Rising stars Jono Carroll and Jeff Saunders have joined Matchroom Sport. Carroll was catapulted in the limelight after winning Prizefighter in December, entering the tournament as an unbeaten three-fight novice and seeing off Stephen Foster Jr, Gary Buckland and Michael Devine to claim the trophy at York Hall. The 22 year landed the shot in Prizefighter after an exciting win over Declan Geraghty in November in Dublin, and Carroll will appear on the April 11 bill in Leeds live on Sky Sports.
Saunders follows his older brother Bradley into the professional ranks after a glittering amateur career where he claimed a senior ABA title in 2013 and joins the paid ranks after leaving the army. The 23 year old makes his professional debut on Saturday night on a Matchroom Fight Pass show in Gateshead and will appear on the April 4 bill in Newcastle live on Sky Sports alongside his brother and also Olympic gold medal hero Anthony Joshua MBE.
“I’m delighted to welcome Jono and Jeff to the team,” said Hearn. “Jono has already shown unbelievable promise by capturing the Lightweight Prizefighter trophy in December and now we will see him return to Super Featherweight to campaign for major titles. He has an exciting style and plenty of personality and I think Irish boxing has a real gem in Jono.
“Jeff debuts this Saturday on a Matchroom Fight Pass show and anyone who knows the amateur game will know his potential. We have huge plans in the North East and I am sure Jeff will follow in brother Bradley’s footsteps in rising up the domestic and world rankings.”
