Billy Joe Saunders targets world champion status

Above: Billy Joe Saunders remains unbeaten as a professional after representing Great Britain at the 2008 Olympic Games

UNDEFEATED boxer Billy Joe Saunders has spoken of his aim to become the first Gypsy world champion in boxing history.

Saunders- who is already British and Commonwealth champ- will face unbeaten Italian boxer Emanuele Blandamura on 27th July.

Later that night, Tyson Fury will square up to Dereck Chisora in a heavyweight world title eliminator bout.

"It's something that will be recognised forever - the first Gypsy to win a world title," the 24-year-old middleweight told BBC Radio.

"Fury and I are good mates, if Tyson wins a world title before me we'll have to go and sort it out in the car park," he joked.

"I hope he goes and wins the world title and I'm sure he wishes the same for me. We're both setting an example for the travelling community and the wider community as well," he said.

Saunders has spoken previously of the "honour" of being recognised as a top professional sportsman.

"I've got two little boys, so I've got to set an example for them to follow. If they see me winning belts and titles perhaps then they'll want to have a go themselves. And that goes for all of the Gypsy and traveller kids," he said.

"Where I live loads of kids want to come and touch my belts and watch me training. It's an honour really, to be noticed for doing something right in my life."