Born in Barnsley, Saunders made his professional debut in February 1990 with a points win over Malcolm Melvin.
He moved up to welterweight, and after inflicting the first defeat of Kevin Lueshing's career in March 1994 he beat Jose Varela three months later.
After further wins over Julian Eavis, Lindon Scarlett, and Roberto Welin, he challenged for Del Bryan's British title in September 1995.
[2] Saunders lost his next four fights, losing to Derek Roche, Scott Dixon, and twice to Michael Carruth.
After winning his next three fights he beat Marcus Portman via a first round stoppage in April 2004 to take the English welterweight title.