CONFIDENT Commonwealth champion Billy Joe Saunders says Trowbridge challenger Nick Blackwell’s record deserves respect, but claims he doesn’t see how the Wiltshire man can beat him in Saturday’s British middleweight title showdown.

Former Olympian Saunders, 23, puts his belt on the line at London’s ExCel Arena on Saturday night as he and ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell slug it out for the domestic title on the Frank Warren-promoted bill.

Saunders is unbeaten in 15 fights, while Blackwell has just one blemish on his 13 fight pro record, his defeat to Martin Murray at his first challenge for the British title in Wigan last year.

“I’ve only seen his (Blackwell’s) British title challenge when he got stopped against Martin Murray, who’s clearly a world class fighter,’’ Saunders told frankwarren.com.

“In fact, I thought Murray won his WBA challenge to Felix Sturm so, for me, Blackwell’s only defeat has been against a world champion.

“He took the risk, fair play to him. He’s about the same age and, Murray apart, there’s not much difference in our records. I’ll let them worry about me, rather than waste my time worrying about me.’’

Saunders added: “I expect Nick will try and push me back but ideally, I’d like to be able to get my jab going and really show my class. My inside work has really improved so if he’s stupid enough to try and rush me, he’ll get knocked out very quickly.

"That, I guarantee. He won’t be able to outwork me and he won’t be able to out punch me so it’s difficult to see a way how he can win.’’

MORE BUILD-UP TO BLACKWELL'S BRITISH TITLE CHALLENGE IN FRIDAY WILTSHIRE TIMES AND LIVE UPDATES FROM THE FIGHT ON SATURDAY NIGHT ON TWITTER @WTSport