BRADLEY SAUNDERS has been earmarked to make his fifth professional appearance in Manchester – on the same night former Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff makes his debut in the ring.

There will also be a Commonwealth title shot for Middlesbrough’s super-featherweight Paul Truscott in a line-up which has got the country talking.

South Durham’s Saunders will look to continue his unbeaten start to life in the pro game, after turning professional last February, on November 30 at Manchester’s MEN Arena.

He is looking forward to sharing the spotlight with cricket star and television celebrity Flintoff. The former England all-rounder is being trained by Barry McGuigan and son Shane.

Flintoff’s preparations for the fight are to be documented in a two-part program called The Gloves Are Off ... to be shown on Sky 1 and the bout  will also be shown on boxing channel BoxNation.

Saunders said: “Flintoff will do well but it’s not an easy sport so he will get well looked after. You can’t just come into it and expect to do things. I wish him all the best.”

Saunders defeated veteran Ivan Godor last month to continue his climb up the lightwelterweight rankings. He knocked down the durable Slovakian three times before the referee called an end to the contest in Glasgow.

When he appears in Manchester it will be the first eight-rounder since turning his back on his amateur career.

Saunders, who does not know his opponent yet, said: “It’s unheard of, someone fighting an eight-rounder in their fifth fight.

“I’ll take it as it comes but if the shots are there I will take him out. Whatever happens I’ll be more than fit for the full eight rounds.”

Headlining the show will be equally-matched lightweights Liam Walsh and Teessider Truscott.

Walsh extended his unbeaten run to 13 fights (ten KOs) with a victory against Domenico Urbano to secure the vacant WBO European lightweight title last July.

And Truscott, three defeats from 18, is looking to get his hands on the Commonwealth super-featherweight belt after losing his British title shot to Gary Buckland back in March.

 For tickets to the show in Manchester call 07414-112022.