Unbeaten Irish middleweight Andy Lee has been pencilled in to meet Cuban puncher Carlos Aballe in his 7th pro fight later this month.
Both men will go head to head at the Orleans Casino in Las Vegas on January 25 next.
The 22 year old former Irish Olympian returned to training at the Kronk gym in Detroit last week and says he is now back in the ‘groove’.
Lee's last fight as an amateur in April last year saw him beat ex Cuban world champion Yordanis Despaigne as part of an Irish dominated 4 Nations team that hammered Cuba 6-2 at the Stadium Dublin.
But the Limerick southpaw is taking nothing for granted and wants to get 2007 off to a flying start against 33 year old his Miami based rival who has won 5 of his 9 pro fights (3ko's)
He said: ‘I'm in good shape and I'm looking forward to getting back in the ring and making a good start to 2007’.
‘He looks like a steady opponent and he has had more professional fights than I have had so I can't afford to be complacent against anyone.’
Meanwhile, the Irish Amateur Boxing Association will celebrate another outstanding year at their awards night to be held at the Ringside club adjacent to the Stadium tonight.
