Billy Joe Saunders wants Canelo or Callum Smith next!
With the coming of the New Year, WBO world super middleweight “Superb” Billy Joe Saunders (29-0, 14 KO’s) believes it’s time to make the big fights.
At least this is what he told to Kugan Cassius, among other things, in an exclusive interview with IFL TV. Over the past week or so Saunders’ name has significantly gelled with Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KO’s).
THE CANELO CONUNDRUM
Lately rumors stating that Superb is the leading candidate to get the next shot at Alvarez have swirled all around boxing circles. There is little doubt that he would leap at the chance to tangle with the redhead.
However, he is not one to push a rumor if it is not necessarily the truth.
“Listen I just left it to my management team MTK. Obviously when I hear rumors like that that’s the first people I contact because you get told the truth. I think that anyone can be front runner in this sort of situation.
“I think Callum Smith, you know as well has a good chance. I think it’s me or Callum. I would say for the TV companies can’t afford to be bringing in old bodies.”
However, in the exchange with Cassius, Superb revealed that all talks of a fight between himself and Alvarez, at this point, was only gossip and scuttlebutt. Yet he is still optimistic that the lucrative prizefight does come to fruition.
This is because a part of him earnestly believes that DAZN is trying to get Alvarez defeated.
“Look at what happened when Joshua boxed. You know I think the rematch made the TV company the most money. The most money in God knows how long.
“So for someone to beat Canelo, the rematch would be even bigger for DAZN and for the promoters and obviously for the fighters.
“So they’re looking for someone, I think, to beat him. Me or Callum Smith I think could do the job.”
PERHAPS A MUNDO MASH-UP
Whether Saunders gets the lucky golden ticket to fight Canelo or not he has no intention to sit on his hands waiting around. Therefore, if Superb is not able to secure Alvarez his next best option would be a unification with WBO super world super middleweight champion Callum “Mundo” Smith (27-0, 19 KO’s).
The one potential hiccup here is, along with Saunders, Smith is also tabbed as being favored finalist to get the fight with Alvarez. Given the choice, it’s highly unlikely that Smith would choose Canelo.
Nevertheless, if Canelo bypasses both super middleweight champions, the Smith v Saunders bout would stand as a competitive and meaningful fight.
“I think that’s the fight that makes sense. If me and Callum Smith is going to fight in the UK, listen we only get one shot around in boxing, and we’re both in a prime position of our life.
“Both world champions, unification, you know? Wherever it may be. I think that’s the next sensible option to make. I’m sure that it’d be good business for both of us.
“Let’s just get the big, big showdown, the big showcase where everybody is fucking buying a ticket to see. Everyone wants to watch it on TV, everyone wants to be involved. That’s the sort of fight that needs to happen I think.”
By: Bakari Simpson
