Billy Joe Saunders’ Positive Affirmations
Ever since Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KO’s) defeated Sergey “The Krusher” Kovalev (34-4-1, 29 KO’s) and took his WBO world light heavyweight title, the boxing world has anxiously awaited Canelo’s next move.
Many wondered not only who he would fight, but at what weight class. Having jumped up two divisions to face the Krusher, Alvarez logically had three weight classes to choose from.
HOPING LIFE IMITATES FICTION
From the outside looking in, it seems more advantageous to go with one of his super middleweight possibilities. Canelo and Callum “Mundo” Smith (27-0, 19 KO’s) already share neighboring belts with Smith being the WBA super champion while Alvarez maintains the regular title.
Then there is WBO champion “Superb” Billy Joe Saunders (29-0, 14 KO’s). Superb has openly campaigned for a dust-up with the redhead. When asked about a potential bout with Saunders, Canelo has spoken favorably about the fighter and the would-be event. Clearly, this is a match that the Mexican superstar is giving a fair amount of consideration to.
Recently, Superb took the opportunity to freshen up fight talks by re-posting an unofficial graphic announcing that the fight had been finalized. The fan Tweet was removed shortly after.
Even though the announcement came from an unofficial fan page, Saunders was only too happy to acknowledge and try to will it into reality. Obviously, who Alvarez chooses to dance with next is still a mystery. However, there is a significant contingent of people who believe that Saunders is truly is a leading candidate.
THE USUAL SUSPECTS
Some of the other potential leading candidates are fellow middleweight champions Jermall “Hit Man” Charlo (30-0, 22 KO’s) (WBC), Demetrius “Boo-Boo” Andrade (28-0, 17 KO’s) (WBO) and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (40-1-1, 35 KO’s) (IBF). Although he left middleweight to tangle with the Russian light heavyweight, Canelo’s middleweight options largely are being dismissed as realistic possibilities.
Nothing about Canelo’s behavior, statements or demeanor indicates that he will face Andrade or Charlo any time soon. The Mexican phenomenon has shown zero desire to fight them and has even openly talked down on Andrade’s boxing style. In terms of Golovkin, Alvarez has maintained a long standing beef and therefore is not racing to supply him another lucrative payday.
Ironically, both Callum and Saunders are coming off extremely soggy and unsatisfying performances. Judging by their last outings, neither warrant a shot at the high profile bout. In fact, had Saunders not scored a near miracle late-fight knockout, he could have very well lost to Marcelo Esteban Coceres on the cards.
Nevertheless, a prizefight with either Mungo or Superb would make for huge events if staged in the UK. It’ll be interesting to see what the redhead chooses to do.
By: Bakari Simpson
Be the first to comment