*SAUNDERS BACKS MITCHELL TO WIN BY KO*
 
Rising star Billy Joe Saunders is backing gym-mate Kevin Mitchell to score a spectacular KO win over Michael Katsidis next month.
 
Mitchell tackles the Aussie star for the Interim WBO World Lightweight title on May 15 at West Ham's Upton Park football ground.
 
And the Hatfield ace is confident that Mighty Mitch will ensure the title stays in London.
 
His prediction comes after the two have shared some fiery sparring sessions under the watchful eye of top trainer Jimmy Tibbs.
 
Meanwhile the 20-year-old Olympian says he's in great shape after recovering from a hand injury he sustained before Christmas.
 
It kept him off Frank Warren's Wembley show in February, but after a successful operation Saunders is raring to go again, and will form part of the huge undercard to Mitchell's world title tilt.
 
"Kevin's been flying in training, he's definitely going to become a world champion and he's definitely going to do a job on Katsidis," said Saunders.
 
"The way he's been punching in the gym, he can take Katsidis out with a single shot and take him out early as well.
 
"I love working with him because I can learn so much from him.
 
"I'm about two stone heavier but that doesn't stop him having a crack in the gym!
 
"We're good mates though and we're always driving each other on.
 
"It's great to be part of a successful team under Jimmy, and I hope that I can help Kevin improve in the same way he's helping me get better every time I work with him."
 
Of his return to action - his May 15 appearance will be his first eight rounder - Saunders added: "It's a dream venue really, fighting at a football ground like Upton Park.
 
"Can you imagine what the atmosphere will be like down in east London in the build up to the fight.
 
"I was gutted I missed the February show, but knowing that I'm going to be fighting in front of a 20,000+ crowd has helped me get back in shape pretty quickly.
 
"Fighting over eight rounds will be another test, and I'm hoping that I'm not too far behind James DeGale in fighting for my first title.
 
"I need a couple more fights to make sure my hand is good, and then the reins will come off and I will be ready for anyone in Britain."
 
'Hammer Time' is headlined by Kevin Mitchell's challenge for the WBO Interim World Lightweight Championship against Michael Katsidis. A quality packed undercard includes the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship between Danny Williams and Sam Sexton; Olympic Gold medallist James DeGale challenges for the first title in his career - the WBA International Super-Middleweight Championship; unbeaten heavyweight star Derek Chisora; and Britain's hottest young prospects Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders. Plus more fights to be added.
 
Tickets for 'Hammer Time', priced at £30, £40, £50, £80, £150, £200 & £250, are available from:
 
West Ham Ticket Hotline: 0871 222 2700*
Website: www.whufc.com
 
See Tickets Ticket Hotline: 0871 2200 260*
Website: www.seetickets.com
 
Ticketmaster: 0844 847 2500*
Website: www.ticketmaster.co.uk

TONY JEFFRIES wants to land his first professional title by the end of the year.
 
The Olympic bronze medallist has fully recovered from a spate of injuries and returns to action at Coventry Skydome on Friday April 23.
 
'Jaffa', 25, will be bidding to stretch his unbeaten record to six when he tackles tough Welshman Nathan King on the bill being televised live by Sky Sports.
 
Jeffries said: "It would be nice to have an English title belt by the end of 2010, but it is a slow process and I am still learning.
 
"The injuries meant that I haven't boxed since December so the aim is for Frank Maloney to keep me busy."
 
Sunderland's favourite sporting son has just returned from a week sparring with WBC super-middleweight champion Carl Froch.
 
Jeffries added: "I got to know Carl well after we did a television show recently and the sparring was fantastic.
 
"Working with soemone like him only added to my desire to become a world champion. His dedication is fantastic and I learnt so much being around him."
 
Promote Frank Maloney said: "Top prospects like Tony and David Price will learn more from quality sparring than anything else.
 
"There are not many better fighters in Britain than Carl to learn from."
 
King's 12-15 record might not be impressive, but he owns one of the sturdiest chins in British boxing. 
 
He has fought numerous champions and in December went the distance with Olympic gold medallist James DeGale. 
 
Top of Maloney's blockbuster bill is Rendall Munroe's WBC world super-bantamweight title final eliminator against Mexican star Victor Terrazas. 
 
The winner is guaranteed a crack at Japan's formidable world title holder Toshiaki Nishioka later this year. 
 
Tickets are on sale, prices £30, £50 and £70 by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling 0871 226 1508. Boxers on the bill are also selling tickets.