Billy Joe Saunders: “I’ll Step Up and Fight Kovalev!”

Billy Joe Saunders Wants that Kovalev Challenge!

Billy Joe Saunders and Sergey Kovalev
Billy Joe Saunders (left) and Sergey Kovalev (right).

Billy Joe Saunders willing to move up to 175 to face Sergey Kovalev!


After a thrilling 11th round knockout victory over previously unbeaten Anthony Yarde to retain his WBO light heavyweight title, Sergey Kovalev is a wanted man from fighters outside of his division.

WBO super middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders has joined Canelo Alvarez as fighters who are willing to move up to light heavyweight to meet the “Krusher!” He stated over social media:

“I’ll step up and fight Kovalev!”

With his bout with Yarde now in the books, the expectation is he will move forward with a huge showdown with Alvarez.

However, Saunders has thrown his name in the hat for a chance at Kovalev and it’s not something that is unlikely to happen. Understand as the WBO super middleweight champion, if he decides to move up, he will become the mandatory for Kovalev per WBO rules!

We currently see this with Oleksandr Usyk as he made his move to heavyweight and is automatically elevated to mandatory status by the WBO without even debuting at the weight.

After recently signing with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing, he made it clear that he’s only interested in facing big name fighters.

A Saunders vs Kovalev fight has some intrigue due to both men being highly skilled fighters with polar opposite styles. Kovalev relies on his jab and power, while Saunders on the other hand relies on speed and movement.

As usual everyone is waiting on Canelo to make a decision. While most would prefer the Mexican star, a fight with the British champion isn’t too shabby either. Although, the money more than likely will not be the same facing Saunders.

3kingsboxing.com will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as they become available.

By: Jerrell Fletcher

Previous Article: Sergey Kovalev Stops Yarde; Canelo Alvarez Possibly Next!

Other Featured Articles: Saunders on Move to Matchroom: “I Don’t Need to go Anywhere Else!”

About Jerrell F.1648 Articles
Jerrell Fletcher - Lead Journalist Jerrell "Big Kool" Fletcher is the host of YouTube boxing channel "Colossal Sports TV" and is the Lead Journalist for 3kingsboxing.com.