Olympian Billy Joe Saunders will challenge for his first title next month at the Excel London as chief support on the Kevin Mitchell-John Murray undercard.

The hard-hitting southpaw takes on the Southern Area Middleweight Champion Gary Bouldon from Shepperton.

Saunders, who at 18 was the youngest representative in the GB boxing team at the Beijing Olympics, turned professional shortly after alongside gold medalist James DeGale and Frankie Gavin under Frank Warren.

He suffered a hand injury in May last year that saw him out of action until December when he roared back into action with a second round stoppage of Tony Randell.

Since then Saunders has had two further wins, both in the second round, against Turgay Uzun and Kevin Hammond to take his record to 9-0.

The Hatfield traveler is raring to go against Bouldon and can't see him making the final bell.

"This is the start of bigger and better things for me. Bouldon is a stepping stone towards the British, Commonwealth and European titles that I want to win before going for the big one." Said Saunders.

"Bouldon looks tough, but I can't see him causing me any problems. I'll be looking to steam straight through him and get him out of the way early."

"I've been sparring with everyone from middleweight to heavyweight and
dropping them so I can't see him lasting the distance."

"I'm making up for lost time due to the hand injury, but as you can see I'm punching harder than ever now and I'm going through opponents."

Tickets for North 'n South are available now, priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £150 and £200, from 0844 844 0444 or ticketmaster.co.uk