Billy Joe Saunders set for first title defence against Artur Akavov

Billy Joe Saunders is aiming to become the first man to stop Russia's Artur Akavov in the first defence of his WBO middleweight title on Saturday.

The Hatfield boxer (23-0, 12 KOs) will finally put his world title on the line against challenger Akavov (16-1, 7 KOs) at Paisley's Lagoon Leisure Centre after a frustrating 11 months.

The 27-year-old was originally scheduled to make his first title defence against Ukraine's Max Bursak seven months ago but a hand injury in training ruled him out.

After finding a new opponent in Brooklyn-based Akavov, issues with the translation of medical paperwork from the Russian's team saw their November 26 fight in Cardiff postponed for another seven days and the venue switched to Scotland.

With a potential unification showdown against middleweight Gennady Golovkin on the horizon, Saunders is relishing the opportunity to end the year with a dominant performance.

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

"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."

Saunders claimed the vacant WBO crown with a hard-fought majority decision win over Ireland's Andy Lee last December.

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