Saunders wants Canelo or Callum Smith next
Billy Joe Saunders has made it known he is looking to take on the big names in the super middleweight division.
The undefeated Saunders (29-0, 14 KOs) in a recent interview with Sky Sports hinted to them that he would like to take on WBA champ Callum Smith or Canelo Alvarez next.
“It’s no secret I want the big fights now,” WBO super-middleweight champion Saunders told Sky Sports. “The one that is most talked about and my name is linked to and I would say I’m favourite for is the Canelo fight.
?BILLY'S CHRISTMAS WISH?@bjsaunders_ says he just wants big fights and @Canelo is top of his list for 2020 ☝??
?Tune into Sky Sports Action NOW? pic.twitter.com/ckpyCJLWqX
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) December 19, 2019
Canelo Alvarez made news earlier this week by vacating the WBO light heavyweight belt he won back in November by defeating Sergey Kovalev. With him dropping the belt, all eyes are following him as he goes down in weight classes. Many assuming that he will go back down yo 168, something that Saunders of course is hoping for.
“Hopefully, Eddie (Hearn) can make that and MTK, and get the show on the road,” Saunders said.
“I’ve left it to my management team MTK. They’re very confident along with Eddie that this fight can be made. So for the fans sake and mine, I really hope this fight can be made in the New Year 2020.”
“I believe I’ve got the beating of him but I just want that golden chance.”
Saunders himself is coming of performance against Marcelo Coceres where he struggled and self admitted wasn’t his best. He did however come away with a 11th round stoppage win back in November. If Canelo isn’t an option, Saunders also mentioned fellow countryman Callum Smith who also is coming off a debatable decision victory against John Ryder last month as well.
“I think Callum Smith makes a fantastic fight for the fans. Me and him, both British, it would be so easy to make.
Whenever I hear fights for the fans, I’m more leaning to being skeptic of it ever happening just as being a boxing fan. Saunders like the entire boxing world within four weight classes of Canelo wants a shot at him, if Saunders is not next up for him, I’d hope that we get a unification bout between Saunders and Smith in 2020.
Marquis Johns is a unknown humorist and avid boxing fan. His love for the sweet science goes back to when matches were 15 rounds and has been covering fights since closed-circuit pay-per-views. Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth is not only a quote by Mike Tyson, it's also a pretty good reminder to keep your guard up.
