Boxer John Saunders has celebrated his recent success in the Junior ABA Championships with a first call-up to the England squad.

The 16-year-old fighter from St Mary’s Boxing Club landed youth boxing’s premier title in Liverpool last weekend.

And Saunders’ memorable season was complete when he was named in the England party that will contest the European Junior Championships in Bulgaria on Saturday week.

“It’s more fantastic news for John,” said St Mary’s joint head trainer Dave Bowler.