Billy Joe Saunders will defend his belt on June 1. Picture by Kevin Lines.

Saunders to defend title on June 1 at York Hall

Mark Hemmings, Sports editor Friday, May 4, 2012
12:48 PM

COMMONWEALTH Middleweight boxing champion Billy Joe Saunders will make the first defence of his newly gained title on Friday, June 1 at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed the date which will see the Hatfield man headline the show with another of Warren’s fighters Stephen Smith, a super featherweight, on the undercard.

Saunders stopped Tony Hill inside an explosive 30 seconds at the Royal Albert Hall last Saturday night to win the vacant title in what was the first boxing show at the famous venue for 13 years.

Speaking to the Welwyn Hatfield Times after that stunning display, the 22 year-old said he was hungry for more belts.

About his stoppage of Hill, he said: “It’s a big statement from me to let the boys know I’m ready and coming for their titles.”