THE next generation of fighting talent will shine through in Gateshead early next month and there’s none better to headline the Relentless Promotions bill than Sedgefield debutant Jeff Saunders.

“There’ll be a time when I’ll be out of everyone’s shadow and I’ll be there, in the limelight, in my own right,” the talented welterweight said.

As the fighter joins his brother, Bradley, at the impressive Matchroom Boxing stable, Jeff has himself claimed numerous honours as an amateur, including the ABA title at the Rainton Meadows show in 2013, equalling Bradley’s previous achievement.

Now he is aiming to do the same as a fully fledged professional, something which even Bradley feels is highly possible saying recently that: “I can’t look beyond him this year, he’ll be turning professional that’s a fact and, although the rest of the fighters are making noise, they aren’t making it loud enough. Jeff though, he’s good, and can even hit harder than me.”

With Jeff having been given the go ahead by the British Boxing Board of Control, and the Area Council Relentless Promotions are pushing for him to headline in Gateshead.

Although the medicals are still needed Jeff is in training and has been for some time as both promoter, and the Saunders camp, work hard together to get things going.

The younger of the two Saunders brothers aims to shine on the ‘Rising Stars’ show at Gateshead Leisure Centre on February 7, taking what looks to be centre billing of a show which features the cream of the region's up and coming fight talent.

Jeff said: “I’m over the moon with the decision although there’s a long way to go for me yet.

“It’s just nice to be able to get out of the amateurs and into the pro game because I’ve seen how others that I’ve beat in the past have got on and it’s opened my own eyes as to how far I can go up the rankings. I’m talking the likes of Jack Catterall and Thomas Stalker, both of whom I’ve beaten before and can again.”

As he heads in to the Gateshead show don’t be fooled as to thinking he’s has short notice, as a former paratrooper in HM Armed Forces, and a fighter for an older brother, training is in the blood and, although he’ll be at welterweight for the debut, it is the light welterweight that will be put on short notice once the debut has been overcome.

He said: “I will definitely rise to the occasion and although it will be a pressure cooker in there I can and have dealt with similar situations in the past, even if my last bout was the ABA finals. This is something that I am focussed upon and can progress in.”

Promoter Steve Wraith is understandably delighted with the news having been at the side of Bradley’s rise to the top, and there when the Matchroom announcement, for Bradley, and North-East boxing on the whole, was made late last year.

Wraith said: “He is definitely one of those rising stars who brings a fantastic amateur record with him to the pro game.

“We were delighted that we were able to give his elder brother his regional debut, and there when he was announced with Matchroom, so to be able to be there at the start for Jeff is amazing for both parties really."

The show at Gateshead Leisure Centre on February 7 is sponsored by Grosvenor Casino, Ideala Health and Portland Consultants and will be headlined by debutant Jeff Saunders alongside Fighting Chance duo Andrew Buchanan and Paul O’Hagan; Basi Razaq, Steve Cooper and Abdon Cesar.

Tickets are available now priced at £30 standard, £50 VIP and £75 ringside from all fighters on the bill, by calling Tracey Saunders on 07944695367, or by visiting the Wraith Promotions website, www.wraithpromotions.com.