Unbeaten Sedgefield boxer Bradley Saunders fights France’s Renald Garrido on Steve Smith show in Liverpool

Bradley Saunders on his way to victory over Stephane Benito last time out

The unbeaten Sedgefield light-welterweight has been matched with Renald Garrido in a contest scheduled for eight rounds in Liverpool.

Saunders has not boxed since March when he defeated another rugged Frenchman, Stephane Benito, in five rounds at Hull.

That was intended as a warm-up for a top-of-the bill appearance at the Metro Radio Arena where he was set to challenge for the Commonwealth title.

He was forced to pull out of his crack at Dave Ryan’s belt because of a damaged right hand.

But he has recovered from surgery and has honed his fitness at the MGM Gym in Marbella to be ready for his comeback at the Olympia.

Garrido comes to Merseyside with a good record of 14 wins and a draw from 26 appearances.

He also arrives with a proud boast of never having been stopped.

It looks a hard assignment for Saunders, who hopes to chllenge for the Commonwealth title before the year is out.

“I know he’s never been stopped,” said the 29-year-old, who has won all 12 contests, nine inside the distance.

“He comes forward, comes for a fight and doesn’t allow anyone to put him on the back foot.”

Saunders v Garrido provides a fascinating support bout to the main event at the famous Merseyside venue.

Liverpool’s Stephen Smith will face Devis Boschiero in a final eliminator for the IBF world super-featherweight title, currently held by Jose Pedraza.