Billy Joe Saunders makes the move to super middleweight
Former WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders will make his 2019 debut April 13 against Shefat Isufi for the vacant WBO super middleweight title. Gilberto Ramirez recently vacated this title for a move to light heavyweight.
This comes as a surprise as the WBO recently reinstated Saunders as the #1 contender at middleweight. As a result, the organization ordered Demetrius Andrade to make his second title defense against the former champion.
UPDATE: MARCH 8, 2019
Billy Joe Saunders vs Shefat Isufu will no longer be for the WBO title. Ramirez protested that he in fact had not vacated the title. Therefore, he remains the champion.
With all of the failed PED testing talk now behind him, Saunders will look to become a two-division world champion.
Isufi (27-3-2, 20KO) will be taking a huge step-up when he enters the ring April 13. Not much is known of him, however, he is sitting at the #1 contender spot for the title. Furthermore, his resume indicates he’s a solid puncher with a 63 percent knockout ratio.
Saunders is regarded as a slick boxer with good defense and foot movement. He’ll head into the fight as the overwhelming favorite against an opponent who’s only been stopped once in his career.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
