saunders3 By Simon Allen: British and Commonwealth champion Billy Joe Saunders (16/0/0 10KO), will be looking to impress this Thursday night against a tough journeyman in Matthew Hall (25/6/0 16KO). The fight scheduled for twelve rounds at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London.

Saunders last outing in December was less than colourful fight in scoring a unanimous win over Nick Blackwell. Although starting the fight well Blackwell took the fight to Billy Joe in the middle rounds putting pressure on him until fading in the later on. Billy’s jab and good ring work got him through the fight but many observers feel that against more seasoned opposition he will need to do a lot more.

Enter Matthew Hall a former Commonwealth Light Middleweight champion, Hall is no push over and although many would have preferred to see Saunders in more of a test will definitely be there to win the fight. Moving up in weight Hall is coming off a clear six round points win over former Saunders victim Lee Noble.

Saunders Height and excellent jab should be enough to negate any early attacks by Hall, but many are looking to see if Saunders can cope under pressure which Hall will no doubt put him under. If Saunders can cope and box to the best of his ability expect a knockout in the later rounds. If he can win decisively and in style a step up to fight against domestic big three Barker, Macklin or Murray could be on the cards. If not he may have to look elsewhere for a more challenging fight.

On the undercard Popular Londoner Bradley Skeete (10/0/0 4KO) defends his BBBofC Southern Area Welterweight Title against previous opponent Peter Mcdonagh (18/27/0 2KO) which last time out ended with a Ten round points decision for Skeete. Mcdonagh is an experienced fighter having previously fought taken a decision against Curtis Woodhouse, and won the Southern Area title against durable Lee Purdy, expect a tough and gruelling fight but Skeete should persevere as before on points.

Also look out for Romford Cruiserweight Tony Conquest (10/1/0 KO 4) fighting for the WBO International Cruiserweight Title against Neil Dawson (11/1/0 KO 4) who handed him his first defeat by knockout in round one of their December fight. Both fighters have similar records and are evenly matched I favour Tony Conquest to avenge his defeat by KO in the middle rounds in a bout scheduled for ten.