Jeff Saunders has a new manager after signing up with Steve Wraith.

Saunders, who debuted in April 2015 at the Metro Radio Arena with an impressive first round stoppage of Sandor Racz, has blazed a trail in the lightweight division over the past 12 months, Wraith having promoted the 24-year-old three times on his Newcastle-based shows.

During that time the orthodox fighter earned the nickname ‘Hands of Stone’ for his stoppage ability, and it took a trip to South Africa late last year for Saunders to be finally taken not only past two rounds, but the distance, when opposing Willis Baloyi.

The continued success of the younger Saunders, and the long-standing relationship in which promoter Steve Wraith has with the Saunders family – mother Tracey is a high-ranking ABA official, father Jeff trains fighters out of South Durham ABC, was enough to convince him to make the move.

Saunders joins the Wraith Promotions team which includes returning Darlington duo Neil Hepper and Carl Wilson, and highly-regarded amateur Anth Ornsby of Wallsend ABC.

Saunders said: “I feel really good about this; I’m confident not only in myself but also in Steve as well.

“I’ve known him from day one in the pros in and out of the ring, on a personal and a professional level which is great for me as it’s still early days in my career however we’ll still take it one fight at a time.”

Wraith added: “I’ve worked with the Saunders family for a few years now and there’s a bond, a trust between us that you don’t get in boxing.

“We’re all singing off the same hymn sheet as well which is even better and I see my job, as a manger, to help young prospect to achieve ambitions and fulfil dreams. I now have the best young prospect in the region and we’re looking forward to seeing him in September along with the other (professional) fighters in my stable.”