Billy Joe Saunders doesn’t give credibility to Canelo Alvarez’ being labeled a four division champion!
Ahead of the first defense of his WBO super middleweight title, the talkative Brit Billy Joe Saunders has again called out Canelo Alvarez!
Saunders will make his US debut against Marcelo Esteban Coceres (28-0-1, 15KOs) on the under-card of the Logan Paul vs KSI rematch taking place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
On November 2, Alvarez traveled north 15 pounds (ca. 7 kg) to challenge then WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev. The mostly lackluster fight quickly intensified in round 11. Alvarez would score an explosive highlight-reel knockout to claim the WBO title, making history by becoming a four-division champion.
However Saunders doesn’t view him as a four-division champion. “Why,” you might ask? Alvarez jumped in weight last December and quickly disposed of Rocky Fielding, winning the WBA “regular” title. Saunders told Sky Sports Boxing the following.
“I want Canelo Alvarez. Canelo’s never been a 168lb (ca. 76 kg) world champion. They say he has, but he hasn’t. WBA “regular” champion, that’s not the full world title. He’s never been full world champion.
So let’s go. You give me a chance and I’ll give you a chance at being a four-division world champion.”
He’s technically right. The real WBA champion at super middleweight is Callum Smith, another guy who’s also called out Alvarez. With the way these sanctioning bodies have watered down the true meaning of what a champion is, the confusion is at an all-time high.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS AT MIDDLEWEIGHT!
It’s no big secret that a plethora of viable options remain at middleweight. Such names include Jermall Charlo, Demetrius Andrade and Gennady Golovkin. All are current middleweight champions.
However, a potential fight versus Saunders would more than likely take place at light heavyweight or super middleweight. Regardless of what division it takes place in, it’s a fight that has enough intrigue to warrant DAZN to press Alvarez on making the fight happen.
There will be no shortages of big-name threats to Canelo’s reign regardless what division he campaigns in.
3kingsboxing.com will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as they become available.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
