THE North-East's answer to Olympic boxing sensation Amir Khan has punched his way to a Commonwealth Youth Games gold medal.
In Australia earlier this month, Sedgefield's Bradley Saunders, 18, overcame Irishman Patrick Murphy to win the light-welterweight title despite fighting 8kg above his usual weight. It was an incredible achievement for the youngster and a further sign of his potential - he previously won in the World Championships and in the Multi-Nations this year.
His father, Jeff, 44, a former amateur boxer himself, is his coach at Fishburn's South Durham club and was in Australia to witness the win. He said: "To have watched him grow as a boxer from day one has been fantastic and now he is a class act."
Saunders is aiming for the senior Commonwealth Games and World Championships.
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