Limerick professional boxer Lee Reeves returns to the ring in Canada

TOP Limerick boxer Lee Reeves will bid for his 10th professional win this weekend, as he takes on Canadian fighter Larone Whyte.

The Roxboro southpaw, 27, will make the first defence of his maiden professional title in Rebel Nightclub in Toronto, Canada, on Sunday, December 18.

It's been a big year for the boxer, who landed the NABF light welterweight strap in May, becoming champion of North America.

Now he will put this title on the line in the fight, which is part of an undercard beginning at 4pm in Canada (9pm in Ireland).

It's hoped the bout will be streamed either through his promoter Lee Baxter's page, or DAZN, and Reeves - who has six knockouts and a 9-1 record - says he plans to show what he has in store for 2023.

Speaking of his opponent, he said: "I know that he fought at welter and super welter most of he’s career which is around 10 pounds heavier than my fight weight . He is also known as a big puncher with four of his five victories coming from knockouts. But I will be ready for what he has to bring."

Reeves acknowledged becoming a North American champion isn't a usual first title for a professional boxer to win, pointing out the huge population of the continent.

"So I am blessed with my ability and talent to be able to take on this challenge so early in my career," he added.
Although it's been a big year in terms of securing his first pro title, the Corpus Christi boxing club man admits to some frustration at seeing some of his fight dates not coming to fruition.

"I've been in camp the whole year staying ready for many dates that haven't came to fruition so I am just grateful to have a big win before the end of the year," he said.

Following his return to Ireland, he is looking forward to having a week of downtime with his family here in Limerick.
"I haven’t switched off in months," he admits, "I've been a consistent professional in and out of the ring . But il be ready once again for a massive 2023."

Away from the ring this year, Reeves was signed up by a modelling agency, thanks to his following on Instagram - almost 20,000 as it stands - and has appeared in a number of adverts including for Guinness and Lifestyle Sports.

"I'd never actually thought about it before but I’m realising we can’t be young forever and you only regret the opportunities you don’t take so I’m ready to hit everything with all my energy in the new year," said the boxer, who insisted the sport will always remain his top priority.