AS the football season draws to a close, the local fight scene remains as busy as ever with the start of May set to see two blockbusters in the space of seven days as Phil Jeffries and Steve Wraith go head to head yet again.

On May 1, Steve Wraith and Relentless Promotions take opening billing in Dunston as the Lancastrian Suite plays host to Friday Fight Night; a week later it is the Borough Hall in Hartlepool for Phil Jeffries' show, The Return of the Barmy Army.

Both cards are mouth-watering with the first being headlined by the Saunders bandwagon’s newest protege, Jeff Saunders, and also featuring a Tyne-Tees derby between Benwell’s Sam Best and Darlington’s Steven Cooper.

The second bill will showcase the Cope brothers, with Peter and Daniel taking centre billing alongside stablemates Anthony Hard and Liam Cammock. There’s also room for the Ward family to get in on the act as both Martin and Tommy make appearances.  

Saunders, who is coming off the back of a scintillating first-round stoppage win at the Metro Radio Arena, will certainly be aiming for two on the spin, and in quick succession.

He said: “I wasn’t going to mess about really. I saw that he (Racz) had gone and I thought that’s it, I’m taking it. I couldn’t have asked for more from my professional debut, I mean in front of Sky Sports and over 6,500 was just amazing.

"I tried to soak up the atmosphere but I hadn’t fought since the ABAs and the support on both days was just unreal.

“My coaches, nutritionist Ian Glass, my cutsman, they’ve all been superb, even my sponsors ESRG and MGM Gym, those coupled with the work my mother (Tracey Saunders) puts in would not have got me to where I am today and I’ll repay that by winning a world title.

“The next stop though is May 1 in Dunston. It will be a brilliant night and I am buzzing that I am headlining. I also know that all eyes will be on me though so I will have to push the boat out and see where it all goes.”

The Copes, meanwhile, have not had it their own way of late, both fighters losing their last bouts in different circumstances.

The younger, but more experienced of the two, Area champion and English challenger at super featherweight, Peter Cope, said: “I am making the move into lightweight starting with this bout.

“The weight was a massive thing for me, especially in my last two outings and I haven’t been anywhere near my best for a while. The change in division has me hungry again and I will put in a good performance for what will be only my third ever appearance in Hartlepool.

“I’m just glad to be back and can’t wait to get in the ring on the 8th, I’ve been missing it and this will be a great homecoming and a massive card for both me and Daniel.

"I know the Barmy Army will be out in force on what should be an electric night and a great atmosphere all round so I can’t thank everyone enough for their continuing support.

“What will they expect from me this year? Well, I’m hoping to get back into title contention at least at English level, no matter who has it and then go from there."