Bobby Dalton says Jeff Saunders had best be in peak shape otherwise he’s going to be in “deep trouble” when they lock horns inside the ring.
Dalton faces the 17-0 Sedgefield star for the Northern Area welterweight championship at the excellent Jobes Boxing promotion at Rainton Arena on Saturday, November 30.
It looks an absolute showstopper between two undefeated talents with two very different stories.
In one corner you have Dalton, with the Redcar boxer having built up an 8-0 record (with one KO) and has won admirers with a high-energy approach from start to finish in each of those eight W’s.
However, little has been seen of Saunders, who has only fought five times in the last six years, having started his career like a house on fire with seven wins in his first 12 months, including five inside the distance – four of them in round one!
Two long injury absences – successfully overcome – have hampered his career, but he’s very much back and has been put through his paces by the incredible Ian Glass in his Hartlepool gym.
“I’ve been busy and he hasn’t so only he will know how it’s going to affect him,” said he Redcar 25-year-old.
“I’m not sure he lives the life – you can’t pull yourself off the sofa and beat me.
“But, we’ll see. I’ve trained for the best Jeff Saunders because I’ve noticed that he has been training hard, I hope he has because I don’t want any excuses after I’ve beaten him.
“I don’t want to hear excuses about inactivity
“I hope he’s in shape because if he isn’t he’s in deep trouble.”
The fight should be a belter. It is also notable for the fact that both boxers are coached by their dads of the same name – Bob Snr for Bobby and Jeff Snr for Jeff.
Dalton has been working with his old man at the Phil Thomas School of Boxing gym in Middlesbrough where, previously, he was trained by Craig Carney.
Bobby told punch-lines he feels in the shape of his life.
“I still train at the gym, but under my dad now,” said Dalton Jnr who has had some top notch sparring in the build-up.
“He trained me as an amateur and we’ve been working on stuff every single day. It’s going great.
”It’s the best I’ve ever felt to be honest with you. I’m just looking forward to getting in there and showing what I can do.
“It’s been the hardest camp I’ve ever had. I’ve put everything into it, no stone has been left unturned.
“I’ve been sparring Lewis Ritson every week. I’ve also sparred Tom Hill and Alex Farrell. They have been very good spars, all different too, so I’ll be ready for whatever he brings on fight night.
“Jeff is a good boxer, but I just feel this is my time. I think I’m very much underestimated around here and this is my coming out party.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jason Corbett/ Mindenwood Photography
