Andy Lee will defend his WBO world middleweight title against Billy Joe Saunders at Thomond Park on Saturday, September 19th.
Lee won the world title courtesy of a sixth-round knockout of Matt Korobov in Las Vegas last December, before retaining his belt in New York in April after Peter Quillin failed to make the weight.
And now for Lee’s homecoming organisers are expecting a crowd of 30,000 at the home of Munster Rugby in what the world champion has called “a once in a generation event".
Lee's opponent Saunders is currently Commonwealth champion and is unbeaten in 21 fights after winning a split decision against Chris Eubank Jr in November.
The fight will be the first time two boxers from a travelling background have contested a world title fight, and with the division's other main belts held by Miguel Cotto and Gennady Golovkin, the WBO title probably represents both men's best chance of being world champion.
Fighting as world champion in front of a home crowd will be a landmark moment admitted Lee.
"I would have driven past this stadium and gone to matches here countless times and I always dreamt of fighting here. As soon as I won the world title in December my thoughts always turned to defending at Thomond Park.
“I’ve said since I turned professional the dream would be to step off the flight at Shannon with the belt, this is the natural progression, to fight here.”
The press conference to announce the fight on Tuesday was devoid of the usual showmanship, reflecting a match-up which won’t rely on hype to generate interest.
Saunders, who was originally in line to fight Koborov last year but stepped aside to honour a contract with Eubank Jr, thus granting Lee his title shot, said: “There’s something in this fight which means it doesn’t need it (trash talk).
“It doesn’t need talking up. You’ve got two proud travelling men going out and doing it for their countries. The fans are definitely going to win in this fight. Me and Andy will leave nothing in that ring.”
Tickets for the fight are expected to go on sale starting at €30, a price Lee insisted on as he looks to give something back to his hometown city, he said: “There’s never been a world title fight in Limerick before.
“This is a once in a generation event and the cheapest ticket price is €30, which is affordable for everybody.
“I’ve been boxing in Limerick since I was a teenager and they’re always supported me, whether through sponsorships or the media.
“They’ve given me a lot of encouragement. It means a lot to me to pay them back now, this will be a big boost for the economy”.
