Billy Joe Saunders maintained WBO super-middleweight belt with a points win over Martin Murray and Sky Sports expert George Groves called for Chris Eubank Jr. rematch
Last updated: 05/12/20 7:28 am
Billy Joe Saunders will face Canelo vs. Callum Smith winner
Billy Joe Saunders should not ignore a “huge” rematch with Chris Eubank Jr. as he considers exciting options for next year, Sky Sports expert George Groves says.
Saunders retained its WBO super-middleweight title with a dominant points victory over Martin Murray to stay in contention for a bigger fight against an American-based star or another British rival.
Eubank Jr.’s undefeated record ended with a split decision loss to Saunders in 2014, and Groves insists another match could create massive public demand.
“It’s probably not on his radar as a big fight, but a guilty pleasure for me is Chris Eubank Jr.,” said Groves, who inflicted Eubank Jr.’s second loss in a 2018 WBA title fight.
“The first match was so close and I would just love to see it again.
“I do not think he will get the Canelo match next year. I’m not sure if he will be interested in Andrade or some of the other American warriors out there.
Chris Eubank Jr. was edged out by Saunders six years ago
“I think over here, if we’re allowed to have fans, then it’s a huge fight, Eubank Jr.”
WBO president Paco Valcarcel announced on social media that Saunders would complete a mandatory title fight if he did not face Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez or Demetrius Andrade in his next match.
Congratulations with @WorldBoxingOrg 168 pounds Champ Billy Joe Saunders. WBO is waiting @EddieHearn to advise within 10 days if he faces Canelo or Andrade next time. If he does not meet any of them, we order to meet the mandatory challenger appointed by the championship committee.
– Paco Valcárcel, Esq. (@PacoValcarcel) December 4, 2020
Organizer Eddie Hearn has insisted that the Saunders will have a great list of potential opponents, including the winner of Canelo against Callum Smith in December and other big names in the states.
Matchroom Boxing boss told Sky Sports: “When a fighter is as good as Billy Joe Saunders. When they’re at their best age like this, we can not waste the opportunity to find out how good he really is.
“We do not see it yet because he does not interfere with the elite of the elite.
“Golovkin, Canelo, Callum Smith, Demetrius Andrade. All these matches, it has to be one of them next, because otherwise we’re wasting our time wasting his career.”
0:44 James Tennyson produced a ruthless victory on the undercard
Saunders expressed his frustration after coming painfully close to a Canelo clash in May, though he is still determined to test himself against the sport’s elite fighters.
“They will all fight against me, but not one of them will sign any contract, so they will not fight me so much,” he said. Sky Sports. “Get your pens out and get it signed.
“Any super-middleweight, let’s get it. People can criticize me for anything they want. The most important thing is that I’m here to fight. When you want to call me, I’m ready for the new year, but it’s going to be a big fight. “
0:33 Shannon Courtenay also returned with a dramatic knockout victory
Saunders asked for his favorite enemy: “Everyone wants Canelo, right? I hope Smith beats him.
“Fair play to get the fight, I wish him all the best and I hope he as a Briton does, but if not, it’s the fight of the new year I want.”