WBO middleweight champion Andy Lee has earned a draw with Peter Quillin in New York, despite suffering two knockdowns in the early part of the fight.
Due to Quillin failing to make weight, Lee's world title wasn't on the line, but the Brooklyn puncher looked intent on making a statement by dropping Lee in the first round.
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Quillin also had the Irishman on the canvas during the third as he looked for an early finish, but Lee showed tremendous resolve to slowly work his way back into the fight.
Late in the seventh, Lee landed a combination to see Quillin hit the floor for the first time in his career, but the American regained his composure to see out the round.
The latter stages were scrappy with minimal exchanges taking place between the two, but as the fight went to the scorecards, Quillin was expected to get the nod from the judges.
However, after both men were awarded a score of 113-112 apiece, the third official ruled the fight 113-113, leaving Lee to move on to face Billy Joe Saunders in the summer.
Darren Plant
