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Billy Joe Saunders reveals first world title defence

Billy Joe Saunders announces his first defence of the WBO middleweight crown

John Dennen

7th March, 2016

Billy Joe Saunders reveals first world title defence
Action Images/Lee Smith

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS has revealed he will defend his WBO middleweight title against Ukraine’s Max Bursak on April 30 at the Copper Box Arena in London.

Saunders won the world crown last December when he outscored Andy Lee in Manchester.

“(Bursak) comes in your face and he can make it very awkward for a good fighter,” Billy said. “I’m looking to make a statement.”

“I don’t want to be a one fight champion,” he continued.

Saunders expects to retain his title and have a major fight this summer. His confidence is clear now he holds the WBO title. “I always knew I’d be world champion. It was just when,” Saunders said.

On the undercard Ovill McKenzie will fight Dmytro Kucher for the European cruiserweight title. Ryan Walsh will box James Tennyson for the British featherweight title.

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