Stalker moves in on 64kg

With only one British boxer qualifying per category, the Commonwealth silver medallist looks to have his hands full against both Stalker (pictured) - who was England's captain in Delhi - and the impressive Scott Cardle, who moved down from welterweight in 2009.

While Britain has five guaranteed places at a home Olympics, qualification will rest on performances at September's AIBA World Championships in Korea.

But after his recent silver at the Bocskai Memorial Tournament, when he lost in the final to Mauritian Colin Richarno on countback, Saunders is not daunted by the added domestic competition.

"You have got three really good boxers in this weight and that is going to put a lot of pressure on us," said Saunders, who is the most experienced of the trio having boxed at the Beijing Olympics.

"I would rather have a box-off against both of them and just let the best boxer go but it comes down to what we do this year.

"Tom Stalker is a massive threat but it is a lot harder for him coming up than Scott coming down.

"It drives you forward and means you can never get complacent. If you are the best in this country then you are going to be in with a real shot on the world stage."

The risk though remains that should Saunders fail to qualify for London 2012, which moved under the 500 days to go mark on March 15, he would see four years of hard work since Beijing go down the pan.

Saunders and flyweight Khalid Yafai are the only members of the British squad from 2008 to remain in the amateur ranks with the likes of James De Gale, David Price and Frankie Gavin all making great strides as professionals.

But while 25-year-old Saunders admits to casting some envious glances in their direction, he is adamant he made the right decision to wait for potentially greater riches after 2012.

He said: "If I was professional I could have been up there with them.

"But the amateur set-up is far more professional these days and you are boxing three minute rounds so there's not as much difference as they were. Rob McCracken (GB Boxing Performance Director) is doing a great job and treats us like professionals.

"The main thing I miss is a lack of family time and if I was professional then I could spend more time with my family.

"But 2012 will be massive for my career. If I had won a medal in the last Olympics I would have still waited around. It is in your back yard and you can't miss that sort of opportunity."