Ex-paratrooper Saunders claims first title in paid ranks

FORMER para trooper Jeff Saunders is primed for take-off after winning his wings for the first time as a professional at Hardwick Hall Hotel on Saturday night. For a fighter of the 25-year-old’s quality, an international challenger belt is a launch-pad rather than a destination. But the super-lightweight division should be on its guard now Saunders has buckled up the first belt of his professional career. The top-of-the-bill bout between Dan Cope and Billy Snaith might have had more aggravation in the build-up and a Northern Area title on offer but, with respect to both fighters, Saunders is usually the star of these small-hall shows and, after 11 wins from 11 in the paid ranks, there might not be many more.

After four consecutive points wins, Saunders had got out of the habit of stopping opponents, but he rose to the occasion with a swift right jab to Chris Truman’s midriff.

Truman crouched on one knee as the referee counted down to Saunders’ first professional prize.

Two thirds of the way through the first round Saunders was chasing his opponent around the ring but, despite coming into the contest on the back of consecutive defeats, Truman was in no mood to make it easy.

He made it awkward for Saunders to get his shots away but could not stop him landing his big bombs entirely.

In the end, one well-placed shot was all it needed to earn what should be the first of many professional belts.

Anthony Hardy made a confident return with a comfortable points victory over Lithuanian Andrej Cepur.

It was the Horden super-lightweight’s first fight after a 14-month lay-off following eye surgery.

He looked in a rush to make up for lost time when Cepur was sent to the canvas in the first round, walking onto a left-right combination.

But rather than get carried away, Hardy picked his punches and landed his left jabs for a 40-35 decision.

Plan A had been for Neil Hepper to fight Peter Cope, elder brother of headliner Dan, but the Darlington man did not want to rush into a sixround contest after only two fights since his own lay-off after dropping out of the sport for two years.

Judging by his win over Michal Vosyka, he need not have worried.

Energetic, light on his feet and happy to rain down big right hands, Hepper was a worthy 40-36 winner.

Ferryhill’s Kyle Redfearn showcased his talents well despite being made to work hard by Richard Harrison.

The Surrey man had only been stopped twice in his 17 professional defeats, but took standing counts in the first and third round.

Despite that Harrison took his opponent the distance for a 40-34 win.