MGM’s Bradley Saunders announces Next Fight on 29th March

MGM Professional Boxer Bradley Saunders announced yesterday at a press conference in Newcastle that he will take on Paul McCloskey in a ten round bout on Saturday 29th March. The fight will be staged at Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle on the undercard of the British cruiserweight title clash between champion Jon Lewis Dickinson and challenger Neil Dawson.
Bradley Saunders stated, “I’m excited for this fight. My phone’s been going mad since the announcement – thanks for all the support. I just don’t want to be wrapped in cotton wool, so only eight fights in and this lets you all know that”.
After flying back from MGM Marbella in Spain for the press conference, having moved there to train with Seamus Macklin at Matthew Macklin’s gym in Marbella, Saunders has been working hard “I’ve never been so fit – I’m in top shape. I’ve got my family out here with me and the gym is brilliant.”
Saunders admitted difficulty focusing on his career while living back home. “It was only going to go one way…I wouldn’t have trained as hard. There were just too many distractions”.
With eight wins, six of which were knockouts, Saunders is keen to kick on this year and 2014 could be the year as his ultimate goal is to challenge for titles this year. This could be a big test for the former Beijing 2008 Olympian but he is not afraid of taking risky fights. Early in his career he went eight rounds with Peter McDonagh in just his fifth professional outing. His Opponent, Paul McCloskey (34), with record of 24 (12) – 3 (1) – 0 is a former European light welterweight champion who lost in his last fight on points over eight rounds against Derby’s Dean Ryan in December. McCloskey has previously won the IBF International light welterweight title, British light welterweight title, EBU European light welterweight title and the WBA Inter-Continental light welterweight title. The Dungiven southpaw was beaten by Amir Khan three years ago in a controversial bout that was abandoned after six rounds because of a clash of heads.

Bradley commented “If you look at the ratings now, McCloskey’s up there. Curtis is in front of him. He’s retiring, and Amir Khan’s going up a weight. That means the man I’m fighting is No 1 or thereabouts, so if I beat him, surely that leaves me in the No 1 spot.”
Saunders confirmed his delight with the location of the fight and is happy to be appearing in front of his home crowd again. “I always like fighting in the North East. I sold 1,500 tickets last time out, and my following is getting bigger. I want to bring things back to the North East rather than take them away”

This match up sets the scene for youth v experience in what promises to be contest not to be missed for all boxing fans.