot after 54 seconds had Duran on the canvas.  The referee decided enough was enough and called a halt to proceedings.

“I would have liked it (the fight) to have gone on longer, I think he was okay to continue. I would have liked the fight to go on longer so I could have got a proper knockout,” said Lee in the ring after the fight.

“I’ve got to give respect to Saul Duran.  I had four opponents for this fight and every one of them kept pulling out at the last minute, and he stepped up and took the fight, so I give him respect for coming in here and taking it.

“I’m in line for a title fight.  I am waiting for it to come.  If it doesn’t come I am going to keep on having fights,” he added.

Lee will now take a short break in Ireland while his team works on his next assignment.