Bradley Saunders is relishing the prospect of fighting on the
upcoming Battle of Britain bill and has been training harder than
ever as he looks continue his unbeaten run.
Scotland's Ricky Burns and England's Kevin Mitchell will
headline in the showdown and ignite 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," Saunders said. "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.
He said: "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"
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."
13/09/2012 17:31:26