A hand injury has forced WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders to withdraw from his maiden title defence against Max Bursak at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday 30 April.

However, undefeated heavyweight sensation Hughie Fury will now joint headline an action-packed card alongside red-hot talent Liam Walsh on a huge night of boxing featuring the best of British of talent, exclusively live on BoxNation.

Saunders, who injured his left hand during a training session, is devastated that he can’t make the the first defence of the world that he won with a blistering display against the then champion Andy Lee in December. He said, “I’m bitterly disappointed. I was really looking forward to making the first defence of my world title against Max Bursak but this is boxing and these things happen. Now it’s all about recovering properly and looking forward to a big 2016.”

Undefeated Fury will now joint-headline the card when he challenges for his first title – the Vacant WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship – against experienced American Fred Kassi.

Fury has ripped through the division with his devastating, all-action style that has seen him halt 10 out of 19 opponents early with eight coming inside three rounds. The 21 year-old, who is the younger cousin of Unified World Heavyweight Champion Tyson, has quickly established himself as one of the world’s very best young heavyweight prospects and will be looking to make a big statement in his first title fight.

Hard-hitting ‘Big Freddy’ has a fearsome reputation with 10 knockout wins in 18 career victories; 9 of them coming inside two rounds. Kassi, 36, has only been stopped once in 23 career fights and will also be gunning for his first ever title.

“I’m aiming to make a big impact in the next few years and join my cousin Tyson at the very top of the sport. I’m delighted to be featuring on BoxNation again, I’ve boxed on their shows in the past and really enjoyed the experience,” said Fury.

He added: “This is the first title I’ll be going for so I’m buzzing to get in there and do the business. I was straight back in the gym after my win over Dominick Guinn and I’m feeling fit and ready to go again.”

Also joining a mouth-watering night of boxing is Cromer’s British and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Champion Liam Walsh. The undefeated Cromer star will defend his belts against Coventry’s Troy James in his first fight since claiming the Vacant WBO Intercontinental Lightweight title against big-hitting Brazilian Isais Santos Sampaio in July 2015.

Walsh was scheduled to defend his British and Commonwealth titles against James back in July of last year at the Manchester Velodrome, but the Coventry fighter was forced to withdraw due to a back injury sustained in training. The 29-year-old is chomping at the bit to make his eagerly-anticipated return to the ring.

He said: “I don’t just want to win, I want to be brilliant. Come fight night I’ll have been out of the ring just shy of a year and I’m buzzing to get back in there. Troy is a man I’ve known for a long time, I remember him from the amateur days. It’s a good fight and he’s a decent opponent; he went ten rounds with Terry Flanagan and he’s never been stopped. He’s done all of his eliminators and he’s earned his shot; he’s got my full attention.”

The stacked Copper Box card will also feature Liam’s twin brother Ryan, who will be making the second defence of his British Featherweight title against Belfast ace James Tennyson. It is set to be another historic night for the Walsh twins who both defend their British titles simultaneously; a first for British boxing.

“As amateurs me and Ryan both got to the Junior ABA Finals two years running. He won his the first year and I ruined it and lost, the next year I won my final and he lost his. We’ve never really had that double win on the same night and this time we’ve promised each other we’re both going to win; it’s going to be a special night,” added Walsh.

Tickets priced at £30, £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200 are available from See Tickets 0871 230 7148 and www.seetickets.com, Eventim 0844 249 1000 and www.eventim.co.uk, Ticketmaster 0844 8440 444 and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

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A stacked card also features: The Vacant European Cruiserweight title between Ovill McKenzie and Dmytro Kucher; Anthony Nelson defends his Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship against Jamie Conlan. On the undercard Erith super-bantamweight Lewis Pettitt returns to the ring; Chingford super-featherweight Boy Jones Jnr; Indian middleweight sensation Vijender Singh; Chelmsford super-middleweight Billy Long, West Ham super-welterweight Sammy McNess; Sidcup super-featherweight D.P Carr; West Ham super-lightweight Ben Smith; Hornchurch super-lightweight Sanjeev Sahota; Nantwich heavyweight Nathan Gorman and Enfield super-middleweight Barney Joe Jones, all feature.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415 and Freeview 255. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices.

WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders has condemned England prop Joe Marler for calling Wales prop Samson Lee ‘gypsy boy’ after an altercation during their recent Six Nations match at Twickenham.

The Joe Marler–Samson Lee ‘gypsy boy’ saga could finally be resolved today after becoming one of rugby’s most high-profile disciplinary issues of modern times. Ten minutes into the England vs. Wales game Marler and Lee were involved in a scuffle after the hosts were award a penalty.

The words ‘hey gypsy boy’ were picked up on a microphone and provoked an initial public outcry on social media. Saunders, 26, hopes the media attention surrounding the incident will make people think twice before using the term in an offensive way.

Saunders, who is preparing for his big world title defence against Max Bursak on Saturday 30th April at the Copper Box Arena, told Victoria Derbyshire during an interview on BBC 2 today: “In our culture we’ve had this most of our lives. It’s not been so bad in the last few years. When you receive abuse on social media from Twitter and Facebook trolls it’s not so bad but when you receive it in sport it’s not acceptable.”

Undefeated Saunders dethroned Andy Lee last December at the Manchester Arena in the first all-gypsy world title showdown. Gypsy and traveller communities have long been a feature in the British boxing scene but Saunders says Marler’s comments may harm English rugby’s image.

“I’ve had it all my life but I’ve never had it in my sport from another sportsman. I was a fan of rugby and now I probably won’t watch England play rugby anymore,” said Saunders.

He added: “Now other people might think twice about using the term in an offensive way. There is no room for any racism is sport; especially at the standard that he is playing. I was talking about it on the phone to my friend Tyson Fury last night and we are both disgusted by it.”

England’s Marler, 25, says he is not a racist and has publicly apologised for using the term. The Harlequins prop faces a World Rugby disciplinary hearing today and says he will accept any punishment handed to him.

Hatfield man Saunders is all too familiar with the public scrutiny that comes with being a global sports star and believes those in the spotlight should always endeavour to set a shining example for young fans.

He said: “I think some people say things in the moment. Just because of the colour of your skin or your background it doesn’t mean you’re different to anyone else. We’re all human beings. Everybody makes mistakes but to do it on TV is a big game like that isn’t acceptable.”

Red-hot Belfast super-flyweight Jamie Conlan will take on South Shields’ Anthony Nelson for the Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders first world title defence against Max Bursak at the Copper Box Arena on April 30, exclusively live on BoxNation.

Conlan, 29, is a former WBO European Champion and currently holds the WBO Intercontinental title along with a number five world ranking in the organisation. The Irish hero will be looking to prise the Commonwealth belt from the undefeated Nelson on his quest to become a world champion.

“I grew up watching a local guy from my area called Eamonn Magee become Commonwealth Champion and it’s always been a title that has stood out for me. I’ve always wanted to get it around my waist before moving onto bigger things,” said Conlan.

He added: “The Commonwealth belt seems to propel fighters onto bigger things as we’ve seen with Billy Joe Saunders. It’s a prestigious belt and another step on the road towards a world title. Everything is moving steadily in the right direction. Each fight is another step up the ladder and a box ticked on my journey towards a world title.”

Known as ‘The Mexican’ for his thrilling, all-action, style, Conlan has established himself as a fan favourite and is promising another knockout performance against Commonwealth Champion Nelson.

He said: “Our styles are going to make for a cracking fight. Anthony is a fighter who likes to come forward a lot and everyone knows I’m one of the most exciting fighters in the division so it’s bound to be a belter while it lasts. Fans can expect a war between us but I don’t envisage it going the distance because I’m hitting harder and I’m bigger and stronger than I’ve ever been.”

All-action Conlan is undefeated in 15 fights with 9 knockout wins and is putting in the hours out in Spain ahead of his debut fight at Stratford’s impressive Copper Box Arena.

“We’re out in Marbella at the minute and we’re deep into the training camp. I’m loving everything, the weather is ideal and the training is brilliant. I’m sparring with Charlie Edwards and then hopefully bringing in the European Bantamweight Champion Ryan Farrag. It’s all looking good and we’re pushing pretty hard now as the fight draws closer.”

Knockout merchant Conlan was ringside at the Liverpool Echo Arena earlier this month to witness rival super-flyweight Paul Butler beat Mexico’s Sebastian Sanchez inside nine rounds to claim the Vacant WBO Intercontinental Super-Flyweight Championship. A blockbuster showdown with the Ellesmere Port start is still on the wish list for Conlan.

He said: “It’s a fight that has to happen. We both want it and it’s a fight that makes sense. I’ve always seen myself as the winner; I believe in my ability. He’s a great fighter and you don’t become a world champion for no reason but I 100% believe in everything I do and I believe that I’ll have an answer for everything he brings.

“I see myself winning. I don’t know how it’ll go I just know I’m the better man. Everything he does I can do better and he won’t have an answer for the things I bring.”

WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders makes the first defence of his title against “Mad” Max Bursak and headlines an action-packed card that also features: The Vacant European Cruiserweight title between Ovill McKenzie and Dmytro Kucher; Ryan Walsh defends his British Featherweight Championship against James Tennyson; Anthony Nelson defends his Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship against Jamie Conlon. On the undercard fast rising undefeated heavyweight sensation Hughie Fury, Erith super-bantamweight Lewis Pettitt; Chingford super-featherweight Boy Jones Jnr; Indian middleweight sensation Vijender Singh; Chelmsford super-middleweight Billy Long, West Ham super-welterweight Sammy McNess; Sidcup super-featherweight D.P Carr; West Ham super-lightweight Ben Smith; Hornchurch super-lightweight Sanjeev Sahota; Nantwich heavyweight Nathan Gorman and Enfield super-middleweight Barney Joe Jones, all feature.

Tickets priced at £30, £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200 are available from See Tickets 0871 230 7148 and www.seetickets.com, Eventim 0844 249 1000 and www.eventim.co.uk, Ticketmaster 0844 8440 444 and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415 and Freeview 255. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices.

WBO Middleweight king Billy Joe Saunders will be appearing as a studio guest on Channel 5’s live coverage of Chris Eubank Jr’s showdown with British Champion Nick Blackwell this Saturday.

Saunders, 23-0-0 12 KO’s, holds wins other both men and will be providing expert analysis on the evening’s bout. The undefeated Hatfield star is hoping to witness Eubank Jr’s second career loss.

“I can’t say I’m too excited about seeing his ugly face. I’m going to be supporting Nick Blackwell and I hope he knocks Eubank out spark cold,” said Saunders.

“Nick is probably one of the nicest blokes I’ve met in boxing. I’ve shared the ring with him and he’s a tough fighter. He’s a very respectful kid and you don’t see him knocking out beginners in sparring,” Saunders added.

Eubank passed up a shot at WBA world champion Daniel Jacobs in order to take on Blackwell, 25. The Brighton middleweight has completely written off Blackwell’s chances and announced beating him would be for the good of British boxing; Saunders disagrees.

Saunders, who’s preparing for the first defence of his WBO World Middleweight title against Max Bursak on Saturday 30th April at the Copper Box Arena, said: “The best result is for Nick to do his talking in the ring. He’s got a very good chance of beating him. Eubank struggles at the weight and as we saw against Spike he was dying out and got hurt; he could be in trouble on Saturday,”

“If Blackwell can get himself in the fight for the first four or five rounds he’s in with a good chance of winning. He’s got a good work rate and I expect him to come on strong in the second half.”

British boxing great Carl Froch says WBO Middleweight King Billy Joe Saunders has the skills to take out Kazakh middleweight king Gennady Golovkin.

Froch, a four-time super-middleweight world champion, refuses to jump on the GGG bandwagon and has backed the undefeated Saunders to prove he is the world’s true middleweight champion.

Speaking to The Sun, the retired super-middleweight supremo said: “I’m not putting Golovkin on this pedestal that everyone has him on. Who has he beaten that Billy Joe couldn’t? His reputation is inflated. He’s obviously a very good fighter and can punch very hard but he’s a small middleweight,

“Beat somebody who is quality, beat him in style and I’ll start talking about you like you’re the next Sugar Ray Leonard or something.”

Froch added: “When I watch Golovkin, I see him getting hit with shots. He walks through them to land his but he’s wide open coming forward.”

The Jimmy Tibbs trained Hatfield star, 23-0-0 12 KO’s, makes the first defence of his world title against Golovkin’s compatriot ‘Mad’ Max Bursak; a man who boasts wins over British Champion Nick Blackwell and Brian Vera.

Saunders has previously expressed his desire to take on Golovkin in a massive summer showdown at the Emirates or Wembley and is now even more determined to nail down a lucrative world title unification fight.

He said: “Since I’ve won the world title I’ve grown in confidence. Having a man of Carl Froch’s experience backing me to win has given me even more of a boost. Carl Froch was one of the best fighters about so for him to say that is something. I already know in myself that I’ve got the beating of Golovkin with the right tactics.”

WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders makes the first defence of his title against “Mad” Max Bursak and headlines an action-packed card that also features: The Vacant European Cruiserweight title between Ovill McKenzie and Dmytro Kucher; Ryan Walsh defends his British Featherweight Championship against James Tennyson; Anthony Nelson defends his Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship against Jamie Conlon. On the undercard fast rising undefeated heavyweight sensation Hughie Fury, Erith super-bantamweight Lewis Pettitt; Chingford super-featherweight Boy Jones Jnr; Indian middleweight sensation Vijender Singh; Chelmsford super-middleweight Billy Long, West Ham super-welterweight Sammy McNess; Sidcup super-featherweight D.P Carr; West Ham super-lightweight Ben Smith; Hornchurch super-lightweight Sanjeev Sahota; Nantwich heavyweight Nathan Gorman and Enfield super-middleweight Barney Joe Jones, all feature.

Tickets priced at £30, £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200 are available from See Tickets 0871 230 7148 and www.seetickets.com, Eventim 0844 249 1000 and www.eventim.co.uk, Ticketmaster 0844 8440 444 and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415 and Freeview 255. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices.

WBO Middleweight King Billy Joe Saunders says Chris Eubank Jr will never be on his level.

The unbeaten Hatfield star (23-0-0 12 KO’s) has warned his rival that he’ll have to step his game up if he is to earn an eagerly-anticipated rematch to avenge the sole loss of his career inflicted by Saunders.

“At the end of the day everyone knows that I’m chasing a big fight with Golovkin. That’s a big money fight and I want to test myself against the very best to see how good I am,” said Saunders.

“For the Eubank fight to happen he’s got to get past Nick Blackwell first. I’ve got more options than just Chris Eubank; I’ve got three or four options,” Saunders added.

Saunders put Eubank to the sword back in November 2014 to retain his British, European and Commonwealth titles. Since then the 26 year-old has gone on to reach the very top of the fight game by bagging himself a world title; an achievement that he believes Eubank will never match.

He said: “Eubank says that going for the British title is something that he wants to do but I think that he knows in his own mind and his own head that he’s not ready for a rematch with me,”

“He can’t step up to my level, he’s a British level fighter. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I don’t think he’ll ever win a world title.”

WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders makes the first defence of his title against “Mad” Max Bursak and headlines an action-packed card that also features: The Vacant European Cruiserweight title between Ovill McKenzie v Dmytro Kucher; Ryan Walsh defends his British Featherweight Championship against James Tennyson.

Tickets priced at £30, £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200 are available from See Tickets 0871 230 7148 and www.seetickets.com, Eventim 0844 249 1000 and www.eventim.co.uk, Ticketmaster 0844 8440 444 and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415 and Freeview 255. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices.

WBO World Middleweight King Billy Joe Saunders is eyeing up a huge Wembley summer showdown with pound-for-pound megastar Gennady Golovkin should he get past ‘Mad’ Max Bursak.

The Hatfield ace is fully focused on the first defence of his world title against the Kazakh terror on Saturday 30th April at the Copper Box Arena, but is determined to prove himself against the ‘big man’ of the division.

“Now I’ve become a world champion I’ve grown in myself and grown in my beliefs,” said Saunders.

“Nobody is invincible, you only have to look at Tyson Fury who went over and done Klitschko in his back garden,”

“If I could get Golovkin at Wembley Stadium, which would be a massive fight, I’d show the world I can beat the best.”

WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders makes the first defence of his title against “Mad” Max Bursak and headlines an action-packed card that also features: The Vacant European Cruiserweight title between Ovill McKenzie v Dmytro Kucher; Ryan Walsh defends his British Featherweight Championship against James Tennyson. The full undercard will released shortly.

Tickets priced at £30, £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200 are available from See Tickets 0871 230 7148 and www.seetickets.com, Eventim 0844 249 1000 and www.eventim.co.uk, Ticketmaster 0844 8440 444 and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415 and Freeview 255. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices.

Undefeated WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders begins his reign with the opening defence of his title against “Mad” Max Bursak on Saturday 30th April at the Copper Box Arena, London, exclusively live on BoxNation.

Saunders headlines a sensational triple-tile fight card that features Ovill McKenzie challenging Dmytro Kucher for the Vacant European Cruiserweight title and British Featherweight Champion Ryan Walsh defending his title against James Tennyson, plus an action packed undercard.

Tickets priced at £30, £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200 are available from See Tickets 0871 230 7148 and www.seetickets.com, Eventim 0844 249 1000 and www.eventim.co.uk, Ticketmaster 0844 8440 444 and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

In December, Saunders defeated Andy Lee to take his WBO crown in a close and absorbing fight in Manchester that saw the Hatfield star floor the Irishman twice in the third round and go on to claim a majority decision from the judges.

The skillful, hard-hitting, southpaw knows it’s crucial that he beats Bursak and remains on track to face 160 division king Gennady Golovkin, who holds the WBA Super, IBF and Interim WBC titles, in a mouthwatering clash with all the titles on the line.

In his way, though, stands Ukrainian hardman Mad Max, a former European, WBO Intercontinental, IBF Youth and WBA Continental Middleweight Champion, and veteran of 37 fights and holds a win over current British Champion Nick Blackwell who faces Chris Eubank Jnr.

Bursak, 31, from Kiev, has only lost four times – all by points – against top opposition: Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam in an Interim WBO World title fight; Jarrod Fletcher, who Saunders destroyed in two rounds, in a Vacant WBA International title clash, Brit Martin Murray who he extended the distance in a Vacant WBC Silver title fight and undefeated talent Zac Dunn for a Vacant IBO World title at super-middleweight.

Saunders, 26, knows he’s in for a risky first title defence against a dangerous challenger, but says being world champion means he has to deal

“Nothing comes easy in boxing and I’m definitely not taking Bursak for granted. He’s a good, good, fighter and very dangerous and if I don’t come in 100 percent then he could cause an upset in my first title defence. I’ve worked long and hard to get where I am and look at the massive fights ahead of me against the likes of Golovkin. So no, I’m going to make sure I’m in perfect shape and give Bursak the toughest night he’s ever had, he’s never been stopped before so that’s something I’m looking at doing.” Said Saunders.

Bursak replied, “Thank you to Billy Joe Saunders for giving me a shot at the world title. Unfortunately for Saunders, this is going to be his first and last defence of the title because I will be taking the title off him when I face him on Saturday 30th April at the Copper Box Arena. I am telling Saunders to be prepared and train hard because he will be in for the fight of his life and I will be looking for the knockout.”

In the chief support, big-hitting Derby based Jamaican McKenzie has a fantastic opportunity to snatch the Vacant European Cruiserweight against dynamite-punching Ukrainian Dmytro Kucher.

McKenzie controversially lost in his world title challenge last October in Argentina against Victor Ramirez, but now has the chance to step back towards challenging for world honours again if he defeats Kucher.

A sizzling featherweight showdown see all-action Cromer battler Ryan Walsh make the second defence of his British title against his red-hot mandatory challenger from Belfast James Tennyson in the joint chief support.

An action packed undercard will be announced shortly featuring the best in up-and-coming domestic talent.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415 and Freeview 255. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices.

Billy Joe Saunders was thrilled with his reception at Arsenal on Saturday and says the next time he steps on the pitch he wants to be fighting Gennady Golovkin or Chris Eubank Jnr.

The big Gooners fan went on the pitch at half-time for the Burnley game and was given a roaring welcome by the supporters in recognition of his fantastic win over Andy Lee to take the WBO World Middleweight title in December.

Hatfield ace Saunders then sat back and watched his side storm through to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win and continue on their chase for a third successive trophy.

The undefeated 26-year-old says he’d love to fight at the Emirates and his targets would be Kazakhstani terror and IBF, WBC and WBA Super World Middleweight Champion Golovkin or former victim Eubank Jnr who he defeated in November 2014.

“It was a truly unbelievable feeling stepping onto the pitch where my heroes play week in and week out and to get that welcome from the fans made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up,” Said Saunders.

“I’ve been to the ground many times before and previously to Highbury, but this was the first time I’ve been introduced to the crowd and it was a tremendous feeling. I thought that nothing could come close to the amazing feeling I had when I was crowned world champion after beating Lee in Manchester, but last Saturday at Arsenal came very very close to it,”

“The next time I’m here I either want to be playing as Arsenal’s new signing or a more realistic option is to fight Golovkin or Eubank. Golovkin would be an tremendous fight for British boxing. Muhammad Ali fought Henry Cooper at Highbury so in this new millennium what better than a super-unification fight between me and Golovkin? I know he was at West Ham the other week, but the Emirates is the place it has to be at. As for Eubank Jnr, he’s already had his backside kicked by me, what better than me kicking it again in front of 60,000 at Arsenal!”

Wembley’s middleweight star Gary Corcoran is looking to emulate the success of fellow Irish travellers Billy Joe Saunders and Tyson Fury by winning a world title of his own.

The undefeated Corcoran hopes to see more boxers with gypsy and traveller backgrounds breaking through the amateur scene into the professional ranks.

Gypsy boxers have long been a feature in the amateur boxing scene but Corcoran hopes the success of world champions Fury and Saunders will inspire more to pursue the sport more seriously.

Corcoran, who challenges Bristol’s Danny Butler for the Vacant WBO Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title on Saturday 6th February at the National Stadium, Dublin, said: “We’re all trying to do as much as we can to improve the image of the traveller community. It’s not like that at all, sure you get some bad eggs but most of us are ultra-competitive and constantly striving to be the very best,”

The 25 year-old was raised as one of 12 brothers and sisters on an Irish traveller’s site in Wembley and says his rich traveller heritage is a key part of his armoury. With all eight of his brothers being boxing fanatics he was never short of sparring partners.

He said: “Growing up around traveller communities makes you tough. When I was younger I was a bit wild and loved getting involved in scraps with my brothers and other kids on the site. I decided to take that love for fighting into the ring where and I’m constantly getting better and better.”

Known as the ‘Hell Raiser’ for his ferocious fighting style, Corcoran has ripped through his first 14 opponents; claiming 6 knockouts along the way. The natural-born scrapper rarely takes a step back and has earned a reputation for his non-stop punching style. However, the Wembley man revealed that he’ll be approaching Danny Butler with some fresh ideas come fight night.

He said: “My fans can still expect non-stop action from me but I’ll be trying out some new things against Butler. You’re going to see a new Gary in Dublin, me and my trainer Peter Stanley have come up with a game plan but you’ll have to wait and see! I’ve got a lot of respect for Danny but there’s only going to be one winner and that’s me.”

The super-welterweight division is currently jam-packed with talent such as WBO king Liam Smith, British and Commonwealth Champion Liam Williams and new IBF International Champion Ahmet Patterson. Corcoran is excited at the prospect of beating them on the way to his ultimate goal; a world title.

He said: “They all interest me, I’ll be looking to take them on on my way to the very top. There’s some massive fights to be made this year and I want to be involved in as many as I can. I’m not looking past Danny Butler for now but once I’ve dealt with him I can start looking forward.”

The Wembley man says he’s taken a lot of confidence from inflicting defeats on the previously unbeaten Rick Skelton and Rick Godding and is aiming to kick-off 2016 by claiming another scalp.

He added, “I’m looking to make a big statement. I have a lot of family and friends over there that will be coming to watch me so I’m going to give them a big performance so they can go home happy. Irish fight fans are the best in the world, they absolutely love any combat sport and will be making an absolute racket that’s for sure.”

Chief support on the card sees exciting Dublin ace Jamie Kavanagh step up to challenge for the first title of his career when he faces Portugal’s Antonio Joao Bento for the Vacant WBO European Lightweight Championship.

An action packed up line up features some of the best Irish talent, including: Declan Geraghty, Stephen Ormand, Patrick Hyland, Phillip Sutcliffe Jnr, Anthony Fitzgerland, Gary Sweeney, Craig O’Brien and Sean Creagh, plus unbeaten London star Romeo Romaeo.

Ticket prices are from €25, €40, €60, €80, €100 and €150 and are on sale at www.tickets.ie

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415 and Freeview 255. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices.

Undefeated WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders made the day of pupil James Dean after visiting his school today.

Saunders received a hand written letter from nine-year-old amateur boxer James – who said Saunders was his hero and he wanted to become a champion just like him – and invited him to the Bishop Alexander LEAD Academy in Newark and give an inspirational chat to the children in his class.

At the time Saunders, 26, was deep in training for his crucial world title challenge against Andy Lee at his training camp in Marbella, but promised to come and see James after he’d beaten Lee and bring the WBO World title belt along with him.

The Hatfield star might be eyeing future mega-fights against the likes of Gennady Golovkin, but he’s grounded enough to know the value and importance of inspiring his young fans and next generation of sporting stars.

Saunders kept to his word and today went to see a shocked James who was lost for words at meeting his idol in person and gave the children in the class a motivational speech for over an hour.

He talked about how and why he got into boxing; the dedication and training he had to put in to become, at 18, the youngest member of the 2008 GB Olympic boxing squad; the transition into professional boxing and becoming a British, Commonwealth and European Champion and ultimately a world champion, and the importance of dedication and perseverance, before taking questions from the children and then tucking into a roast dinner alongside them in the canteen!

“Just coming to the school and meeting James and the other children in the class gave me such a lift, knowing that I can inspire at least one of these kids’ to succeed then I know I’ve given something back,” Said Saunders.

“Being world champion isn’t just about money, cars and flash things, which are nice, but it’s a position of responsibility and to kids like James, he looks up to me as a role model,”

“I said to them, you can achieve anything in life as long as you work and work and work at what you want to achieve and you will succeed, you need to have drive and ambition and never take a knock back as a failure but as a stepping stone to your goal,”

“Whether you want to become a world champion boxer, a Premier League footballer, a doctor or a lawyer or plumber or builder, you need desire, commitment and hard work, that’s what was driven into me to succeed and it has proven true.”

When James got his breath back, he said afterwards, “It was unbelievable seeing Billy Joe Saunders, who I’d only ever seen on TV, walking through our school gates and come and speak to me!

“Never in a million years would I have thought that he would come to our school, but he promised he would and he did and he brought his world title belt. It’s a day I will never ever forget. I’ll be a world champion like him one day,”

“I’ve seen him fight against Chris Eubank Jnr who he gave a real beating to and when he won the world title against Andy Lee, to me he’s the best boxer in the world, better than Floyd Mayweather Jr.”

James’s teacher Melissa Sladen added, “It was a very kind gesture of Billy to take the time out of his busy schedule and attend our school today and James was absolutely knocked out to see his hero in the flesh,”

“It was fantastic for the children to hear how a professional sportsman of Billy’s status, a world champion, on what drives him to achieve his goals,”

“I’m sure today will be a day that sticks in the memory of James and the other children for many years to come and serve as inspiration to achieve their goals.”

East End entertainer Sam McNess is gunning for his third consecutive professional victory when he takes on Yousef Al Hamidi at Bethnal Green’s York Hall on Friday 22nd January, exclusively live on BoxNation.

The 23 year-old, an avid West Ham fan, made an explosive debut at York Hall back in July when he stopped Aaron Robinson inside the first round. He followed his impressive debut with a points victory against Kevin McCauley at Harrow Leisure Centre.

Born in Whitechapel and trained by Mark Tibbs, McNess is confident of big things in 2016. First up is Al Hamidi and McNess is confident of another victory.

He said: “I’ve made a solid start to my professional career and I’m looking to really push on this year. 2016 will be all about keeping busy, upping my rounds and gaining as much experience as I can,”

“I’ve been training with Mark Tibbs for a while now, Mark and his dad are probably the most knowledgeable team in British boxing so I’m in a really privileged position.”

McNess, who is tipped as one of the most exciting prospects to come out of London, joined Billy Joe Saunders for two weeks at his training camp in Marbella ahead the Hatfield star’s world title fight against Andy Lee last month.

He added, “It was a brilliant experience for me, I learnt so much in the two weeks I spent out there. One day I hope to be in his shoes so it was really inspiring being involved in a training camp for a world title fight,”

“Everything Billy did, I did. While I was out there I stayed in Billy Joe’s apartment with Jimmy Tibbs. We trained at the same time, we ate at the same time and we rested at the same time, it was a real learning curve. I gained so much just from being in that environment.”

“He’s done it the hard way, I hope he keeps the belt for as long as possible. I’d like to see him involved in some big fights in 2016, I know there’s a possibility of a rematch with Chris Eubank Jr and Gennady Golovkin is another name I’ve seen mentioned, it’s going to be a big year for the both of us that’s for sure.”

Headlining the show is Ryan Walsh making the first defence of his British Featherweight title against Darren Trayner. Chief support on the card sees Dulwich’s Ahmet Patterson face Ryan Aston for the Vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Welterweight Championship; on the undercard Erith super-bantamweight Lewis Pettitt makes his comeback; Dagenham lightweight talent Ediz Hussein competes in a six rounder; West Ham super-welterweight Sam McNess; Chelmsford super-middleweight Billy Long; Chingford lightweight Archie Sharp; West Ham super-lightweight Ben Smith and Sidcup super-featherweight D.P Carr.

Tickets priced at £40 and £60 are available from Ticket Master at www.ticketmaster.co.uk and 0844 844 0444

For media accreditation please go to www.frankwarren.com and go to the events page to apply.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin is in talks for a Spring unification bout with Billy Joe Saunders.

“We made a significant offer to Frank Warren as it is still GGG’s priority to unify all the middleweight titles,” Golovkin’s promoter Tom Loeffler told ESPN.com. “The unification fight with Billy Joe Saunders would be at the top of the list for the next fight. They are interested but no response yet.”

“Saunders just had a big win over Andy Lee, and this fight would generate a lot of worldwide interest,” Loeffler said.

“We have been in communication with Gennady Golovkin’s people, who have approached us with a firm offer of a unification fight with Triple G,” said Saunders’ promoter Frank Warren. “I know Billy Joe has intimated he may not be quite ready for this, but money talks louder than anything in boxing and such are the sums involved it is one certainly worth considering.

“We will be sitting down to talk about the future with Billy Joe once he has enjoyed his break. He has some really tasty options out there, and whatever happens we will come up with something really special.”

“Madison Square Garden is very interested in bringing back GGG as he is the first one to completely sell out MSG for a while for boxing,” said Loeffler, who was referring to the capacity crowd of 20,548 that Golovkin drew for the fight with Lemieux. “Texas [venues are] also very interested in hosting a GGG fight there for the first time and, naturally, The Forum in L.A.”

Billy Joe Saunders won the WBO Middleweight title with a 12-round majority decision over Andy Lee at The Manchester Arena in Manchester, England

Saunders dropped Lee twice in round three.  The first was from a perfect counter right on the chin.  Lee was hurt and tasted the canvas again from a flurry of punches that was punctuated by a right hand.  Lee was only occasionally able to land his vaunted power shots.  Saunders was never in any danger and the fight  turned into more of a jabbing contest, for which Saunders held his own.

Saunders won by scores of 115-111 and 114-112 and is now 23-0.  Lee of Limerick, Ireland is 34-3-1.

Follow all the action as Andy Lee defends the WBO Middleweight title against undefeated Billy Joe Saunders.  The action kicks off at 5 PM ET / 10 PM in Manchester, England

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LONDON (18 Dec) – Heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury is expecting a gruelling war when Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders share the ring this Saturday night.

The newly crowned unified champion, who dethroned long time king Wladimir Klitschko last month, believes both men will leave no stone unturned after their background has made them ‘bred to fight’.

Like Fury, the pair are from a travelling background, with the Manchester ace tipping the middleweight world title fight, exclusively live on BoxNation, to be one to remember.

“When two travellers get into the ring what you’re going to have is a real hard and tough fight. No one is going to be conned or fooled because both Andy Lee and Billy Joe have been bred to fight,” said Fury.

“They’ve been raised as real men and I expect them to go out there and produce a great fight. Billy Joe is the better technical boxer out of the two but Andy has the punching power, so it’s a well balanced fight,” he said.

The 27-year-old undefeated fighter is leaning towards a Saunders win, but is well aware of the threat WBO champion Lee possesses.

He has warned the Hatfield man he cannot lose focus like he did when letting Chris Eubank Jr back into their fight last year, a matchup Saunders was cruising in before his arch-rival pulled it back on the scorecards to eventually lose a narrow split decision.

“If Billy can box the right fight and make sure he concentrates throughout the whole 12 rounds then he can win the fight,” said Fury.

“He can’t allow himself to switch off and let Andy back into the fight like he’s done a few times, like he did in the Eubank Jr fight.

“Andy is a superior and more experienced fighter than Eubank Jr so he will definitely capitalise if he does switch off,” he said.

Fury also believes that alongside himself both men are setting the trend as positive role models for the travelling community.

“It’s great to see travellers becoming world champions because we’re the best fighters in the world. Hopefully I’ve set the mark for other traveller fighters by becoming world champion and I know Andy and Billy Joe are going to look to do a similar thing,” said Fury.

“Neither guy is going to take a back step and will leave it all in the ring so it’s a fight I’m really looking forward to seeing on Saturday.”

He was also pleased to hear that Saunders won a big bet after backing him to win the heavyweight world title last month in Dusseldorf.

“I’m pleased Billy Joe won £20,000 betting on me to win – it shows he’s an intelligent man who knows boxing! No one thought that I could become champion of the world except a handful of people.

“It feels good to prove so many wrong and nice that Billy Joe put his money where his mouth was and got rewarded for it,” said Fury.

Remaining tickets for Andy Lee vs Billy Joe Saunders at the Manchester Arena this Saturday are available from frankwarren.com. Or watch exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, Freeview 255, TalkTalk 415, online or app). Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

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Legendary East End trainer Jimmy Tibbs says Billy Joe Saunders’s preparations for his showdown with Andy Lee have been perfect and believes his man will defeat the big-hitting Irishman.

Saunders challenges Lee for his WBO World Middleweight crown this Saturday (December 19th) at the Manchester Arena in what is expected to be a thriller in the 160lb division, exclusively live on BoxNation.

Tibbs, 68, has trained a who’s who of British boxing including world champions Nigel Benn, Michael Watson and Chris Pyatt, and says there is something special in the Hatfield ace he has trained since the beginning of his career.

“I can’t fault Billy in this camp, he’s in fantastic shape, his weight is right, all the hard work has been done and now he’s got to go out there and do what he’s got to do,” Said Tibbs.

“I’ve had him since day one and I can’t think of another fight he’s been in this kind of shape and you’d expect that as he’s fighting for the world title, but it’s all there maturity, thinking, confidence, strength, stamina, conditioning and the biggest asset of all for a fighter, heart.”

“It’s been a team effort with me and my son Mark who’s handled the strength and conditioning, but Billy is the one who’s got to go out there and defeat Lee, who’s a tough, tough, man and take that world from him and I’ve got full confidence that he’ll do it.

“I’ve worked with many many great fighters and they’ve all had their special qualities, but with Billy there is something more. This is the fight that will take him to another level, he’s worked long and hard for six years for this and his time is now.”

NEW YORK (Dec. 17, 2015) – Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs will join the SHOWTIME® announce team as an in-studio guest this Saturday for the Andy Lee-Billy Joe Saunders WBO middleweight world title showdown that airs live on SHO EXTREME (5 p.m. ET/PT), from Manchester, England.

Jacobs will be in New York to share his thoughts, insight and perspective with boxing experts Brian Custer, Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi before and after the UK-based BoxNation coverage of the championship fight.

Jacobs, of course, has more than a passing interest in the outcome of the 50-50 matchup. The WBA Middleweight World Champion who defeated previously unbeaten and former world champion Peter Quillin in one round earlier this month on SHOWTIME, Jacobs could be looking at a unification fight against the winner.

Earlier this week, Jacobs gave his thoughts on the Lee-Saunders matchup:

“I’m excited for the winner of Lee vs. Saunders,” Jacobs said. “I’m rooting for Andy Lee because I think that’s a bigger fight for me. Doing something in the U.S. between the two of us would make a lot of sense. He has a huge following here in New York, just like me obviously. It would be a classic showdown that Brooklyn would appreciate.

“May the best man win between the two of them, but if Andy wins I think it would be very interesting for both of us.”

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL Lee vs. Saunders fight will re-air on SHOWTIME EXTREME on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

WBO World Middleweight title challenger Billy Joe Saunders has fired back at champion Andy Lee who slammed the Hatfield star in an interview today.

With the fight closing in fast this Saturday night at the Manchester Arena, the tension is cranking up between both camps who come face-to-face tomorrow for the final press conference.

In an interview in today’s Independent, some of the quotes Lee said about his rival were:

“I don’t think it is going to be my hardest fight.”

“He’s an Olympian but I don’t think he did what I did in the amateurs and he hasn’t fought anybody of real note yet. I have fought in the States, across Europe, have more experience,”

“He has never lost, not even lost many rounds, so I have to let him know from the start, let him taste the punches, taste the jab, nullify the things he wants to do. A bit of doubt will creep in and then he will get desperate.”

“I know what’s coming. He doesn’t. For the first time in his life he is going to find out that attitude alone won’t be enough.”

Unbeaten Saunders, who’s heading into his first world title fight, said, “He’s been in big fights in America, yes, but he’s also lost some big fights there as well, Julio Cesar Chavez and Brian Vera. I’ve not lost yet and I don’t intend on losing,”

“He was getting beat by Matt Korobov until his punch power got him out of trouble and he drew with Peter Quillin which I would have been disgusted with, I go in to win, not draw.

“Saturday night is Lee’s chance to prove if he is a world champion. I’m the undefeated challenger, if he beats me then I’ll be the first to shake his hand, but as I see it right now there’s only winner, me,”

“There are no doubts in my head at all and he knows that I’m mentally strong and that he can’t get into my head,”

“I’ve was an Olympian at 18 and beaten everyone put in front of me to come through. I’ve beaten everyone in Britain and now I just need Andy Lee who’s just another scalp on my record.”

NEW YORK (Dec. 15, 2015) – WBO Middleweight World Champion Andy Lee and undefeated challenger Billy Joe Saunders held separate media workouts in Manchester, England, as they conclude preparations for their eagerly awaited showdown this Saturday, Dec. 19, live on SHO EXTREME (5 p.m. ET/PT) from Manchester Arena.

Ireland’s Lee (34-2-1, 24 KOs) will make the first defense of his 160-pound title against England’s Saunders (22-0, 12 KOs), the WBO’s No. 1 middleweight contender.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL offering of the BoxNation telecast will feature analysis from SHOWTIME boxing experts Brian Custer, Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi before and after the world championship showdown. An encore presentation of the bout will air on SHO EXTREME later that evening at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Here’s what Lee and Saunders had to say at their media workouts on Tuesday and Monday, respectively:

ANDY LEE:
“I have a punch that can end a fight, lights out, in any given second.

“I won’t rely on the punch. I will look to dominate from the start with educated pressure.

“I’m feeling very dangerous at the moment.

“Saunders’ unbeaten record is a disadvantage. He’s always been in fights he’s expected to win and has been well managed by (Frank) Warren.

“I’ve never lost a fight on points and I never will on points. If I’m down on the cards I will go out swinging in the last round.

“Saunders being a fellow traveler does add another layer, but at the end the day it’s about how good you are and he’s not good enough to beat me.”

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS:
“I’m ready to go for Saturday night. This is the best camp that I’ve ever had. I’m prepared for the toughest test of my career, but I know that I’m in excellent shape to win this fight and become world champion.

“Andy Lee is a tough fighter – he’s proved that by becoming world champion and having the type of career he has had. But I’m undefeated and hungry and know that I’m on the brink of fulfilling a childhood dream. I’m not going to leave that ring without the title.

“Training in Spain allows me to lock myself away from all distractions and focus solely on the fight. It’s hard being away from home, but it’s all part of boxing. It’s been a long camp, a tough camp, but after that I know that I’m ready to go through hell to make sure that I’m successful come fight night.

“The middleweight division is one of the hottest around and I’m prepared to fight any of the other champions in there once I win the title.

“Danny Jacobs had a great win against Peter Quillin, and then there is Canelo (Alvarez) and (Gennady) Golovkin. I know the importance of this fight for the division and I want my name to be among the very best. I’m taking it one step at a time, but I’m open to fight anyone.

“There has been no trash talk with Andy because we know what each person is about. We share a similar background and neither of us is going to take a back step.

“This is going to be a very exciting all-action fight because we’re going to leave it all in the ring. I know I have the skills to beat him and I intend to show the world why I’m among the best around.”

Saunders on fellow Brit Chris Eubank Jr.:

“The truth of the matter is that Eubank Jr. does not belong at the world level – he’s a phony. It’s as simple as that. I wasn’t impressed with his win over Gary O’Sullivan, who I’ve already beat. He thinks he can fool the public with a win like that, but he can’t.

“His aim now is to move up and fight the best guys in the world, but we saw what happened the last time he stepped up a notch and faced me: he was badly exposed. The same thing will happen with him if he fights someone like Danny Jacobs for the WBA title.

“You’re not the best middleweight in your own country and you want to fight a world champion and say you’re going to beat him? I think it’s a delusion and he thinks he’s greater than he actually is.

“Sooner rather than later he’s going to get exposed again as the fraud that he is. You can keep talking, but eventually you have to back it up in the ring against top-level fighters. He’s won his last fight and now he’s back talking (expletive) again like he’s the best fighter in history.

“If he has the balls to fight again, which I doubt, I would happily hand him another beating, this time in even more convincing fashion.”

WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee has told challenger Billy Joe Saunders he has the punch to end his dreams.

Lee defends his title against Saunders this Saturday night (19th December) at the Manchester Arena, exclusively live on BoxNation, in the mouthwatering showdown that has got divided the fight trade.

The Limerick southpaw went through an open training session this morning in Manchester and showed the media a sample of his one-punch power.

With 24 KO’s in 34 wins, Lee is looking to inflict the first loss to Saunders’ unbeaten record and says that the Hatfield star is not good enough to beat him.

Lee stated, “I have a punch that can end a fight, lights out in any given second,”

“I won’t rely on the punch, I will look to dominate from the start with educated pressure,”

“I’m feeling very dangerous at the moment,”

“Saunders’ unbeaten record is a disadvantage, he’s always been in fights he’s expected to win and has been well managed by Warren,”

“I’ve never lost a fight on points and I never will on points, if I’m down on the cards I will go out swinging in the last round,”

“Saunders being a fellow traveler does add another layer, but at the end the day it’s about how good you are and he’s not good enough to beat me.”

Tickets for Lee v Saunders and Smith v Kelly priced from £40 are available from frankwarren.com, ticketmaster.co.uk, eventim.co.uk and manchester-arena.co.uk or watch exclusively live on BoxNation. Go to boxnaion.com to subscribe.

World title challenger Billy Joe Saunders has blasted arch nemesis Chris Eubank Jr saying he is a “phony” who is not at world level.

The 26-year-old from Hatfield, who takes on WBO champion Andy Lee this Saturday night, exclusively live on BoxNation from the Manchester Arena, has said he was left unimpressed with Eubank Jr’s win and that he will fall short if he takes on the best around.

The middleweight rivals have previously locked horns with Saunders coming out on top winning a split points decision late last year and he is adamant that the Brighton boxer will flop once again if he shares the ring with another top 160-pounder.

“The truth of the matter is that Eubank Jr does not belong at world level – he’s a phony, it’s as simple as that. I wasn’t impressed with his win over Gary O’Sullivan who I’ve already beat. He thinks he can fool the public with a win like that but he can’t,” said Saunders.

“His aim now is to move up and fight the best guys in the world but we saw what happened the last time he stepped up a notch and faced me, he was badly exposed. The same thing will happen with him if he fights someone like Danny Jacobs for the WBA title.

“You’re not the best middleweight in your own country and you want to fight a world champion and say you’re going to beat him? I think it’s delusion and he thinks he’s greater than he actually is.

“Sooner rather than later he’s going to get exposed again as the fraud that he is. You can keep talking but eventually you have to back it up in the ring against top level fighters. He’s won his last fight now he’s back talking shit again like he’s the best fighter in history.

“If he has the balls to fight again, which I doubt, I would happily hand him another beating but this time in even more convincing fashion,” Saunders said.

Remaining tickets are available from:

www.frankwarren.com

TicketMaster
0844 844 0444
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk
Manchester Arena
0161 950 5000
0161 950 5229 (disabled access bookings)

www.manchester-arena.co.uk
*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise Daniel Jacobs v Peter Quillin live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

Billy Joe Saunders has goaded Andy Lee ahead of their world title fight saying the Irishman knows about losing unlike him.

The undefeated Hatfield middleweight challenges for Lee’s WBO world title belt, exclusively live on BoxNation, from the Manchester Arena this Saturday night, and says he will have the mental edge when the pair finally clash.

26-year-old Saunders was in relaxed mood as he worked out for the media earlier today and is extremely confident ahead of his first world title attempt.

“I believe I have the advantage going into this fight knowing that I’ve never been beaten before,” said Saunders.

“It definitely gives you confidence knowing that you have overcome everyone you’ve ever faced and I think it does have an affect on you when you lose.

“Some fighters say that losing doesn’t play a part but it has to because you go into a fight weaker mentally and sometimes physically.

“Lee has lost before and I’m going to use that to my advantage. I think he’s a very good fighter but I’m younger and fresher and know I have the skills to beat him,” he said.

Some believe Saunders is the better pure boxer out of the two with Lee carrying the power, but the Commonwealth champion is unconcerned about the Limerick man’s renowned knockout prowess.

“His power doesn’t concern me,” said Saunders. “I know he has a big reputation for knocking guys out but I’m not going to be one of them. In fact, I think he has to be concerned about my punching power because it’s something that we’ve been working on.

“This fight is going to be very fan-friendly because of our two styles and it’s going to be electric when we get into the ring.”

With a record of 22-0, with 12 KO’s, Saunders turned professional at 18 after qualifying for the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

He now stands on the cusp of achieving a childhood dream of becoming world champion and is adamant he will not fall at the final hurdle.

“I’ve worked too hard and too long for this to let it slip me by. I’m ready for whatever is thrown at me on Saturday and will go through anything and everything to become champion,” said Saunders.

“My camp for this fight has been one of the best and most disciplined of my career and my only focus has been on getting my hand raised at the end of the fight – that’s all I’ve been picturing.

“Winning a world title is never easy so I’ve sacrificed everything to get into the shape I am today and come fight night you’re going to see why I’m one of the best middleweights in the world,” he said.

Remaining tickets for Lee v Saunders priced are available from frankwarren.com, ticketmaster.co.uk, eventim.co.uk and manchester-arena.co.uk or watch exclusively live on BoxNation. Go to boxnaion.com to subscribe.

WBA World Middleweight Champion Daniel Jacobs is backing rival WBO king Andy Lee to emerge the winner out his fight against Billy Joe Saunders to set up a unification fight, but the Hatfield ace says he’ll scupper that.

Brooklyn puncher Jacobs smashed neighbourhood rival Peter Quillin – who held Lee to a draw in April – inside a round last Saturday night in a brutal performance that sent shockwaves through the 160lb ranks that also holds elite fighters Gennady Golovkin and Saul Alvarez.

Jacobs will be a keen observer of the Lee v Saunders battle on Saturday 19th December at the Manchester Arena, that will be televised live in the U.S on Showtime, and believes a fight against Lee – who’s fought the majority of his career in the States and is a fight fan favourite with his thrilling KO wins against John Jackson and Matt Korobov – will be a bigger draw than Saunders.

“I’m excited for the winner of Lee vs. Saunders.” Said Jacobs.

“I’m rooting for Andy Lee because I think that’s a bigger fight for me. Doing something in the U.S. between the two of us would make a lot of sense,”

“He has a huge following here in New York, just like me obviously. It would be a classic showdown that Brooklyn would appreciate,”

“May the best man win between the two of them, but if Andy wins I think it would be very interesting for both of us.”

However, undefeated Saunders has told Jacobs not to book any dates to face Lee just yet as he aims to emerge the winner.

“Full respect to Jacobs for winning his fight against Quillin in such sensational style,” Said Saunders

“I did predict beforehand that Quillin would beat him on points and I called that one wrong when he did him in a round. I also said that I’d be too fast for both him and Quillin and I still say that would be the case,”

“So he’s tipping Andy Lee in this one? For the boxing trade and public it is a genuine 50-50 fight and a hard one to call, but I know in my mind what I’m going to do in the fight and win the world title,”

“We’ll see what happens in just under one week’s time when me and Lee clash, but there’s only one winner and that’s me.”

“If Jacobs is getting excited at the thought of him against Lee then I’m going to have to crush that dream for him.”

Frank Warren’s end of year title extravaganza ‘X-Mas Cracker’ is headlined by two massive world title showdowns with WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee defending his title against Billy Joe Saunders and WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith making his first title defence against Jimmy Kelly. A staggering SIX further titles are on the line with Mitchell Smith defending his WBO Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title against George Jupp; Paul Butler challenges for the Vacant WBO European Super-Flyweight Championship against Silvio Olteanu; Tommy Langford defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship; Commonwealth Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Williams and Kris Carslaw clash with the Vacant British title also on the line; Jack Catterall defends his WBO Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Championship, and Tom Stalker and Craig Evans clash again for the Vacant WBO European Lightweight Championship. The undercard features Merseyside favourite Joe Selkirk in a six-round contest, Indian superstar Vijender Singh, Anthony Yarde and top Manchester prospects Jack Flattley and Dale Coyne, plus Razza Hamza.

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from:

www.frankwarren.com

TicketMaster

0844 844 0444

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Eventim

0844 249 1000

www.eventim.co.uk

Manchester Arena

0161 950 5000

0161 950 5229 (disabled access bookings)

www.manchester-arena.co.uk

*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise Daniel Jacobs v Peter Quillin live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

WBO World Middleweight title challenger Billy Joe Saunders says he’d be too fast for either WBA champion Daniel Jacobs or Peter Quillin who clash tomorrow night live on BoxNation.

Saunders faces Andy Lee for his WBO crown on Saturday 19 December at the Manchester Arena, but will be watching his rivals closely to see the outcome.

The mega-middleweight fights are coming in thick and fast on BoxNation with Gennady Golovkin v David Lemieux and Miguel Cotto v Saul Alvarez super-fights already televised on the Channel of Champions.

However, Saunders says he’s not worried about the threat that Jacobs or Quillin would pose to him as his lightning hand and foot speed would be too much for them if they met.

“The middleweight division is hotting up nicely now, you’ve got Golovkin, Alvarez, and Cotto is still in there, and now these two lads’ are squaring up tomorrow night,” Said the Hatfield star.

“For me personally if I was fighting either of them, I know I’d be way to fast for them and would have a field day with them, they’re sluggers and too slow, I’m the better boxer and a boxer always beats a puncher,”

“I’d be darting in out and out, plenty of angles, variety of punches from both hands, head movement, I’m not saying I’d knock them out, but I’d comfortably out-punch and out-work them,”

“Jacobs is a good lad and he’s got the title, but I fancy Quillin in this one to beat him because he’s going to walk him down and get the decision,”

“I’ve got to get past Andy Lee first, he’s a good man, but I’m confident of beating him, and I’ve always said my eyes are on Cotto, who’s a hero of mine and I’d love to fight him.”

Frank Warren’s end of year title extravaganza ‘X-Mas Cracker’ is headlined by two massive world title showdowns with WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee defending his title against Billy Joe Saunders and WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith making his first title defence against Jimmy Kelly. A staggering SIX further titles are on the line with Mitchell Smith defending his WBO Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title against George Jupp; Paul Butler challenges for the Vacant WBO European Super-Flyweight Championship against Silvio Olteanu; Tommy Langford defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship; Commonwealth Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Williams and Kris Carslaw clash with the Vacant British title also on the line; Jack Catterall defends his WBO Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Championship, and Tom Stalker and Craig Evans clash again for the Vacant WBO European Lightweight Championship. The undercard features Merseyside favourite Joe Selkirk in a six-round contest, Indian superstar Vijender Singh, Anthony Yarde and top Manchester prospects Jack Flattley and Dale Coyne, plus Razza Hamza.

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from:

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TicketMaster

0844 844 0444

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

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0844 249 1000

www.eventim.co.uk

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*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise Daniel Jacobs v Peter Quillin live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

LONDON (3 Dec) – World title contender Billy Joe Saunders has taken a pop at former boxer and ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!’ contestant Chris Eubank.

The undefeated London fighter, who faces middleweight world champion Andy Lee on December 19th at the Manchester Arena, took a swipe at the father of his arch-rival Chris Eubank Jr, labelling him “annoying” and “pathetic” during his stint on the ITV show.

Eubank was evicted from the jungle earlier this week and Saunders says he knows where his son picked up his unlikeable qualities.

“I’ve not seen much of the shows because I’ve been training in Spain for my fight later this month but from what I have seen and been told his dad is just as annoying and pathetic as his son,” said Saunders.

“He was all talk when he was in the jungle but didn’t do much to help the other contestants out so I can see where his son picked up that trait of just talking a good game.

“It’s clear the public didn’t take to him that’s why they voted him out. You can only talk so much before you have to get your hands dirty and back up your words. He couldn’t do it in the jungle and his son can’t do it in the ring,” Saunders said.

Both Saunders and Eubank Jr locked horns a year ago with the Hatfield man coming out on top via a split decision.

If they were to meet again 26-year-old Saunders is convinced he would get the job done in even more emphatic fashion.

“I’ve already taken care of Eubank Jr but would happily hand him another beating once I get past Andy Lee,” said Saunders.

“In fact, if we were to fight again I’m certain that I will knock him out this time round. I’ve been in there with him once before so I have a very good idea now of how he operates.

“That gives me the confidence of knowing that I can stop him next time. It will be a much easier fight for me but I want to go after the world’s best so he’s not really on my radar,” he said.

The former British and European champion also called on Eubank Sr to admit that his time in the ring has passed and to stop calling out old foes in the shape of Nigel Benn, who he shared the ring with twice during his career.

“They had a couple of really good fights back in the 90s but Eubank needs to stop living in the past.

“Boxing is a young man’s sport and I don’t think he was serious when calling out Nigel Benn. It’s in the past now.

“Eubank had the chance to fight Benn again for the third time years ago but I don’t really think he fancied it. It’s easy to talk but when the time comes to sign the contract or get in the ring that’s when things go quite,” said Saunders.

Tickets for Andy Lee vs Billy Joe Saunders at the Manchester Arena on December 19th starting from just £40 are available from frankwarren.com , ticketmaster.co.uk or eventim.co.uk. Or watch exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, TalkTalk 415, online or app). Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

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NEW YORK (Dec. 1, 2015) – SHOWTIME Sports® will present the WBO Middleweight World Championship between defending titlist Andy Lee and unbeaten challenger Billy Joe Saunders on Saturday, Dec. 19, live on SHO EXTREME (5 p.m. ET/PT) from Manchester, England.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL offering of the Box Nation telecast will feature analysis from SHOWTIME boxing experts Brian Custer, Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi before and after the world championship showdown. An encore presentation of the bout will air on SHO EXTREME later that evening at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

“We’re excited to deliver this important matchup of top middleweights to the U.S. audience,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports. “The 160-pound class is one of boxing’s hottest and deepest divisions right now, and the winner of this fight should position himself for a major showdown or unification in 2016.”

Ireland’s Lee (34-2-1, 24 KOs) won the vacant WBO title with a sixth-round TKO of then-undefeated Matt Korbov in December 2014. The 6-foot-2, 31-year old was on a six-fight win streak before boxing a split 12-round draw with undefeated former champion Peter Quillin on April 11, 2015, in Brooklyn. Both fighters went down in a highly competitive scrap that was scored 113-112 for Quillin, 113-112 for Lee and 113-113.

Before turning pro Lee was a top amateur and represented Ireland in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

“It’s great that my fans in the U.S. will get to see the fight between me and Saunders and I guarantee it’s going to be exciting,” Lee said.

Saunders (22-0, 12 KOs), of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, is the WBO’s No. 1 middleweight contender. The 26-year-old is coming off a fourth-round TKO over Yoannan Bloyer last July 24 in London.

Two starts ago, in the most note-worth victory of his career, the 5-foot-11, Saunders took a 12-round split decision over Chris Eubank Jr. on Nov. 29, 2014, in London. All but one of Saunders’ fights have taken place in England; the other was Northern Ireland.

Saunders was also an accomplished amateur; he represented England in the 2008 Olympic Games as a welterweight at the age of 18. Saunders is the great-grandson of one of Britain’s most famous gypsy bare-knuckle champions, Absolom Beeney.

“This is a massive night for me and I’m excited that it’s going out live to America,” Saunders said. “The U.S. viewers will get to see just what I can do when I face Lee and become world champion. It’s a big boost for me and takes the fight to another level when American TV comes on board and then you know it’s a big fight on the world stage. I hope that (Gennady) Golovkin and (Miguel) Cotto will be both watching because I’m fast approaching their level and they’ll get to see what I’m all about.”

Promoter Frank Warren said, “I’m delighted that SHOWTIME will now be televising Lee vs. Saunders live in the U.S. as it confirms the importance of this fight on the world scene. My relationship with the network goes back many years with fights like Joe Calzaghe vs. Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton vs. Kostya Tszyu, Frank Bruno vs. Oliver McCall, plus Naseem Hamed and Nigel Benn fights. I believe that Lee vs. Saunders will be another great fight to add to that list because of what’s at stake for both fighters. What lies ahead for the winner will make them fight to their very best.”

Billy Joe Saunders has been backed by the new world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury to become the next world champion from travelling stock and predicts a new era for the sport.

Undefeated ace Saunders, who lives on a travellers’ site in Hatfield, challenges the WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee for his crown on Saturday 19th December at the Manchester Arena, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The 26-year-old is deep in preparations at the MGM training facility in Marbella for his massive showdown against Lee, but made sure he watched Fury’s sensational upset of long-reigning heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko.

“Tyson did what he said he was going to do and shook the world,” Said Saunders.

“A lot of people said he couldn’t do it and it was an impossible job, but I backed him from day one to beat Klitschko,”

“He proved that he’s a real champion by going into the lion’s den and beating a true great in Klitschko in his own backyard,”

“No one has done that to Klitschko before and it shouldn’t be underplayed,”

“I couldn’t be happier for him and his achievement. We spoke the next day and he was over the moon about his win as he rightly should be, Britain has a new heavyweight champion of the world,”

“It fantastic that the world heavyweight champion is a travelling lad, the flagship division is now ruled by a traveller, now it’s my turn to bring another world title to our community and for Britain,”

“Tyson said he’s backing me to win the WBO World Middleweight title against Lee and then we’ll both rule.”

“I believe that this is the start of a new era in boxing for gypsy fighters, Tyson’s world champion, I’m going to beat Lee and become the next world champion, and there are plenty more travelling lads coming through who are all potential world champions.”

Frank Warren’s end of year title extravaganza ‘X-Mas Cracker’ is headlined by two massive world title showdowns with WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee defending his title against Billy Joe Saunders and WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith making his first title defence against Jimmy Kelly. A staggering SIX further titles are on the line with Mitchell Smith defending his WBO Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title against George Jupp; Paul Butler challenges for the Vacant WBO European Super-Flyweight Championship against Silvio Olteanu; Tommy Langford defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship; Commonwealth Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Williams and Kris Carslaw clash with the Vacant British title also on the line; Jack Catterall defends his WBO Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Championship, and Tom Stalker and Craig Evans clash again for the Vacant WBO European Lightweight Championship. The undercard features Merseyside favourite Joe Selkirk in a six-round contest, Indian superstar Vijender Singh, Anthony Yarde and top Manchester prospects Jack Flattley and Dale Coyne, plus Razza Hamza.

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from: