BRADLEY SAUNDERS has immediately turned his attention towards winning a medal after fulfilling his first wish at the World Amateur Boxing Championships.

After defeating American Javier Molina in the early hours of yesterday morning, the Sedgefield boxer heads into tonight's quarter-final against Frenchman Alexis Vastine confident in the knowledge he has already secured his place in next year's Olympics.

Saunders has always dreamed he would one day compete for gold at the Games and now he is assured of his place in Beijing after reaching the last eight in Chicago.

Saunders was never overawed by the surroundings, despite a partisan States-side crowd desperate to see Molina emerge victorious.

After recording a stunning 24- 12 points win over Molina, Saunders revealed the delight he felt after stunning the locals.

"It was the second best day of my life," said Saunders, who had his 14-month-old son with him inside the Chicago arena.

"My first goal was to qualify for the Olympics and my next one is to gain a medal here.

"I have to pay massive thanks to England coach Terry Edwards who has been pushing me all the way to achieve success at this event."

Edwards, who is also likely to be team Great Britain's coach at the Beijing Olympics, said: "I love Bradley.

"He's a tough, fast-handed, difficult opponent for anyone to box and he's improving all the time."

Saunders charged straight into the ring after Molina and he never looked back once he had gained an early advantage.

The 20-year-old, fighting in the 64kg category, is now expecting a tougher contest against Vastine.

There is also a strong chance Saunders will be followed on to next year's Olympics stage by fellow North-Easterner Tony Jeffries.

Jeffries, of Sunderland, was due to face Ramazan Magomedov of Belarus last night for a place in the quarter-finals of the 81kg category.

Elsewhere, Scottish heavyweight Stephen Simmons was stopped in the fourth round against Milorad Gajovic of Montenegro.

Irish duo John Sweeney (heavyweight) and middleweight Darren Sutherland lost to Russia's Rakhim Chakhkeiv and Alfonso Blanco of Venezuela respectively.

However, all three could still qualify for Beijing.

■ A star-studded guest list will assemble for a benefit dinner for former world featherweight champion Paul Ingle in his hometown of Scarborough tomorrow.

Ingle suffered brain injuries during a defeat against Mbulelo Botile in December 2000.

Among those appearing are Nigel Benn, Steve Collins, Billy Hardy and Johnny Nelson.

Tickets are still available, priced £150 Platinum, £125 Gold, £100 Silver, £75 Bronze.

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