By Peter Mann

BRADLEY SAUNDERS has his sights on claiming a second professional belt after being lined up for the biggest bout of his career so far.

Early next year the 11-fight unbeaten Sedgefield boxer will be attracting North-East fans to watch him in action under the watchful eye of promoter Eddie Hearn, who has also earmarked Anthony Joshua for the same bill.

Saunders, the WBO International light welterweight champion, takes the next, and his biggest, on the road to a world shot by trying to overcome Dave Ryan on April 4 at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena. 

The prize on offer for the Marbella-based fighter is Ryan’s Commonwealth title which he defeated Tyron Nurse for in October.

Although Ryan is someone Saunders respects, he feels he is more than beatable. The veteran, who debuted in 2007, is a two-weight Midlands Area champion as well as having challenged for the English light welterweight strap in 2012.

Saunders, at home with his loving family for the festive period, said: “I’ve never stopped training because I love boxing and it’s my job no matter where I am.

“To be able to get an opportunity like though is brilliant, it’s something that I have wanted for some time so I have to go in there and take that title with both hands.”

What Saunders has done to further himself in recent times is add Hartlepool nutritionist Ian Glass to his backroom arsenal, an addition which saw instant benefits.

The owner of Muscle World HQ knows that it will take up to a year before fight fans will get to see the best of the Commonwealth challenger.

“He’s really good and definitely knows what he’s talking about,” said Saunders, a light welterweight. “I like my food and, with Ian on board, I have found myself not only eating more of the good things, but I’m a lot stronger as well."

The past 30 months have seen Ryan, the commonwealth title holder, oppose fighters of the calibre of Darren Hamilton, Adil Anwar, Curtis Woodhouse, Sam Eggington, and, in winning his last two, Paul McCloskey and Nurse.

The April contest will be an exciting and enthralling challenge for both. “I’m excited to be in with someone like Ryan,” Saunders added.

“He’s been in with the likes of McCloskey and Nurse and they are people I feel I can not only mix it with, but beat. I do believe I can mix it with the best of them and that’s why the move to Matchroom and being able to fight in front of Sky Sports excites me.”

The move to Eddie Hearn and the Matchroom bandwagon was announced not that long ago and Saunders’ promotional debut arrived at the sold-out Liverpool Echo Arena where he defeated Ivan Levickis over six rounds.

It was a signing he could not turn down and his headlining of the Newcastle show in April will be what dreams are made of.

“This wasn’t a bad move by any means, and it was the best one for my family,” he continued.

“This show in April is brilliant, not only for me but for the North-East as a whole, it’ll be a top bill with some great fighters on it, be they national like Joshua, or regional stars.”

The Saunders household can now hope to adding yet another piece of silverware to their bulging collection. With younger brother Jeff already an increasing success in the amateur ranks, Bradley, who was a two-time Junior ABA champion, four-time Four Nations gold medallist, National ABA Champion, as well as being silver medallist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.