Bradley Saunders has been ruled out of his fight against Dave Ryan through a hand injury, but Anthony Nelson has landed a dream shot at the Super Flyweight strap against Jamie Wilson at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle on April 4.
Saunders has ruptured tendons and ligaments in his right hand during training to meet Derby man Ryan for the crown, and the 29 year old is receiving treatment on the injury in order to get back into training as soon as possible.
South Shields’ Nelson and Dundee’s Wilson put their unbeaten records on the line to land the Super Flyweight crown vacated by Kal Yafai, with the Birmingham talent dropping down to Flyweight on this Saturday’s blockbuster bill in Sheffield, live on Sky Sports.
Nelson saw off Terry Broadbent to claim the English title in October while it’s a huge chance for Wilson to fight live on Sky Sports in just his sixth pro contest.
Heavyweight sensation Anthony Joshua MBE returns to action on the card, while local favourite Jon-Lewis Dickinson challenges Stephen Simmons for the Scotsman’s WBC International Silver Cruiserweight title, and there’s a family feel on the bill with Jon-Lewis’ brother Travis in action
Bradley’s brother Jeff making his pro debut and there’s a host of unbeaten local talent on the bill with unbeaten Cruiserweight Simon Vallily, Light Heavyweight Jordan King, plus a debut for Lewis Ritson and a second pro outing for Scotland’s Commonwealth gold medallist Charlie Flynn.
“It’s a blow for Bradley but a great chance for Anthony Nelson and Jamie Wilson to steal the show,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Nelson will have the crowd behind him and it’s going to be a hostile atmosphere for young Scotsman Wilson to contend with, but I’m delighted that they both get this shot at the big time.”
As yet there is no news on a rescheduled date for the Saunders vs. Ryan clash. Fans wishing to get a refund should contact their point of sale.