Billy Joe Saunders celebrates victory against Gary Boulden at Wembley Arena

BOXER Billy Joe Saunders will make the first defence of his Southern Area Middleweight Championship in London on Friday, December 9 at the Excel Arena.

The 2008 Beijing Olympian, from Hatfield, beat Gary Boulden on points 99-92 after 10 rounds on Saturday night at Wembley Arena to claim his first professional title.

He will defend that in what is expected to be his second 10 rounder against a yet to be named opponent.

The show, announced at a press conference in the capital earlier today (Thursday), will also see James DeGale defend his European and WBO Intercontinental Super Middleweight Championship, while George Groves will put his British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight belt on the line.

For tickets call Ticketmaster on 0844 844 0444, prices range from £40, £50, £80 and £100 online, also see Frank Warren’s website, link above right.