Limerick fighter Andy Lee is set to make his professional debut as the headline act on a February 17 bill at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena.
The 21-year-old's trainer Emanuel Steward, with whom Lee penned a five-year deal last month, wants his new protégé to make his bow at the 20,000-seater stadium - the home of NHL ice hockey team, the Detroit Red Wings.
An opponent is due to be confirmed shortly.
Speaking to MaxBoxing.com, the legendary Steward, who has trained Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and the Klitschko brothers - Vitali and Wladimir, handed Lee some high praise, comparing him to Roy Jones Jr - a world champion in four different weight classes.
"I'm just as excited as when Roy Jones came out in 1988. I compare Andy to that level of talent. He's colourful, accurate, and flashier than Michael Moorer at light heavyweight," said the 61-year-old.
Asked if making middleweight Lee headline on his debut is a big ask, Steward simply insisted: "Hearns' debut was a main event too."
Lee, refreshed after a short Christmas break in Limerick, is due to fly back to Detroit next week to begin his fight preparations at Steward's Kronk Gym.
