Video by Declan Taylor

Undefeated WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders begins his reign with the opening defence of his title against “Mad” Max Bursak on Saturday 30th April at the Copper Box Arena, London, exclusively live on BoxNation.

Saunders headlines a sensational triple-tile fight card that features Ovill McKenzie challenging Dmytro Kucher for the Vacant European Cruiserweight title and British Featherweight Champion Ryan Walsh defending his title against James Tennyson, plus an action packed undercard

Tickets priced at £30, £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200 are available from See Tickets 0871 230 7148 and www.seetickets.com, Eventim 0844 249 1000 and www.eventim.co.uk, Ticketmaster 0844 8440 444 and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

In December, Saunders defeated Andy Lee to take his WBO crown in a close and absorbing fight in Manchester that saw the Hatfield star floor the Irishman twice in the third round and go on to claim a majority decision from the judges.

The skillful, hard-hitting, southpaw knows it’s crucial that he beats Bursak and remains on track to face 160 division king Gennady Golovkin, who holds the WBA Super, IBF and Interim WBC titles, in a mouthwatering clash with all the titles on the line.

In his way, though, stands Ukrainian hardman Mad Max, a former European, WBO Intercontinental, IBF Youth and WBA Continental Middleweight Champion, and veteran of 37 fights and holds a win over current British Champion Nick Blackwell who faces Chris Eubank Jnr.

Bursak, 31, from Kiev, has only lost four times - all by points - against top opposition: Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam in an Interim WBO World title fight; Jarrod Fletcher, who Saunders destroyed in two rounds, in a Vacant WBA International title clash, Brit Martin Murray who he extended the distance in a Vacant WBC Silver title fight and undefeated talent Zac Dunn for a Vacant IBO World title at super-middleweight.

Saunders, 26, knows he’s in for a risky first title defence against a dangerous challenger, but says being world champion means he has to deal.