5 Potential Opponents For Billy Joe Saunders

5 Potential Opponents For Billy Joe Saunders
14:55, 19 Dec 2017

Following his sublime masterclass in Montreal over the weekend, Billy Joe Saunders has made waves throughout boxing press on both sides of the Atlantic, with many sitting up and taking notice of the man now repeatedly backing up his brash antics on the world stage.

It’s almost a year ago to the day that Saunders stumbled past Artur Akavov, in a fight that fuelled doubters of the controversial fighter, insisting he wasn’t a worthy title holder and that he was ducking the likes of Gennady Golovkin.

Well now those doubters have been well and truly silenced. Since teaming up with corner man Dominic Ingle, Saunders has put on two performances that have made highly ranked competition seem mediocre, or in David Lemieux’s case, amateur.

With the win against Lemieux in his own backyard easily sealed, where does Billy Joe go next?

Gennady Golovkin

Let’s start with the other champ. A fight likely to be shelved for the time being as the feared Kazakh looks to seal a rematch with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, unification of the division might not be something we see until for at least 12 months, but with Saunders repeatedly stating he signed for ‘GGG’ twice previously, there is still the opportunity should we be looking at the same title holders this time next year.

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez

Similar chances to Golovkin in reality. As the two biggest draws in the division thrash out terms on an anticipated rematch, it’s unlikely we’ll see the Mexican clash with the Brit.

It is a mouth-watering thought however and a fight fans would surely relish should the chance ever come to fruition.

Danny Jacobs

The man known as ‘Miracle Man’ following his heroic return to the ring following a cancer diagnosis would be one of the toughest tests Saunders could sign up to.

A legit 50/50 eliminator would always be welcomed by the fans, but with Jacobs recently having signed with Matchroom, specifically Eddie Hearn, the fight could potentially breakdown as Saunders continues to show loyalty to Frank Warren, who of course delivered the world title in the first place.

The fight has been mooted as potential however and would be a hugely intriguing spectacle.

Jermall Charlo

Touted by many as the man to eventually dethrone Gennady Golovkin, Charlo poses a real danger to the division and as a whole potentially finds himself one of the most avoided fighters in it.

If Saunders were to take the fight, he would be taking a huge gamble, for a potentially small reward – certainly among casual fans.

Should he lose the fight to a fighter not tremendously known on his own home soil, Saunders would potentially be throwing career high pay cheque fights away, so don’t expect to see this fight made anytime soon.

Chris Eubank Jr

Again, unlikely in the foreseeable future but the rematch isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.

Currently campaigning at Super-Middleweight, Eubank Jr is set to face George Groves in the World Super Series next February. However, Saunders has fought just twice in three months, so could wait until summer before lacing up again.

Should Jr lose to Groves, arguably the most called out grudge match in recent British boxing could be made, and should see everyone in profit.

Notable Mentions

Gabriel Rosado

Keen to establish himself at the top table, Rosado is, in current form someway short of dining at the top table.

That being said his fights are usually interesting, and could be seen as a keep busy for Saunders.

Demetrius Andrade

The best kept secret in the division, ‘Boo Boo’ did fight twice in 2017, but surely the barely seen, hard-hitting Rhode Island native would be too much of a gamble for Saunders.

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