Rising star Billy Joe Saunders is backing gym-mate Kevin Mitchell to score a spectacular KO win over Michael Katsidis next month. Mitchell tackles the Aussie star for the Interim WBO World Lightweight title on May 15 at West Ham’s Upton Park football ground. And the Hatfield ace is confident that Mighty Mitch will ensure the title stays in London. His prediction comes after the two have shared some fiery sparring sessions under the watchful eye of top trainer Jimmy Tibbs. Meanwhile the 20-year-old Olympian says he’s in great shape after recovering from a hand injury he sustained before Christmas..
It kept him off Frank Warren’s Wembley show in February, but after a successful operation Saunders is raring to go again, and will form part of the huge undercard to Mitchell’s world title tilt.
“Kevin’s been flying in training, he’s definitely going to become a world champion and he’s definitely going to do a job on Katsidis,” said Saunders.
“The way he’s been punching in the gym, he can take Katsidis out with a single shot and take him out early as well.
“I love working with him because I can learn so much from him.
“I’m about two stone heavier but that doesn’t stop him having a crack in the gym!
“We’re good mates though and we’re always driving each other on.
“It’s great to be part of a successful team under Jimmy, and I hope that I can help Kevin improve in the same way he’s helping me get better every time I work with him.”
Of his return to action – his May 15 appearance will be his first eight rounder – Saunders added: “It’s a dream venue really, fighting at a football ground like Upton Park.
“Can you imagine what the atmosphere will be like down in east London in the build up to the fight.
“I was gutted I missed the February show, but knowing that I’m going to be fighting in front of a 20,000+ crowd has helped me get back in shape pretty quickly.
“Fighting over eight rounds will be another test, and I’m hoping that I’m not too far behind James DeGale in fighting for my first title.
“I need a couple more fights to make sure my hand is good, and then the reins will come off and I will be ready for anyone in Britain.”
‘Hammer Time’ is headlined by Kevin Mitchell’s challenge for the WBO Interim World Lightweight Championship against Michael Katsidis. A quality packed undercard includes the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship between Danny Williams and Sam Sexton; Olympic Gold medallist James DeGale challenges for the first title in his career – the WBA International Super-Middleweight Championship; unbeaten heavyweight star Derek Chisora; and Britain’s hottest young prospects Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders. Plus more fights to be added.
Tickets for ‘Hammer Time’, priced at £30, £40, £50, £80, £150, £200 & £250, are available from: See Tickets Ticket Hotline: 0871 2200 260*
Website: www.seetickets.com
Kevin Mitchell: I`ll have Katsidis’ Head!
West Ham United’s Boleyn Ground is named after tragic queen Anne Boleyn – and Kevin Mitchell says he’ll have Michael Katsidis’ head on May 15. Mitchell tackles the hard-hitting Australian for the interim WBO World lightweight title at West Ham United. And the unbeaten 25-year-old has been swotting up on The Hammers’ history as the big fight gets closer. “Anne Boleyn owned a castle near the ground back in Tudor times, and that’s where the ground got its name from,” said Mitchell.
“I wasn’t much of a swot at school, but I do know Anne Boleyn had her head chopped off by Henry VIII.
“Katsidis is going to be feeling the same way as her after I’ve dealt with him on May 15.
“He’ll have a right old headache after I’ve knocked him out good and proper.
“Maybe my mate Ray Winstone can put on his Henry VIII costume and make Katsidis feel right at home!
“I was reading yesterday that he loves fighting in London because it makes him feel like Rocky.
“He’ll certainly be feeling rocky down here in West Ham because I’m going to batter him all over the ring.
“Katsidis is about as quick as Rocky, and I’ll expect that he’ll stand in front of me all fight and have a right old tear up.
“I’ll out box him and I’ll out fight him and take away his title.”
Often known as Upton Park, the Boleyn Ground has been around in one form or another for nearly 100 years, and even survived being bombed by the Nazis in the Second World War.
‘Hammer Time’ is headlined by Kevin Mitchell’s challenge for the WBO Interim World Lightweight Championship against Michael Katsidis. A quality packed undercard includes the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship between Danny Williams and Sam Sexton; Olympic Gold medallist James DeGale challenges for the first title in his career – the WBA International Super-Middleweight Championship; unbeaten heavyweight star Derek Chisora; and Britain’s hottest young prospects Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders. Plus more fights to be added.
Tickets for ‘Hammer Time’, priced at £30, £40, £50, £80, £150, £200 & £250, are available from:
West Ham Ticket Hotline: 0871 222 2700*
Website: www.whufc.com
See Tickets Ticket Hotline: 0871 2200 260*
Website: www.seetickets.com
Ticketmaster: 0844 847 2500*
Website: www.ticketmaster.co.uk