ESPN Boxing: Prospect Lee Ready For Network Debut

Amid the summer like heat and humidity deep in the heart of Texas, Notre Dame Boxing Champion Mike Lee prepares with world renowned trainer Ronnie Shields for his ESPN2 Friday Night Fights debut on Friday, May 6th in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 23 year old Lee, a top rated light heavyweight prospect, will look to stay unbeaten against Tucson , Arizona ’s Gilbert Gastelum in the special attraction four round bout from the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

After a spirited sparring session between Lee, 4-0-0 (3KO’s) and undefeated prospect Jermell Charlo, Shields spoke about the 2009 Notre Dame Finance Degree graduate’s preparation.

“Mike has had wonderful sparring here in Houston heading into this fight. He more than holds his own with any of the others fighters I put him in there with, regardless of their experience level” said Shields of Lee who brings a unique “Brains and Brawn” versatility to the sport.

Lee is coming off a devastating first round knockout of Pablo Gomez on February 26th at the Palms Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Continued Shields about the win, “He was right back in the gym the next day. The great thing about Mike is he’s training for his career, not just for individual fights. He’s here full time, working hard every single day no matter how far away the fight is.”

“We’ve seen a tape of Gastelum so we know what to expect. Even though it’s on ESPN, for Mike it’s just another fight. He’s happy that it’s on TV, but it doesn’t phase him at all. Nothing is going to change our preparation.”

Among the fighters in camp with Lee on a daily basis are world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, former world champions Juan Diaz and Kermit Cintron, and sensational prospects/brothers, Jermall and Jermell Charlo.

“Everyday Mike is around world class athletes and can see first hand how to train to become a world champion. They’ve all been where Mike is as a young prospect and he can truly see where his career has a chance to go.”

As has become the custom at Lee’s professional bouts, a very large contingent of Notre Dame Alums and Chicagoland supporters will be in attendance on May 6th in Las Vegas.

ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is presented by Top Rank Incorporated.

Advance tickets to the May 6th event may be purchased by calling 877-530-4269 during business hours or after 5pm at 630-400-6380.

Lee graduated from the University Of Notre Dame in 2009 at the “top of his class”, with a degree in finance. He is a native of Wheaton, Illinois and a graduate of Benet Academy.

After winning the Chicago Golden Gloves, Lee was signed by Top Rank, boxing’s premier promotional company.