BRADLEY SAUNDERS has geared up for next month’s Commonwealth title shot by claiming the ninth stoppage of his 12-fight professional career.

And the Sedgefield light welterweight thinks stopping Stephane Benito in the fifth round in Hull on Saturday night was the perfect preparation, even if it was a little tougher than expected.

Saunders is due to headline a Sky Sports screened show at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on Saturday, April 4 when he faces Dave Ryan for the Commonwealth belt.

He said: “I am pleased. There are not many kids who could have taken the shots Benito did. My hands have a heartbeat in them still, he took some shots.

“I know Dave Ryan is tough but this guy was tough. There is nothing worse than a premature stoppage but this guy took some shots from me.

“I was just starting to get in to it. He was a tough operator and it will stand me in good stead. I was in the trenches and I expect to be in the trenches with Dave Ryan so this fight was ideal for me.”

Saunders is now excited about his first mainstream title outing in the North-East as he looks to progress with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable on to the world stage – and he will be doing everything he can to stop the reigning Commonwealth champion who beat Tyrone Nurse in October.

He said: “Once I have had a big Sunday dinner I will start my diet on Monday. I am going to do things properly for this fight. I will be good to go in April. I want to bring a big fight to the North-East of England and deliver.

“I have a new trainer in Oliver Harrison. He was recommended to me. He is perfect for me and he has given me a lot of technical work so things are going well. This fight was ideal at timing against an ideal opponent, now it’s all focus on Dave Ryan.”