As Belfast's Ryan Burnett became unified bantamweight champion of the world and added the WBA title to his IBF belt by defeating Zhanat Zhakiyanov in Belfast on Saturday night, Andy Lee appears to have earned as many fans as any of the boxers on the card with his performance on commentary duties for Sky Sports.
Those who have heard Lee in one of his regular boxing spots for Off The Ball in recent times will know all about his ability to offer an engaging view on the sport he knows so well, but he was exposed to a new audience on Saturday night and the reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly positive.
In fact, Anthony Fowler - who claimed a win on points over Laszlo Fazekas earlier in the night - was so impressed with Lee's analysis having watched the fight back that he took time out to thank him and tell him that he will be taking his advice on board.
Great listening to and learning of @AndyLeeBoxing commenting on my fight, great advice mate I will take it all on board
— Anthony Fowler (@afowler06) October 22, 2017
Look forward to following your career Anthony, onwards and upwards.
— Andy Lee (@AndyLeeBoxing) October 22, 2017
That is really nice to see, and also a rare thing for an athlete in any sport to personally praise someone for their work in analysing their performance.
But Fowler wasn't the only one impressed.
Fighters and fans alike Tweeted their endorsement for the views of Lee at ringside, with George Groves also taking time to let Lee know that his work was appreciated.
Really enjoyed @AndyLeeBoxing commentary last night. Calls it fair as it is, and knows what he's talking about. Hopefully becomes a regular!
— George Groves (@StGeorgeGroves) October 22, 2017
Miles better than Johnny Nelson and Froch. Them two would piss on your leg and tell you it's raining.
— merse (@mersonsballbag) October 22, 2017
Agreed , no waffle at all, unlike some pundits.He's on a regular talk show @offtheball and he's the most interesting man to listen to.
— spadgy83 (@adam_englishby) October 22, 2017
Andy lee will never be invited back to sky because he talks sense, and unlike matchroom ppl he is honest
— stephen reidy (@Letoonfan21) October 21, 2017
@AndyLeeBoxing great commentary on the boxing on Saturday unbiased and interesting to listen to, not sure about the suit though mate lol
— John Adams (@adamsfamily2386) October 23, 2017
That is fantatsic to see, and not only because we're sick to death about Carl Froch talking about his fight in Wembley.
UPDATE: Tony Bellew is also a big fan:
He most definitely knows the sport! Been around the world am and pro and has done the lot! I Respect his opinion massively. top fighter to https://t.co/hXQDu79h1m
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) October 23, 2017
A positive response from the fighters will surely see more people take not of Lee, who had given a spot-on opinion regarding the failings of Sky Sports as recently as March of this year.
SEE ALSO: Andy Lee Nails Why Sky's Boxing Coverage Is Routinely Awful
Fair play to Andy Lee, hopefully gets the nod and we see more of him when Anthony Joshua takes on Carlos Takam this coming weekend.
