Billy Joe Saunders has been out of the ring since his first career loss to Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez.
The slick southpaw is a two-weight world champion and has entertained fans across a 31-fight career. Within that was a bitter domestic rivalry with Chris Eubank Jr. Saunders fought and beat Eubank by split decision back in 2014 at Middleweight to win the British and Commonwealth.
Upon signing a new promotional deal, Eubank listed his target opponents. At the top of the list is Canelo, but also included is Saunders.
“I’ve been in the game for 12 years now and I’m still hungry. I’m still excited. I’m still in love with the sport of boxing. I’m in a blessed position right now where there are 4 or 5 different names out there that are mega fights that everybody wants to see. Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, Conor Benn, Billy Joe Saunders – and that’s just off the top of my head. There are many more fights out there that can be made, even domestically, so I’m in an exciting position.”
Despite being out of the ring since that 2021 bout against Canelo, losing by corner retirement following extensive damage to his eye, Saunders caught wind of the Eubank news and took to social media, claiming he needed just one warm-up fight before sending his rival into retirement.
“I will have one warm-up fight and I’ll take him out the game. Punch his watermelon nose over his face. Not worth a cup of cold water.”
The hatred runs deep between the pair and a rematch in the UK wouldn’t struggle to sell if ‘BJS’ can return and look good doing it.
In the meantime, fans wait for news on Canelo’s next move and whether or not it will be Eubank in the opposite corner. Promoter Eddie Hearn believes the Brit will favour some tune-ups of his own beforehand.
