Billy Joe Saunders feels like he has the tools to topple Canelo
When Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (55-1-2, 37 KO’s) last stepped in the ring there was extremely little drama. In fact, during fight week, there was remarkably little buzz in the air. This was due to the WBA Super and WBC World Super Middleweight champion taking on Avni “Mr. Robot” Yildirim (21-3, 12 KO’s). Few believed that he was on Canelo’s level and the general public thought he was heading for a one-way beat down.
Once in the ring, Mr. Robot played his role to perfection. The Turkish boxer barely threw any punches, was treated like a heavy bag and was beaten into submission in three rounds. With Yildirim out of the way, Alvarez could now turn his attention to WBO World Super Middleweight “Superb” Billy Joe Saunders (30-0, 14 KO’s).
When Alvarez stormed the 168-pound division, he immediately let it be known that he was there to unify all the titles. Saunders was one of the first champions that the Mexican targeted. Had he played ball, Superb would have already had his dance date with the redhead last December. However, the slick UK pugilist felt that he was not given enough time to prepare and passed on the opportunity. Even as Team Alvarez moved on to the Yildirim bout, they never abandoned their desire to tangle with Saunders.
NOT SO BAD ODDS
In the aftermath of Canelo’s win over Yildirim, the official announcement for Alvarez v Saunders was nearly immediately released. The two talents are slated to go head-to-head on May 3 with a venue yet to be revealed. One the one hand, Superb does have an impressive skillset that could seriously trouble the redhead. Saunders is a very proficient boxer who is well known for his defensive prowess. In the past, boxers that move well, such as Erislandy Lara, Austin Trout and Floyd Mayweather, have provided Canelo tremendous grief.
On the other hand, Superb does not carry a great deal of pop in his fists. This could be a major factor in the bout because Alvarez has proven that he has a granite beard. He has eaten flush shots from some of the best fighters of this generation and has emerged unscathed. If Saunders cannot hurt Canelo, or at least given the impression that he can hurt him, this could play out very badly.
Not only would he not be able to discourage the redhead from potentially walking him down, it would be a bad look for the judges. Alvarez already has a reputation for being untouchable on the scorecards as is. Unless Saunders puts on a perfect boxing performance, he will have to be able to hurt or stun Canelo if he intends on winning a decision. Well, if it goes to the cards that is!
WILL THE FIGHT HAPPEN THOUGH?
In the end, the headstrong and very cocky Saunders is not worried about any of it. The UK boxer believes in his own ability and feels that he has everything he needs to win right now.
So now that the prizefight is set, we will just have to wait and see how it all plays out in the ring. Well actually, first we will need to be sure that Superb makes it to the fight!
Saunders has imploded two bouts with WBO World Middleweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade. Superb also derailed two separate fights with Martin Murray before they fought. And if you count the fight that he passed up with Canelo, that is five total fights that Saunders has single-handedly burned to the ground. Therefore, if for some reason he failed to make it to the ring to face Alvarez, it would be anything but a shock!
By: Bakari Simpson
