Buglioni, Saunders Thrilled Over Title Fight Opportunity

By Terence Dooley

 

Frank Warren held a press conference in London earlier today to reveal the details of his July 24th Wembley Arena show and to unveil two world title fights.  

One of them was expected, Billy Joe Saunders, 21-0 (11), will challenge Andy Lee, 34-2-1 (24), for the WBO middleweight title in September;  the other one was a bit more leftfield, as reported previously on BoxingScene Frank Buglioni will face WBA Super middleweight World title holder Fedor Chudinov on the Wembley bill.

 

“Frank has a great chance to become world champion,” stated Warren when confirming the contest.

 

“Billy Joe Saunders will be having a warm up fight before he faces Andy Lee on September 5th,” he added.

 

“I jumped at the chance,” said Buglioni, 16-1-1 (12), who drew over 10 rounds with Lee Markham his last outing.  “I'm looking to go in there and upset the odds.  No one's seen the best of me yet.  I'm looking forward to being the underdog and putting on a show.”

 

His confidence was clear to see when he stated that: “I'm happy to give Lee Markham my first defence of the belt.”

 

“I respect him and expect a good fight,” said Chudinov, 13-0 (10), before underlining his credentials.  “In the amateurs I was European and Russian champion—175 fights, 175 wins.”

 

The show is called “Friday Night Lights” and had been given added star power in the form of Saunders, who will have a warm-up fight ahead of his September showdown with Lee.  He said: “"I can wait to brush the cobwebs off and get ready for 5th September. I need a warm up fight after six-months out.”

 

Warren also revealed that Ovill McKenzie will appear on the show as he bids to move into world title contention.

 

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