Saunders, now unbeaten in 19 fights, has had a fantastic year so far defending his British and Commonwealth titles against Matthew Hall in March, completely out-classing Gary O’Sulivan to win the WBO International title in April, followed by his win over Ryder.
He joins the likes of Derry Mathews, Amir Khan, Enzo Maccarinelli, Kell Brook, Kevin Mitchell, Scott Harrison, Alex Arthur, Michael Gomez, Ricky Hatton, Ryan Rhodes, Joe Calzaghe, Naseem Hamed, Nigel Benn, Keith Wallace and Errol Christie, as boxers who have won the Young Boxer of the Year award under the guidance of Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren.
Saunders will be presented with the award at a star-studded dinner at the Savoy Hotel in London on Monday 14th October.
“I’m delighted that my talent has been recognised by the British boxing writers and they have chosen me as their winner this year,” said Saunders.
“I feel that I have come on leaps and bounds over the last few years winning the Southern Area, British, Commonwealth and WBO International titles and in my last two fights beating two top lads in O’Sullivan and Ryder and also claiming their unbeaten records,”
“I’d like to thank my promoter Frank Warren for guiding me perfectly in my career since turning professional with him and also to my trainer Jimmy Tibbs and his son Mark who have done a great job with me in the gym. Also, I’d like to dedicate the award in the memory of the late Dean Powell who was invaluable in my career.”
“There is plenty more to come from me, I’d love the European title and then I want the world title, but I’m still only 24 and there is plenty of time. I’m in a great division with some good names and there are some great fights that can be made down the line.”
As well as being thrilled for Saunders winning the award, Warren was also delighted that seven of the boxers he manages all won at the Copper Box Arena and also for his boxer Liam Smith who won the British Light-Middleweight title in Liverpool on Saturday night.
Warren added, “Billy Joe is a talented boxer, he works hard in the gym and he has really excelled in the last year, producing fantastic results in the ring,”
“I’m really pleased for him that he has won this prestigious award from the boxing writers. He had a great win against Ryder on Saturday night in a tough and compelling fight to defend his British title and I know he is eager to win that outright before going for a European title,”
“It was a great weekend that also saw seven of the fighters I manage all win at the Copper Box Arena and also for Liam Smith who won the British Light-Middleweight title in Liverpool. He joined his brothers Stephen and Paul, who are British champions already, to become the first trio of siblings to hold British titles at the same time.”
