By Elliot Foster

Billy Joe Saunders has signed a new managerial deal ahead of his next fight.

The Hatfield middleweight, who is set to challenge for a world title in just over a fortnight, agreed terms on a three-year contract with Daniel Kinahan.

Saunders, 26, will challenge Andy Lee for his WBO middleweight title on December 19 at Manchester Arena, live and exclusive on BoxNation, but is now part of the ever-growing MGM Marbella team.

“I first came across MGM when I was training for the Eubank [Jr.] fight [for the British, Commonwealth and European titles],” said Saunders (22-0, 12 KOs).

“It really caught my eye, not only do they have the best facilities and training programmes. They can't do enough for you and its the same for everyone, I was really impressed with everything they have done for non champions and the youngsters.

“Everything I have asked for has been delivered, so now it is my job to get the title and then we sit down and go from there.”

He is currently training over in Puerto Banus, at the Matthew Macklin-fronted training base, with trainer Jimmy Tibbs.

And despite moving on to pastures new with the MGM deal, Saunders will stay loyal and remain with the same team.

“Boxing is a lonely sport [and] you need to surround yourself with good people,” he continued.

"MGM is my home of boxing, it’s the best place to isolate myself and get on with the job.”

Saunders will continue to be promoted by long-time mentor Frank Warren and his Queensberry Promotions company, but now has an extra arm to look towards when in need of advice.

The management team at MGM are pleased that he turned to them to be that extra arm.

On the signing, they said: "We believe he will become a world champion this month and continue to reign at middleweight for a number of years on massive pay-per-view fights in the UK and US.

"He has a fantastic coaching team around him in Jimmy and Mark Tibbs and Frank Warren has brought him to a world title shot.

"We hope to work closely together with all parties to deliver the best for Billy Joe Saunders.”

Elliot Foster is part of Boxing Scene's UK team. Follow him on Twitter @FreelanceFoz