Thursday 23 July 2015 16:34, UK
Adam Booth believes Andy Lee against Billy Joe Saunders could become another classic middleweight 'punch-up' in the manner of Marvin Hagler v Tommy Hearns.
The present-day fighters - both proud members of the Traveller community - went head-to-head at a second press conference in London on Wednesday, ahead of their WBO world title showdown in Limerick on September 19.
Booth, the trainer behind champion Lee's rise to the top, admits there is little to choose between the fighters which could lead to a repeat of the iconic war between Hagler and Hearns at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas in 1985.
This will be a bit like a Hagler-Hearns, where they had all the grades but that night it just became a punch-up
"I genuinely think this is one of those fights that will come down to will and desire," he told Sky Sports.
"There's all the elements of boxing - skill, balance, co-ordination, bravery, defence - all of the things that you throw into the pot, along with courage, strength and will and desire.
"I think in this fight this is going to get brought into play because their boxing skills are throughout the fight, nullifying each other, and it's going to end up as one of those that become a bit of a fight.
"A bit like a Hagler-Hearns, where they had all the grades but that night it just became a punch-up!"
Lee (34-2-1-KO24) is aware he has to make a good start after being put down twice in the first three rounds when he drew with Peter Quillin in New York in April, a bout that lost its world title status when the American failed to make weight.
Saunders (21-0-KO11), who was full of respect for the champion, feels he has "done just enough" to win his previous championship fights but knows he is going to have to do more to fulfil his "dream" of becoming a world champion.
Booth is co-promoting the fight and confirmed he is trying to get Olympic gold medallist Katie Taylor on the undercard at Thomond Park.
"She’s a heroine in Ireland and a sporting icon in Ireland and as a female boxer she is iconic around the world," he said.
"It would be great. There are a lot of little administrative issues and lots of little things to try and resolve but if it can be done, I promise you it will be done."
