Tyneside boxing promoter, managing director of Wraith Promotions, Steve Wraith, has recently announced his collaboration with Francis Warren and Frank Warren Promotions. The two promotional forces will put on an autumn showpiece at what is looking like the Gateshead Leisure Centre on the night of November 22nd.
“This is definitely something that has been in the planning stages for some time now,” began Steve.
“After detailed conversations between the respective parties we are delighted to be able to announce that Wraith Promotions and Frank Warren Promotions will be working side by side for the foreseeable future.”
The show will see the appearance for the first time in nearly a decade in his home region of undefeated Light Welterweight, Bradley Saunders (6-0; 4KO’s) alongside other Warren prospects Simon Vallily (2-0) and Josh Leather (1-0), both from the north-east.
“I’ve known Bradley for a number of years and the shows in which I have done so far have all been learning curves building towards something like this. It’s definitely about taking a leap of faith with it all. This will be a co-promoted show, done 50-50 with Frank Warren promotions and is a great opportunity to be able to Wraith Promotions firmly on the map.
“Thanks has to go to Bradley for helping things on, introducing me first to Dean Powell rest his soul, and then Francis. Dean Powell and I have been working on putting this together since around August until his untimely death.”
Saunders will be appearing this coming Monday when he faces British Masters Welterweight Bronze champion, Gareth Heard (5-1; 2KO’s) at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in Bayswater, London. Appearing in the region for the first time since his extended amateur days though will not be too far from his mind.
“I cannot wait to finally get this chance and fight at home at last,” added Bradley.
“This bout in November will be the first time I have fought in the north-east for some seven or even eight years as nobody was willing to come here and face me in the amateurs let alone as professional. It’s not only exciting for me though. This is also great for Steve Wraith and Frank Warren, my own fans and for the regions boxing as a whole.”
Saunders is thinking in a similar vein to which not only Wraith, but the regions boxing fraternity as a whole has been thinking for some time – the future of boxing belongs to the north east and it’s time that places like Newcastle challenge the dominance of Liverpool, Manchester and London on the sport of kings. “Newcastle, to me, is the biggest and best city in the region and to be able to fight as a professional on its doorstep is a dream come true,” Saunders concluded.
“This will be just the start of what is looking like the return of big time boxing to the area. We will definitely be looking at showcasing the bigger venues in the years to come on Tyneside because the time has come now that we make Newcastle as big as, if not bigger, than the likes of Liverpool and Manchester for boxing.”
