CONFIRMED: We have a new date for Andy Lee’s title defence against Billy Joe Saunders

Fingers crossed that this one is the real deal.

A Lee virus and a Saunders injury already forced two postponements to Andy Lee's WBO middleweight title defence against the mandatory challenger Billy Joe Saunders. But we've finally received a date for the match-up which will take place on December 19 in Manchester. The pair were originally slated to meet in Thomond Park on September 19 before the bout was delayed twice and the location changed. https://twitter.com/boxnationtv/status/652950267269394432 "The delay in the fight between me and Saunders has just made me more determined,” said Lee. "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." Tickets for the 160 lb clash go on sale on Friday 16 October at midday.