SEDGEFIELD fighter Jeff Saunders will attempt to extend his unbeaten record in Manchester on Saturday night when he makes an appearance on the undercard of Scott Quigg’s world title defence against Kiko Martinez, writes Peter Mann.

At just 23 it is another massive step up for the former champion amateur, who debuted on the Matchroom show on Sky Sports in Newcastle in April in emphatic fashion, before achieving further success on the Relentless Promotions bill in Dunston the following month.

Saunders, who is the younger brother of former Olympian Bradley, is delighted to be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Quigg, and is delighted to be involved in another high-profile event that will be televised live on Sky.

“I’m over the moon to be on such a big bill,” said Saunders. “However, I’m there to do a job of my own and nothing will knock me off my stride even though it’s an absolute privilege to be on Sky Sports again and I’m loving it. If I keep performing as I am then hopefully people will see that I’m doing my job.”

Another North-East fighter will appear on the same card as Sunderland’s Glenn Foot opposes Sam Eggington for the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles, and the Saunders camp are looking forward to seeing Jeff back in the ring ahead of Bradley’s impending return from injury.

“I’ve been over to Marbella and had a great experience out there with the family,” said Jeff. “There was some good training with our Bradley and he showed me what it’s like out there – and then I come back to Glassy (trainer Ian Glass from Muscleworld HQ in Hartlepool) beasting me on Crimdon Dene stairs.

“But it’s worth it. I hope I don’t get past round one you know what I mean, I’m not getting paid overtime, and I enjoy doing that, I enjoy hurting people.

“That's what I'm in the sport for, it's what everyone is in the sport for you know and obviously to be the world champion as well. That's my main goal but I enjoy doing it so, first round, 12th round, as long as I’m hurting them and they’re not hurting me, I’m happy.”

The WBA World Super Bantamweight title tops the bill, with Quigg set to defend his title for a sixth time against Martinez.

“We all know he (Martinez) is one-dimensional but he’s also dangerous, powerful and has a great boxing brain on him,” said Quigg.

“That means I have to be smart and not be reckless, but I’ve taken this fight  - as I do others - seriously and you can see that in the way I’ve trained. I’ve got many plans for Saturday, but I will decide on the night what to do.”