Billy Joe Saunders Returns November 9
WBO Super middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders (28-0, 13KO) seems to be the odd man out in a division that is one of the best in boxing. The southpaw fighter is still looking for that signature victory that will solidify his position as an elite champion.
The woes of finding an opponent has hampered an immediate return to the ring since winning the title against Shefat Isufi back in May. Thats why it is great news to hear of a possible fight against Marcelo Esteban Coceres (28-0-1, 15KO).
The British champion has been eager to mix it up with the likes of boxing’s biggest earner, Canelo Alvarez. However, Alvarez would opt to fight WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev. There was also a possibility of a UK mega fight with WBA champion Callum Smith. Then the WBA ordered Smith to face mandatory challenger John Ryder, pushing things back at least until 2020.
This domino effect left the southpaw champion scrambling to find an opponent for a first title defense. That brings Saunders having to settle on facing the relatively unknown and un-ranked challenger from Argentina.
Coceres, although undefeated, has an absolutely flavorless resume. He won minor titles at junior middleweight and middleweight. He will make a huge step-up in weight and competition to face Saunders. This will also be his first fight outside of his native country in his career. There is one silver lining for the young challenger in that he has proven to be able to beat lower tier fighters.
The WBO champion passes the eye test when it comes to his superior skill set, which is why pundits and fans want to see him mixing it up with some of the bigger names in boxing.
This fight is on the undercard of the Paul Logan vs KSI rematch bout set to be aired live by Matchroom at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA on November 9.
By: Garrisson Bland
Be the first to comment