Saunders well prepared for his Battle of Britain appearance

Relishing the chance to fight on the undercard of the highly anticipated Battle of Britain show, the Light Welterweight from County Durham has been training harder than ever to continue his unbeaten run since his professional debut in February this year.

Scotland’s Ricky Burns and England’s Kevin Mitchell will headline in the blockbuster showdown that ignites the Auld rivalry once again. Burns will put his WBO World Lightweight title on the line against his long-time rival Mitchell on Saturday 22nd September in Glasgow.

“It’s been the longest camp I’ve ever done; it’s been really full on. It’ll be 10 weeks come fight night. It’s been really good sparring with a two weight world champion in Burns. Ricky’s a gritty lad who’s really adaptable; can box back foot or dig in and have a fight. We both really go for it. It’s far more a fight than a technical spar so it’s been tremendous for me.”

The talented 26 year old from Sedgefield has also been sparring with seasoned boxers; former British Champion Ashley Theophane and former WBU World Champion Derry Mathews.

With around one hundred England and Great Britain appearances on his CV, Bradley Saunders was the most experienced amateur international of this millennium. The hard hitting former world championship medallist and 2008 Beijing Olympian is expecting that practice to propel him to the major professional titles as soon as possible.

“I’m really confident; I always played at it as amateur, cutting corners, late nights etc. but not now. So as long as I know I’ve done my part in the gym, I know I’ll be ok.”

Life outside of the gym can be just as important to a boxer and Saunders is confident and reassured by the support of friends and family.

“My personal life couldn’t be better right now; I’m surrounded by proper people. My family are really good and my brother Jeff, a 6 time British champion, just joined the army so I wish him all the best.

The support is the best ever, really good, getting better with every fight. They’re coming from everywhere for this fight, over 200 travelling up and couldn’t thank each and every one of them enough. After my first three pro outings in London, this will be a bit closer to home for my supporters”

Bradley Saunders in Action

So far the history bodes well for this popular sportsman and the future looks promising too. It takes a few wins before opportunities and sponsors come knocking so the key for Saunders is to fight regularly and successfully.

“After this I can see me being out another couple of times this year. They’re moving me on well and I’m on all the big bills so I think they are expecting big things. So all I can do is train hard, be dedicated and deliver. It’s my intention to shine every fight. You hear some prospects say they want the experience of the rounds but not me. I never take my foot off the gas and, if I get the opponent hurt, I’ll be very keen to go all out and put ‘em away. I want people talking about me after every fight.” 

The Battle of Britain featuring Bradley Saunders and world title fight between Burns v Mitchell will be televised live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Channel 456 and Virgin Channel 546). For tickets call 07414 112 022 or visit Bradley’s official website www.bradleysaunders.com or follow the rising star on Twitter @BradSaunders_