Spike geared up to knock out Britain’s ‘golden-boy’

Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan believes he has found the critical flaw in Billy Joe Saunders arsenal, which will lead to a knockout victory for the Corkman this evening.

The Celtic Rebel is a major underdog to defend his WBO International Middleweight title, but has been analysing Saunders’ previous bouts in an effort to unlock the secret to success against the Hatfield southpaw.

While he wouldn’t reveal the flaw, O’Sullivan’s thinks the physical and mental toughness that comes with being 29 is the key differential in the matchup between the unbeaten fighters.

“It’s going to be man against boy in there,” he said. “He’s going to come under pressure that he’s never come under before. He’s going to get hit harder than he’s ever been hit before.”

O’Sullivan knows he will need to use his heavy hands to send Saunders to the canvas inside the distance as he doesn’t see himself getting a favourable outcome against the home-fighter in the Wembley Arena. “He’s Britain’s ‘golden-boy’ middleweight at the moment and he’s the British champion, so I don’t expect any favours. I’ve trained to knock him out and I don’t want to leave the judges or the referee to make any decisions for me.”

The fight represents a major breakthrough for the Mahon-bred pugilist who takes a step up on to a major card against a highly-rated up-and-comer.

Saunders, a Beijing Olympian, is highly respected in Britain’s middleweight division and holds the British and Commonwealth belts to add weight to those beliefs. He is a man in a rush to the top, having already booked his next fight against John Ryder in September, but denies he has taken his eye off O’Sullivan.

“I train fight-by-fight and I’ve left no stone unturned. Everything had been done to 100%.”

Saunders hopes to beat the man ranked sixth in the WBO’s latest list of contenders for Peter Quillin’s World Middleweight crown. Armed with the ambition of fighting for a world title within a year, the speedy counter-puncher does not countenance the possibility of losing to O’Sullivan and denies that any of his alleged flaws will be exploited.

“They say they see flaws in me, but what they don’t understand is when I’m in there with someone that knows his way around the ring, it brings the best out in me. Nobody has seen the best of me yet, but they’ll see it Saturday.”

The fighters not only contrast in their styles but in their preparations too, with Saunders choosing to avoid video evidence of his opponents’ previous victories, barring O’Sullivan’s previous visit to London where he came away with a unanimous decision over Matthew Hall, a decision the Englishman disputes.

But there are similarities in their records; both are unbeaten with ten KOs and a smattering of titles. A win for either man will put them into position for a shot at even greater honours.