BOXING throughout County Durham has seen an upsurge in recent years and two sets of brothers have been at the core of it all.

Over in West Rainton, Martin Ward has caused many a wave in the bantamweight division winning title after title before finally reaching a much coveted world title opportunity. It wasn’t to be however as injury within the opening rounds deprived the baying supporters ringside a chance to see what many believe could have been an iconic, local, world title affair.

Now, as he prepares for his next outing, Ward, who has won 18 and drawn one of his 21 outings to date, is also readying for a new chapter, a new beginning, in his pro boxing career.

“I’m moving up to super bantamweight and hope to be able to give Fanno (Neil Fannon) his first two division champion,” explained the former world title contender.

“I’ve had a couple of disappointments recently what with the world title bout then deciding to relinquish my Commonwealth strap through injury. But this is certainly a new chapter for me and I’m looking forward to campaigning at super bantamweight.”

Avoiding the likes of Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg, for now at least, Ward is very much looking forward to some big nights ahead and is already targeting the winner of the James Dickens vs Josh Wale English title collision as well as keeping a beady eye on Kid Galahad and others.

Before that though he has the small matter of an eight-round outing on the Phil Jeffries promoted ‘Cream of the Crop’ show at Rainton Meadows on November 30. His opponent that afternoon is scheduled to be the Ghanaian Isaac Owusu, who with 23 victories to his name has collected an impressive 18 stoppages. 

“Facing Owusu will be a good start for me,” continued Ward. “I’m buzzing about boxing again and looking to put right a few of the recent wrongs from this year and looking to start winning some more belts. It’s time to get back into the ring and show what I’m going to be about at a new weight level.”

Martin’s brother, Tommy, will also be appearing on the Rainton Meadows undercard where it is hoped he will make a long-awaited step up in class.

Another fighter looking to rectify some mistakes, or missed chances, is Sedgefield amateur Jeff Saunders.

Younger brother of professional welterweight Bradley Saunders, Jeff, at 23, will see his time in the Army expire in the next few weeks and the next, logical step for him is following in big brother's footsteps – turning professional.

Saunders has pretty much claimed all there is to at amateur level, including an ABA – Combined Services double in 2013 and with a pretty good win ratio from his century plus of fights is already readying himself for the next level.

“I’ve not fought since the ABA finals so need to shake off some ring rust first before I turn over to the paid rankings,” explained the younger Saunders.

“I’m not going to jump straight in at the deep end although I do have an agreed contract with Frank Warren Promotions ready when I am so I’m just going to see how things progress over the next couple of months.”

For Jeff, who trains out of the South Durham ABC under the guidance of father Jeff Snr, it’s been a long spell already having been in and around the scene since he was seven.

“I had my first amateur fight the week after my 11th birthday and haven’t done too badly in the amateur game,” he continued.

“However, I’ve not really had the chances presented on a national level and have nothing to prove at the ABAs so it’s to just shake off the rust then make a go of it professionally.

“So, over the next few months I’ll be in the gym with my father and training as hard as I always do and be ready to take whoever wants me – I want to beat the best in the amateurs and in order to be the best you have to beat the best. In doing that then I can iron out any mistakes there may be before turning over.”

The plan then is pretty much a simple one, contract signed and off to the MGM Marbella with big brother Bradley.

There is such a thing as happy families - and the boxing family is the biggest and best around.