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Billy Joe Saunders names opponent for first defence of WBO title

Billy Joe Saunders celebrates his fourth round stoppage victory over Yoann Bloye
Image: Billy Joe Saunders will make his first defence against Artur Akavov

Billy Joe Saunders will make the first defence of his WBO world middleweight title against Artur Akavov in Cardiff on October 22.

The Briton (23-0-KO12) won the belt by outpointing Ireland's Andy Lee in December 2015 but has not fought since having withdrawn from a scheduled clash with Max Bursak due to a hand injury.

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In Russia's Akavov (16-1-KO7), he faces a southpaw whose sole career defeat came on points in 2012.

Saunders said: "Nothing comes easy in boxing and I'm definitely not taking Akavov for granted.

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WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders says he wants Gennady Golovkin

"He's a strong fighter and very dangerous and if I don't come in 100 per cent then he could cause an upset in my first title defence.

"I'm going to make sure I'm in the shape of my life and give Akavov the toughest night he's ever had, he's never been stopped before so this is going to be a first for him!"

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Saunders has previously called for a clash with WBA 'Super', WBC and IBF world champion Gennady Golovkin, a bout that would put all the 160lb titles on the line.

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