Thanks to the all-boxing network, Boxnation, his career has received a grand reception throughout Great Britain. His debut, a third-round TKO over Jason Nesbitt, was broadcast on TV, and all subsequent bouts have been viewed by large audiences.
Why is this? Saunders had an illustrious amateur career with a bronze medal at the World Amateur Championships, Silver at the Commonwealth Games, and Gold at the EU Amateur Championships in 2009. He also represented his home nation in the 2008 London Olympics. He was the ABA Lightweight champion in 2007.
If that isn’t enough of a testament to his merits, Saunders has 7 stoppages in nine wins as a pro. He’d be best described as a boxer that likes to bang in the pocket. So far, his opponents haven’t had much of an answer for what he’s brought to the table.
His next opponent, Ville Piispanen, is 18-4-3. Even that record could be deceptive. Piispanen has held his own and nearly beat some of the best in Europe including Michelle Di Rocco, Lenny Daws, and Vittorio Oi.
Bradley Saunders wants to win the WBO Inter-Continental title, move to a double-digit win record, and most-likely be awarded a world record by the sanctioning body in one night. His discipline might be the key to his victory.
Saunders-Piispanen takes place on June 7th in Newcastle.
Q/A transcript is below for your viewing pleasure.
Hello, Bradley,
Thanks for agreeing to answer a few questions as you work through your training camp for your June 7th WBO Inter-Continental title fight against Ville Piispanen.
Ringnews24.com: First, tell me a little bit about yourself, beyond boxing. How does one describe Bradley Saunders?
I’m an outgoing family man to date.. Been a lad’s lad but grown up a lot over the last few years. I know what I want in life.
Ringnews24.com: Now, I must ask, do you know anything about your next opponent from Finland, Ville Piispanen?
I know he asked for this fight four weeks ago. My people said that it has to be for a title. He had a warm up fight on Saturday and won. So he is right up for it.
Ringnews24.com: You had a vast amateur pedigree, most notably, in the 2008 Olympic games, World Amateur Championship, EU championships, and Commonwealth games. How do you feel this prepares you for real challenges like this so early in your pro career?
I am more than ready. Experience is priceless and I have been there and seen it before in other people’s back yards around the world.
Ringnews24.com: Against Piispanen, this is your second ten round fight. Your first was against late-replacement Mitch Prince, whom you defeated by TKO in four rounds. How prepared are you to go the full ten against Piispanen, if it comes down to that?
I am ready to go as long as I have to. I spar and train hard. Anyone that knows me knows that I get better as I go on and can win no matter how long the fight goes.
Ringnews24.com: What has you most enticed about this fight with Piispanen? Winning the WBO’s Inter-Continental title will certainly leap you into their rankings. Do you want to soon challenge for a world title?
Yes. For sure. I want and will be a world champion, that is my ultimate goal.
Ringnews24.com: To begin your career, you signed with Frank Warren Promotions. What do you think of Frank as a promoter and how he’s managed your career thus far?
I just got off the phone with him! I think he is top draw. He delivers for me and that’s all I want.
Ringnews24.com: You re-located to Marbella in Spain and began working at MGM (Macklin’s Gym Marbella) gym in 2013. How has this made a difference with your focus, compared to your experiences with Peter Cope?
Peter Cope’s gym in Hartlepool is the best in England for me. If I ever went back.. Great bunch of lads, too. It’s a better way of life out here, more relaxed. My son, Leyton, and partner, Stephanie, love it.
Ringnews24.com: How has your training camp been for your upcoming fight against Piispanen? What kind of sparring have you been getting at the new gym?
The gym is flying. I sparred Liam Walsh, Tom Stalker, Peter McDonough, and Anthony Fitzpatrick. They are all good lads!
Ringnews24.com: What can fans expect from your fight with Piispanen, where, with a win, you’ll raise your mark to 10-0?
Fireworks, pain, and confusion.
Ringnews24.com: Any comments for the readers?
I float like a butterfly and hit like a horse. Who is that man? Bradley Saunders, of course!
Catch my fight on June 7 at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle. Thanks to all of my fans for the support.
Thank you for your participation, Bradley.
