Bloyer loss not an option for Saunders ahead of Lee title bout

Billy Joe Saunders will enter the ring at Wembley Arena expecting a routine victory over French journeyman Yoann Bloyer, but carries the added pressure of knowing anything less could damage his middleweight world title shot later this year.

Reigning WBO middleweight world champion Andy Lee is scheduled to meet Saunders on September 19th in front of an incredible 40k fans at Thomond Park in Limerick, the defending title holder’s home patch.

At the home of the Munster rugby team, London-born Irishman Lee will hope to retain his title against talented middleweight danger Saunders, but his British opposition must first overcome the threat of Bloyer (33/1 with Coral to cause an upset).

The 25-year-old will be the overwhelming favourite to topple the veteran southpaw, but Saunders knows a stunning defeat to the Frenchman could result in his highly-anticipated encounter with Lee being scrapped.

Hatfield-born Saunders, the undefeated WBO number one ranked and mandatory title challenger to Lee’s crown, wants a strong showing against Bloyer but admitted he can’t stop thinking of his upcoming ‘dream’ fight.

“For me it is about walking away with the title but as we’re both from the travelling community, it is a big, big fight. There’s history in this fight,” stated Saunders.

“There is a lot of talk within our community and it is for them, but it is also for the rest of the fans as well.

“I have a fight on Friday night so at the moment it is hard to get excited about it but when I am away training, I will start to think about it. I will think about it when I’m jogging, when I walk in the gym I will think about it and I won’t believe I’m within touching distance of my dream.”