Saunders will put his WBO Super Middleweight title on the line for the first time against Esteban Coceres on the undercard of KSI-Logan Paul 2 at the Staples Center in the early hours of Sunday morning, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

The 30-year-old, who previously held the WBO middleweight belt, is aiming to impress on his US debut against undefeated Argentine Coceres (28-0-1, KOs 15) in a bid to force a showdown with the stars of the 168lb division.

“I need to showcase some skills in America, no one really knows me here but you will do after Saturday night,” said Saunders (28-0, KOs 13) during Thursday’s press conference.

“No disrespect to my opponent, I’m here to put a showcase on to show how levels are made.

“I’m after Canelo, Golovkin, all the big names, they’ve been hiding too long. I’m a two-weight champion and I’m really hoping to put on good performance for the American crowd.

via Peter Gilbert Skysports.com

Billy Joe Saunders will make the first defence of his WBO Super-Middleweight World title against undefeated Argentinian Marcelo Esteban Coceres on the blockbuster KSI vs. Logan Paul 2 show at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Saturday November 9, live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

Saunders (28-0, 13 KOs) became a two-weight World Champion with a shutout points win over Shefat Isufi in Stevenage earlier this year, outclassing his Serbian opponent over 12 rounds to add the WBO 168lbs crown to his collection.

Saunders hopes win over Coceres leads to Canelo or Golovkin fight
The Hatfield star is on the verge of securing mega fights with the elite fighters of the 160 and 168lbs divisions after signing a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing and knows that a slip up against Coceres would be disastrous.

Coceres (28-0-1, 15 KOs), from San Jorge, is undefeated in 29 fights since turning professional in 2012 and the 28-year-old has won numerous titles at Super-Welter and Middleweight, most recently picking up the WBO Latino and WBA Fedebol Middleweight titles.

“I’m really looking forward to fighting in LA and making my professional American debut and my first fight under the Matchroom umbrella on DAZN and Sky Sports,” said Saunders. “Marcelo Esteban Coceres is a tough, world-class operator, an unbeaten fighter and I certainly feel the pressure to outperform him and look good on such a massive platform. Training is going very well, I just have to stay focused and get the job done.”

Hearn says Saunders could get big fight in 2020 with an impressive win
“I can’t wait to see Billy Joe shine stateside and what a huge platform to do it,” said Eddie Hearn. “He is right in the mix for all the big fights in 2020 but he can’t slip up here and if he can make a statement against Coceres then I truly believe he will land a monster in the first half of next year.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “We are very excited to have the outstanding Billy Joe Saunders back on Sky – and what a night to make his re-appearance! This is a real chance for our growing sport to reach a new audience with world class fighters in action before the YouTube stars KSI and Logan Paul clash. Bring on November 9th!”

Saunders vs. Coceres ticket information
General sale tickets are available to purchase now via www.axs.com

It will also mark the British boxer’s American debut.

Eddie Hearn promised that legitimate boxers would be on the KSI-Logan Paul 2 card on Nov. 9. Well, the Matchroom Boxing president just delivered.

Hearn announced Friday that Billy Joe Saunders is set to defend his WBO Super Middleweight title in his American debut as part of the card on DAZN. Saunders’ opponent is slated to be announced next week.

Saunders scored a unanimous decision over Shefat Isufi in May to be crowned the WBO super middleweight champ, making Nov. 9 his first title defense. Perhaps the internet-driven KSI-Logan Paul 2 audience will warm up to Saunders, considering the 30-year-old has one of the most colorful personalities in boxing.

The next big question: who will Saunders be facing?

vIA https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/boxing/billy-joe-saunders-to-defend-wbo-super-middleweight-title-on-ksi-logan-paul-2-card/1qr7rgbfwducv19k9g8ksrh698

Undefeated WBO Super-Middleweight World Champion Billy Joe Saunders has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, with his next fight to be announced next week.

Saunders (28-0, 13 KOs) became a two-weight World Champion with a shutout points win over Shefat Isufi in Stevenage earlier this year, outclassing his Serbian opponent over 12 rounds to land the WBO 168lbs title.

The Hatfield southpaw’s first World title came against Irish fight legend Andy Lee at Manchester Arena in December 2015 when he floored the former Champion twice in the third round on route to a majority decision to claim the WBO Middleweight crown.

Successful defences followed against Artur Akavov, Willie Monroe Jr and, most notably, a career-best performance against David Lemieux on away soil in Canada where the 29-year-old star dismantled former IBF ruler Lemieux over 12 masterful rounds.

A former Southern Area, Commonwealth, British, WBO International and European Champion at Middleweight, Saunders is confident that his move to Matchroom Boxing will secure megafighs with new stablemates Callum Smith and Demetrius Andrade, as well as DAZN fighters Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.

“This move is going to benefit me massively,” said Saunders. “Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing can put me right out on the branch for those big fights. I’m on Golovkin and Canelo’s turf. I’ve made this move to make them fights because I’m sick of hearing their bullsh*t excuses. Those fights make financial sense and they make sense because we’re on the same network.

“I will go where the big fights are and I can fluctuate between Middle and Super-Middle. If the big fights are at Middleweight then I’ll have them at Middle. If they’re at Super-Middleweight then I’ll have them at Super. I’m a World Champion at Super-Middle so if anyone wants to come and try to win a belt then I’ve got one of the most recognised belts out there and I’m open to big offers.

“I’m going to bring a lot of excitement to Sky Sports and DAZN. I’m a good talker but I can also walk the walk. Matchroom are going to give me more publicity and more exposure for these big fights and that’s what I need. Once people see me and they see what I’m about they’ll want to see me in those big fights.

“I can’t wait to be involved in those big nights that I’ve seen Matchroom put on over the years. If that means fighting at 168lbs or 8lbs lighter then that’s no problem. I’m ready to go and I’m hoping to be out at the end of October or early November.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “Welcome to the big league Billy Joe! This is a huge signing for us and the perfect place for Billy to be. Everyone in boxing knows how good Billy is and now he is going to get the chance to prove it against the elite.

“He holds a World title at 168 but can also make 160 comfortably and when you look at the fighters we work with across our platforms, this was an obvious link up. Fighters need to be motivated with regular dates and solid deliverable plans – now Billy finally has that you will see him shine on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said, “I’m absolutely delighted that Billy Joe Saunders has been announced as Eddie Hearn’s latest signing for Matchroom Boxing.

“Billy Joe is a huge talent, with mouthwatering fights available at Middleweight and Super-Middleweight, including Canelo, GGG, Demetrius Andrade, Danny Jacobs and that big domestic clash with Callum Smith.

“We’re very excited to have him on Sky Sports and look forward to seeing Billy Joe involved in some massive fights in the near future.”

Congrats to the new WBO World Super Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders (28-0, 13 KOs), who became a two-division world champion by defeating Shefat Isufi (27-4-2, 20 KOs) at the Lamex Stadium, Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Scorecards: 120-108, 117-111 and 118-110

Southpaw slickster Saunders was quickly out of the blocks firing in rapier like jabs into the face of Isufi, who had no answers to the movement and range of shots he was being forced to absorb. Saunders looked a class above and Isufi a little befuddled by what was in front of him.

Saunders’ Hertfordshire army were creating quite some atmosphere inside the Lamex Stadium as their man was executing something of a masterclass to which Isufi was offering little in return. Isufi’s expression at the end of round two told of him being utterly perplexed over how to counter the array of shots and nifty movement of the former middleweight world champion.

Saunders unleashed a flurry of shots in the third that resulted in referee Marcus McDonnell taking a close look at the wellbeing of Isufi but, to his credit, the Albanian fired back and kept the referee off his case for the time being.

The memorising display of Saunders continued through the fourth and Isufi carried on being perplexed by the variety of shots coming in his direction. Isufi was regularly cornered and his only riposte came via wild and hopeful haymakers.

The beginning of the sixth saw Saunders clubbed back towards the ropes by a huge right hand and, for once, the Hatfield man was holding on and subsequently got on his toes and kept out of trouble. It was a warning sign not to take his man too lightly, however much he was on top.

Isufi was showing a new resolve after being flummoxed for six rounds and it was he who was on the prowl stalking his prey. Saunders launched some stunning manoeuvres off the back foot at the end of the seventh.

The 27-0 man went back on the hunt at the start of the eighth and was completely dominant across the full three minutes as Isufi went back into his shell, with the ninth and tenth following a similar pattern.

Isufi was attempting to land bombs but was not finding the target with single shots as Saunders was cruising towards a second world title and was not taking any chances.

He got on his bike in the final round, circling the Albanian and not putting his fine work at risk.

Billy Joe Saunders is now a two-weight world champion.

PROMOTER Frank Warren today held the final press conference ahead of Saturday’s vacant WBO world super-middleweight title clash between Billy Joe Saunders and Shefat Isufi at The Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage FC.

Saunders, who comes from nearby Hatfield will be bidding to become a two-weight world champion having previously held the WBO middleweight crown.

Also on the bill is fast emerging London heavyweight star and Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce who faces giant Russian former world title challenger Alexander Ustinov.

Here are a selection of quotes from the presser.

FRANK WARREN

Bill should be in a position to have big fights and he will get them. It is a shame that fighters avoid him. We twice signed to fight Golovkin and I know Canelo’s connections don’t want to know. I had a chat with Joe Gallagher a couple weeks ago about Callum Smith and he said ‘in a couple of fights time’, but Callum will be light-heavyweight by then. Chris Eubank Jr has shown no interest in avenging his loss to Bill.

Ustinov is a big, big man and I know him very well. This is a tough fight for Joe and a step up for him. Joe doesn’t want marking time fights and this is no gimme. Joe is out to make a statement and cannot afford to slip up.

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS

This has been a long time coming. I had a terrible 2018 and feel my title was robbed from me. I jumped at this fight when it was offered and I will become a two-weight world champion.

I’m not looking past Isufi, but I am looking for the big names. I am 29, I know I have got it inside me and nobody has seen my best.

READ Saunders vs Isufi: Home Sweet Home For Billy Joe
With the backing of BT Sport we can make the big fights. It is all fine saying I look good hitting the pads, but I have to be on my A game and send a message to the other super-middleweights.

If I do bring it, I should box his head off. Whatever he brings I will fetch ten-fold more.

I have been training with Ben and it has been good, enjoyable and great bouncing around with Tyson Fury. Everything has gone well and I’m enjoying boxing again.

SHEFAT ISUFI

I am doing this for me, but to become Albania’s first world boxing champion is big for them and also Germany as I box under their flag.

Billy Joe will be trying everything to win and so will I.

If Billy Joe did win I will congratulate him, but it will be the other way around.

Billy Joe is quick, fast and a hard puncher. I can also punch and one punch could make the difference.

My father died when I was young and he is always in my mind. When I win I will go to his grave and thank him.

Photo by Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS will fight Shefat Isufi for the WBO World Super Middleweight Title on Saturday May 18 at The Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage Football Club, live on BT Sport.

The Saunders-Isufi live stream will start at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT on ESPN+ and will also include the highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between 2016 Olympic super heavyweight silver medalist Joe Joyce (8-0, 8 KOs) and former world title challenger Alexander Ustinov (34-3, 25 KOs).

For Saunders, 27-0, the big night in the centre of pitch at Stevenage will represent a first professional fight on home turf in Hertfordshire, with the 29-year-old southpaw stylist hailing from nearby Hatfield.

The former Southern Area, Commonwealth, British, WBO International and European champion was an undefeated WBO world champion at middleweight, having won the belt in December 2015 with a points victory over former champion Andy Lee.

Successful defences followed against Artur Akavov, Willie Monroe jr and, most notably, a career-best performance against David Lemieux on away soil in Canada.

He was set to make a further defence last October against mandatory challenger Demetrius Andrade, but eventually opted to relinquish his title after the Massachusetts commission refused to licence him to fight in Boston after an adverse finding in a VADA test, despite the fact he would have been clear to defend under the rules of the British Boxing Board of Control, as well as the UKAD and WADA agencies that govern doping protocols.

Saunders returned to the ring in December in a keep busy exercise against Charles Adamu and was recently installed as mandatory challenger for his previous title, with Andrade now holding the belt.

He will now break new territory by moving up to 168lbs and seeking to reign at a second weight class.

His opponent is the WBO No.1 ranked Munich-based Serbian Isufi, who holds a record of 27-3-2 with 20 KOs. The 29-year-old is the holder of the WBO Intercontinental title and has made two defences of the belt he won by defeating David Zegarra via an 11th round stoppage for the vacant title in July 2017.

He has previously fought for and won the IBF European title at light heavyweight, as well as the WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council cruiserweight title. Isufi is undefeated as a super middleweight.

“I am very, very happy for the fight, more or less, to be taking place in my home town,” said Saunders on the new venue development. “Stevenage and Hatfield is my area and I am excited to be fighting in front of my ‘home’ fans and I am finally home.

“This is my real homecoming from the time I turned pro really.

“I know I have got great support there and I look forward to them all coming out and seeing me put on a brilliant display of boxing. I am just happy I am in this position now and Frank (promoter, Warren) has made it work.

“It is good times and I reckon it will be a complete sell-out. I’ve got a lot of support in the town and it’s a bonus that Stevenage is just along the A1, which is what all my supporters will be travelling on.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “I am delighted to be returning Bill to his home patch for what is a significant development in his career.
“Moving up to super middleweight opens up all sort of doors for future fights, the massive fights he craved at middleweight where his willingness to fight the other champions was not reciprocated.

“Bill has operated at middleweight for a long time now and reached the top, so we both now believe the time is right to expand his horizons and move up a weight.

“If he is successful against Isufi – and we are not underestimating the threat he poses – Bill will ebecome world champion or fight Ramirez for the title should he stick around at super middleweight.

“Stevenage is new territory for us and I am looking forward to breaking new ground. I am sure the local fans will come out in numbers to support their local man as Bill enters this next phase of his career.”

Saunders vs Isufi at the Lamex Stadium is subject to licensing and will go on sale via www.borotickets.co.uk on April 1st.

Tickets will be priced as below:

£250 – Hospitality
£150 – Pitch
£100 – Pitch
£75 – Pitch
£50 – Stand
£40 – Stand

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – STEVENAGE FOOTBALL CLUB – LAMEX STADIUM

Please note the following additional conditions will apply at the event on 18th May

1. All persons will be subject to a body and bag search upon entry.

2. Only small bags (no larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm) will be permitted into the stadium.

3. No food or drink, including bottled water will be permitted to be brought into the stadium. Water will be available within the stadium

4. There will be a strict no re-admittance policy throughout the event.

5. The Stadium operates a strict no Smoking Policy throughout, including the pitch area seating.

FA Cup Final: Unfortunately there are currently no plans to screen the FA Cup Final within the Lamex Stadium.

WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, Esq reacted on Billy Joe Saunders’ public comments regarding his world title status:

“B.J. Saunders has voluntarily vacated the WBO Middleweight Title, and publicly apologized for his violation of the Massachusetts Athletic Commission’s anti-doping regulations”.

“Therefore, the clash between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondonkwa scheduled for October 20th will now be for the vacant World Crown”.

“Also, I will recommend to the WBO Executive Committee that Saunders receives a six month suspension for his transgression”.

Victor Conte’s SNAC facility in San Carlos, CA, is hosting three elite training camps. Demetrius Andrade, Devin Haney and Daniel Jacobs are working extremely hard at the state-of-the-art training center.

SNAC’s world-renowned track coach and living legend Remi Korchemny, one of the best elite performance trainers, is providing the camps with his unique training drills and techniques.

Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (25-0, 16 KOs) is trained by his father, Paul Andrade. On October 20th, he challenges undefeated foe, Billy Joe Saunders (26-0, 12 KOs), for his World Boxing Organization Middleweight Title at the TD Garden in Boston, MA, live on Sky Sports.

“I’ve been working with Victor Conte for many years now and there’s no doubt, I’m with the best group of trainers in the world,” Andrade stated. “With Haney and Jacobs out here working side by side with me, it is very competitive, we all want to be first in all the drills. This is the type of training that will take a fighter to the next level. Billy Joe Saunders will find out what it’s like to face an elite athlete when he steps in the ring with me. He’s in big trouble.”

WBO World Middleweight Clash: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FROM MATCHROOM BOXING USA IN BOSTON

Tickets for the October 20 bumper bill at the TD Garden on sale now

Eddie Hearn, President of Matchroom Boxing USA:

“I am thrilled to be bringing this triple-header of World championship action to the TD Garden in Boston.

“We want to take major fight nights to major cities across America that haven’t had the chance to witness this great sport in the flesh, that’s why we’re in Chicago on October 6 and then in Boston on October 20 – we’re taking this great sport to great cities in great arenas like the TD Garden with the best night of boxing the city has seen.”

Billy Joe Saunders – Hertfordshire, England – 26 (12) – 0 – defending his WBO World Middleweight title against Demetrius Andrade:

“This is such a big fight. The two main men at Middleweight at the moment is GGG and Canelo – and neither of them want to fight me or Demetrius. There’s a lot of smoke and mist in the division right now, and when it clears up I will be the man standing there.

“All jokes and trash talk aside, this is going to be a really good fight. Does anyone want to fight Demetrius? No. Does anyone want to fight me? No. We have to fight each other to prove who the number one guy is. Technically, we are the best two in the division, and the winner is going to be number one. I’m World champion, I’ve been more active, I’ve boxed the better opposition – but I have to beat this man.

“David Lemieux is a bum, a bum – he’s not worth talking about and I don’t take any credit from beating him. But I’ve been in with and easily handled World-class opposition – I’ve been in with Chris Eubank Jr and dealt with him, been in with Andy Lee and dealt with him, Willie Monroe had no heart or desire to win.

“There’s too much at stake in this fight to even think about losing – and I will prove that I am number one. If I turn up at my 100 per cent best, it’s good enough to beat him. He’s a great fighter and he’s been avoided, our paths have crossed and we have to fight. The winner is number one.”

Demetrius Andrade – Providence, Rhode Island – 25 (16) – 0 – challenging WBO World Middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders.

“It’s an honour to be fighting at the TD Garden, we’re giving you the best fight in boxing this year, you have to be there.

“Billy Joe is a great fighter, an undefeated southpaw, he’s ugly looking, but he can fight – but your boy Demetrius Andrade always come through. Never have I failed to come out with the victory.

“It’s going to be an entertaining build up and I’m thrilled to be working with Eddie Hearn, he’s bringing boxing at the highest level out here – there’s no sport like boxing, and we’re showcasing it in Boston.

“We’re going to be in shape to do 12 rounds, I know I have the bigger dog inside me than Billy Joe, and I’m going to unleash that on him on October 20.”

Tickets for October 20 are on sale now from www.TDGarden.com

Photo by Ed Mulholland

Billy Joe Saunders will defend his WBO middleweight title in his opponent’s home area in a second straight fight.

Promoter Eddie Hearn told multiple media outlets Wednesday that Saunders’ title defense against Demetrius Andrade will take place October 20 at TD Garden in Boston. TD Garden, the home arena of the NBA’s Celtics and NHL’s Bruins, is about 50 miles from Andrade’s hometown of Providence, Rhode Island.

England’s Saunders traveled to Laval, Quebec, for his last fight against David Lemieux. The British southpaw masterfully out-boxed Montreal’s Lemieux in that 12-rounder December 16 at Place Bell.

The Saunders-Andrade fight will headline a show streamed live by DAZN as part of Perform Group’s partnership with Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. The first DAZN/Matchroom show in the United States, scheduled for October 6 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, was officially announced at a press conference Wednesday.

Hearn, Andrade’s new promoter, and British rival Frank Warren, who works with Saunders, came to an agreement for their WBO-mandated championship match July 25 before a purse bid scheduled for later that day.

The WBO ordered a Saunders-Andrade title fight last month because Brooklyn’s Daniel Jacobs (34-2, 29 KOs), the WBO’s No. 1 middleweight challenger, reached an agreement to fight Ukraine’s Sergiy Derevyanchenko (12-0, 10 KOs) for the vacant IBF middleweight title. Andrade (25-0, 16 KOs), a former WBA and WBO 154-pound champion, is the WBO’s No. 2-ranked middleweight contender.

The 30-year-old Andrade (25-0, 16 KOs) will end almost exactly a one-year layoff the night he challenges Saunders. Andrade hasn’t fought since defeating Alantez Fox (23-1-1, 11 KOs) by unanimous decision in their 12-rounder October 21 in Verona, New York.

The 28-year-old Saunders (26-0, 12 KOs) will fight for the first time in 10 months when he enters the ring to face Andrade.

He was supposed to make an optional title defense against England’s Martin Murray on April 14 at O2 Arena in London. He withdrew from that fight due to a hand injury and from their rescheduled June 23 bout with a hamstring injury.

Murray accused Saunders of faking his second injury because Saunders was trying to land a more profitable fight against Gennady Golovkin. Saunders agreed to battle Golovkin on August 25 at The Forum in Inglewood, California, but that plan was scrapped once Golovkin (38-0-1, 34 KOs) and Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 KOs) agreed to terms June 13 for their rematch September 15 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

https://www.boxingscene.com/saunders-andrade-headed-bostons-td-garden-on-october-20–130735

The fight that many people in boxing didn’t think would happen is now a reality: Billy Joe Saunders will defend his WBO middleweight title against former junior middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade in the fall.

The respective promoters, Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn, came to an agreement Wednesday just before a purse bid for the fight was set to take place.

Hearn told ESPN that the fight “looks like” it will occur Oct. 20 on the East Coast, since Andrade is from Rhode Island. Hearn originally earmarked that date for an event in Los Angeles. Saunders, from England, would be fighting in the U.S. for the first time.

A purse bid was scheduled for 5 p.m. ET Wednesday but was canceled when the WBO was informed Warren and Hearn had reached an agreement. The two rival promoters from England rarely conduct an event together, so the expectation was the fight would put up for bid, in which Saunders would receive 70 percent of the highest bid.

http://www.sportingnews.com/us/boxing/news/billy-joe-saunders-vs-demetrius-andrade-fight-wbo-middleweight-title-dazn-matchroom-boxing/1nbhb23ngle6k1db4ltjnjfk03

WBO

WBO Middleweight Title Bout Negotiations: Billy Joe Saunders vs. Demetrius Andrade

July 12th 2018

To:
MR. FRANK WARREN QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONS
Mr. DEMETRIUS ANDRADE
Mr. EDWARD FARRIS MANAGER

Re: WBO Middleweight Title Bout Negotiations Billy Joe Saunders vs. Demetrius Andrade

Gentlemen:

Please be advised the parties have ten days (10) upon receipt of this letter to negotiate and reach an agreement concerning the WBO Middleweight Title Bout between Billy Joe Saunders and Demetrius Andrade. If an accord is not reached within the time frame stated herein, a Purse Bid will be ordered pursuant to our WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.

The minimum acceptable bid for the WBO Middleweight division is $200,000.00 (TwoHundred Thousand Dollars). Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid procedure at any time during the negotiation process.

Yours truly,
Luis Batista Salas, Esq.

Cc: Francisco Valcárcel, Esq.
Star Boxing, Inc.
Banner Promotions

By Declan Taylor, courtesy of The Daily Star

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS used to get chased round Sheffield by the police during his days as a tearaway amateur.

Now he says he is living a prison lifestyle in the Steel City after relocating there on a permanent basis a decade later.

Saunders, who will make the second defence of his WBO world middleweight title against American Willie Monroe Jr at London’s Copper Box Arena in September, called Sheffield his home when he was part of Team GB.

His glittering time as an amateur saw him box at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

And now he is back up in Yorkshire training under Dominic Ingle at the famous Wincobank gym which has produced the likes of ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed and Kell Brook.

But he is no longer treading the thin blue line even though Ingle is keeping him under lock and key.

He said: “It’s weird because sometimes I have a walk round the places where I used to get police chases.

“I just think, ‘Wow’ because nothing has changed except there are less police chasing me and that’s because I’m a bit fat.

“But the set-up is good in Sheffield, I live in the attic of Kid Galahad’s house.

“I just needed to be away from home really, there was too much horse racing, dog coursing, women, cakes and food – it was like Christmas every day.

“I’m proud of where I come from but our way of living is not good for boxing, our way of living is not good for general life.

“Now I’m locked away where it all started for me as part of the GB Olympic team for Beijing.

“You have to live like a monk who has nothing and put the work in. For me, that time is now.”

www.boxingscene.com/billy-joe-saunders-living-like-monk-get-top-form–118652?print_friendly=1

By Frank Warren

Billy Joe Saunders is literally steeling himself up as he begins preparations for the second defence of his WBO world middleweight title on September 16.
 
To ensure he is in the optimum condition for the challenge ahead, Bill has taken up residence in the Steel City of Sheffield, where he will now be trained by Dominic Ingle at the fabled Wincobank gym.
 
I honestly believe this is a smart move by Bill, who has removed himself from any distractions on the home front and he will receive top coaching from one of the game’s top operators.

We are very close to the point of being able to reveal exactly who will be challenging Bill for his world title at the Copper Box. Everything is in place and it is essentially a done deal, but I don’t like to jump the gun until the last i has been dotted and the final t crossed.
 
To be quite honest, there are enough boxers who cannot seem to resist letting the cat out of the bag on social media these days before contracts are signed and sealed and I wish they would keep it buttoned until we are in a position to make a formal announcement.
 
Bill, thankfully, isn’t one to get ahead of himself and his defence against the highest ranked available contender by the WBO will be confirmed very soon.
 
It promises to be some night on September 16, with Bill set to be part of a thrilling double-header before attention switches Stateside to Las Vegas and the long-awaited blockbuster between Saul Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.
 
For fight fans it will be a night that is really going to take some topping.
 
For Bill, should he successfully negotiate his business in London, he will be straight onto the next one because he is going to have a busy time of it from now on.
 
Circumstances beyond our control have kept him out of the ring for lengthy spells over the last year or two so he has got to get active now and remind everyone of what he is all about.
 
We need to get him going again, keep him motivated and in condition, so he can do what he does best.
 
Bill is the sort of fighter, a bit like Tyson Fury in some ways, who needs to know exactly who he is up against and when in order to get him stimulated to continue training.
 
He will have that now along with every opportunity to prove that he is one of the best champions out there.

www.boxingscene.com/frank-warren-on-billy-joe-saunders-return-on-september-16–118042?print_friendly=1

golovkin-saunders_8

All the talk if Gennady Golovkin successfully defended his IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC middleweight titles against Danny Jacobs was centered on GGG finally getting in the ring with Canelo Alvarez. Now, there might be another big-money possibility after Saturday night’s close decision win: a rematch with Jacobs.

Actually, Golovkin most likely will next fight England’s Billy Joe Saunders, who owns the only belt in the weight class not in the Kazakh’s possession, the WBO’s version in the alphabet soup of championships. That could happen in Golovkin’s home country in June during the EXPO 2017 – a world’s fair type event .

Golovkin likes that idea, though it wouldn’t be a lucrative payday. The idea of completely unifying all the middleweight crowns is enticing for the 34-year-old power puncher who, for the first time in 24 fights did not stop an opponent. He outpointed a crafty Jacobs at Madison Square Garden.

”My goal is all the belts in the middleweight division,” he said after winning 115-112 on two cards, 114-113 on another. ”Of course, Billy Joe is the last one. It is my dream.”

GGG hasn’t fought at home since 2010, when he won the WBA crown against Nilson Julio Tapia. It simply hasn’t been a profitable place for boxing, though his handlers think there potentially could be a bigger purse during the expo.

The elephant in the ring, though, could be Jacobs. Nicknamed ”Miracle Man,” after overcoming bone cancer in 2011-12 to win 10 straight fights, he nearly pulled off the huge upset. In doing so by keeping GGG off-balance – Jacobs’ periodically switching to a left-handed style was a very effective tactic – and closing with a flourish, He put himself in the mix for another go with Golovkin.

”They want the big fight and Daniel Jacobs got X’d out,” he said. ”I am looking forward to the future; I think I gained a lot of fans. My style is good, I am a fan-friendly guy, and I thought I won the fight.”

Jacobs didn’t, barely. But he won tons of support, particularly after getting off the canvas in the fourth round and not just surviving but prospering. He won the last three rounds with two of the judges, and two of three on the other card.

”After the knockdown, I told him he had to kill me,” Jacobs said. ”When I got up I thought, ‘This is all he has?’ There were many times during the fight I went toe to toe because I knew I could.”

Going toe to toe with GGG again is not in Jacobs’ control. But at least he remains in the conversation.

”He’s my best opponent, he is very smart, he had very good boxing skill,” Golovkin said. ”He don’t mind fighting, he doesn’t lose control.

”I am ready for anybody. It’s my job.”

www.boxingscene.com/golovkin-billy-joe-saunders-last-one-it-my-dream–114767?print_friendly=1

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By Keith Idec –

The WBO informed promoters for its middleweight champion, Billy Joe Saunders, and No. 1 contender Avtandil Khurtsidze on Thursday to begin negotiations for a title fight.

If Frank Warren, Saunders’ promoter, and Lou DiBella, Khurtsidze’s promoter, can’t come to an agreement within 10 days a purse bid will be ordered. The minimum bid for the Saunders-Khurtsidze fight would be $200,000, as per WBO rules for the middleweight division.

England’s Saunders (24-0, 12 KOs) reportedly is interested in fighting Japan’s Ryota Murata (12-0, 9 KOs), the WBO’s No. 2-ranked contender at 160 pounds. A fight against Murata would be more lucrative for Saunders, particularly in Japan, but Khurtsidze would have to be compensated before agreeing to step aside and allow that fight to happen.

Khurtsidze has been adamant, though, that he wants to be Saunders’ next opponent.

Brooklyn’s Khurtsidze (32-2-2, 21 KOs) has been the No. 1 contender for Saunders’ championship for nearly 11 months, since he stopped previously undefeated Antoine Douglas (19-1-1, 13 KOs), of Burke, Virginia, in the 10th round March 5 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The 37-year-old Khurtsidze’s No. 1 ranking didn’t stop the WBO from skipping him last month and installing its 154-pound champion, Canelo Alvarez, as the mandatory challenger for Saunders.

An Alvarez-Saunders fight would’ve been much more lucrative for Saunders – and the WBO – but Alvarez (48-1-1, 34 KOs) ultimately agreed to face fellow Mexican Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (50-2-1, 32 KOs, 1 NC) on May 6 at an undetermined site. Khurtsidze’s representatives didn’t file an appeal of Alvarez’s installation as Saunders’ mandatory challenger because they were told the WBO would grant Khurtsidze a shot at Saunders if Alvarez decided to fight Chavez.

The 27-year-old Saunders has fought just once since he won the WBO 160-pound title from Ireland’s Andy Lee (34-3-1, 24 KOs), whom Saunders defeated by majority decision 13 months ago. The British southpaw beat Russia’s Artur Akavov (16-2, 7 KOs) by unanimous decision December 3 in Paisley, Scotland, but admitted after their 12-round fight that he performed poorly during his first fight in nearly a year.

www.boxingscene.com/saunders-khurtsidze-wbo-orders-promoters-start-negotiations–113029?print_friendly=1

logo batistaWORLD BOXING ORGANIZATION

Luis Batista Salas, Esq.

Chairman WBO Championship Committee

Via Email

January 26, 2017

post

Re: WBO Middleweight Bout Negotiations Billy Joe Saunders vs. Avtandil Khurtsidze

Gentlemen:

Please be advised the parties have ten (10) days to negotiate an agreement for the WBO Middleweight Championship bout between Billy Joe Saunders vs. Avtandil Khurtsidze. If an accord is not reached within the time frame, a Purse Bid will be ordered.

The minimum acceptable bid for the Middleweight division is $200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Dollars).

Any one of the parties involved may call for a Purse Bid at any time during the negotiation process.

Yours truly,

Luis Batista Salas, Esq.

C/c Francisco Valcarcel, Esq.

Billy Joe Saunders vs. Avtandil Khurtsidze (1)

 

Date:   Saturday, December 3, 2016

WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BOUT

Location:   Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Promoter:  Queensberry Promotions / Frank Warren

Supervisor:  Istvan Kovacs

Referee:  Marcus McDonnell

Judges:  Dave Parris (116-113); Lynne Carter (116-112); Jose Ignacio Antunez (115-113)

Results:   The WBO Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders retained the title by Unanimous Decision against Artur Akavov.

TV: Panama RPC Channel 4

billy-joe-saunders-wbo-champion-boxing_3762903  Billy Joe Saunders must wait slightly longer to defend his world title

Billy Joe Saunders’ world title defence against Artur Akavov has been postponed by a week to December 3.

Saunders had been due to make the first defence of his WBO middleweight strap on Saturday night in Cardiff, but the fight will now take place in Paisley a week later.

Problems with the translation of medical paperwork supplied by the Russian’s team have forced an unavoidable delay, with the bout having already been delayed once after Saunders suffered an injury in training.

“It’s extremely frustrating for all parties and especially Billy who has been itching to get back into the ring following a frustrating 2016,” said promoter Frank Warren.

“The medicals were sent late and mostly in Russian and once translated it then became apparent they were not complete. Ultimately, it would be too late to find a suitable replacement so postponing it was our only option.

“I feel for Billy Joe as he was ready to make the first defence of his world title and for all of the fans who wanted to watch him.”

Alex Vaysfeld, from Akavov’s team, said: “This is no more than a translation problem and will be easily rectified upon Akavov’s arrival in the UK and I’m glad Frank was able to postpone for just a week.”

Saunders, who seized the title from Ireland’s Andy Lee 11 months ago, admitted his frustration at the postponement.

He said: “I was ready to put on a big performance and defend my title in style in Cardiff but unfortunately this latest issue was totally out of our control.

 billy-joe-saunders-boxing-sport_3770602 Unbeaten Saunders will be aiming to take his record to 24-0

“The fight is still on, that’s the main thing and I’ll be fully prepared to defend my title in Scotland next week before moving on to a blockbuster fight in 2017.”

The Cardiff event is still set to feature four big title fights as Terry Flanagan defends his WBO world lightweight championship against Puerto Rico’s Orlando Cruz, while Welshman Liam Williams challenges Gabor Gorbics for the vacant WBO European super-welterweight title.

Tommy Langford faces Sam Sheedy for the vacant British middleweight title and Tom Stalker and Craig Evans do battle for the third time for the WBO European lightweight championship after two hard-fought draws.

www..skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10669017/billy-joe-saunders-vs-artur-akavov-delayed-until-december-3

image Billy Joe Saunders on his way to the WBO world middleweight title against Andy Lee

Billy Joe Saunders doesn’t believe he’ll be at his ‘career best’ when he makes his maiden WBO world middleweight title defence against Russian Artur Akavov but he is hoping to ‘blow the cobwebs off’ en route to a successful first victory as champion.

The Hatfield fighter steps back into the ring on Saturday, October 22, for the first time since snatching the belt from Irishman Andy Lee in Manchester almost 10 months ago.

Saunders has been added to the ‘Little Less Conversation’ show at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena.

The 27-year-old has been hampered by a combination of injuries and fruitless negotiations leading up to his first defence and he’s not taking the prospect of European WBO middleweight champion Akavov, who is on an 11-match winning streak, lightly.

Speaking at a pre-fight press conference in London on Monday, Saunders said: “There was the hand injury which stopped me fighting [Max] Bursak [in April] and from then onwards it’s been very frustrating for me.

“I’ve got a new date now and I’m not overlooking him [Akavov].

“He went to the World Championships with Russia so he has some pedigree, has only lost once and I’ve been out of the ring for nearly 10 months.

“I personally don’t think this will be my career best, I need to blow some of the cobwebs off but I know I’ve got to look good doing it and then we’ll look at a big fight in the new year.”

Should his first defence go to plan, Saunders is open to getting back into the ring in December but says he is aiming for a date in February or March next year – against either feared unified WBA, WBC, IBF and IBO middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin or WBO light middleweight king Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

He continued: “I’m not overlooking anyone but the next big fight I want after this is one of Canelo or Golovkin. My goal is Golovkin in February or March.

“Am I good enough for Golovkin? There’s only one way to find out.

“I’m 27 now, in my prime. If I can’t beat Golovkin now I’ll never beat him.

“If I don’t rise to the occasion I’ll get sharply found out. I believe I can beat him.”

He added: “He’s not invincible. If he wants to fight in December I’m ready. A unification overrules a mandatory so he can do it if he wants to. I’ll go to America and fight him. Canelo? I’ll beat him seven days a week and twice on a Sunday.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “We’re not looking past this fight against Akavov.

“Everyone just thinks he’ll turn up on the night and that’s it.

“Providing Bill comes through this fight and comes through it well, doesn’t sustain any hand injuries and nothing goes wrong then we’ll look at either Golovkin or Canelo.”

www.whtimes.co.uk/sport/boxing/billy_joe_saunders_focussed_on_wbo_title_defence_against_the_wolverine_1_4726181

i-1 Canelo Alvarez podría enfrentar a Billy Joe Saunders en diciembre en México, de vencer a Liam Smith Christian Petersen/Getty Images –

MÉXICO — Aunque parezca difícil, existe una posibilidad de que el mexicano Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez pueda cerrar el 2016 con una pelea en territorio mexicano, lo cual apunta para el 10 de diciembre ante Billy Joe Saunders, si todo sale bien este 17 de septiembre ante el campeón súper welter de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo, Liam Smith.

Canelo estelarizará ante Smith el pago por evento de Golden Boy Promotions y HBO desde el AT&T Stadium de Arlington, Texas, y de ganar entonces verán la posibilidad de que pueda pelear en suelo azteca, donde con la ayuda de patrocinadores esperan lograr su vuelta por primera vez desde noviembre de 2011.

“Todo es posible, en México hay arenas y estadios muy bonitos, hay apoyo y patrocinios que nos hacen pensar que no es algo descabellado. No sabemos si pueda ser en este mismo 2016, todo depende del resultado de la pelea ante Smith, creo que una vez pasado eso será cosa de hablar con Óscar de la Hoya y ver si lo podemos arreglar”, aseguró Eddy Reynoso, entrenador de Alvarez.

La Ciudad de México con la Arena Ciudad de México, Nuevo León con el estadio BBVA Bancomer y Jalisco con el Estadio Chivas serían posibilidades para que pudiera pelear Canelo en suelo mexicano. El Estadio Azteca es otra opción pero parece que no se ha marinado aún esa posibilidad.

“Sinceramente no hemos hablado aún del Estadio Azteca, no se ha analizado, muchas cosas se han dicho de los récords que puede romper Saúl, la verdad es que nosotros no nos comparamos con nadie, queremos romper nuestros propios récords, nosotros nos preparamos concientemente para las peleas y la gente es la que nos ayuda a imponer marcas. No queremos perseguir a nadie en ese aspecto, hubo peleadores que hicieron cosas muy grandes, pero que a la edad de Saúl no habían logrado tantas cosas. Vamos a dejar que los resultados hablen”, compartió el entrenador jalisciense.

Una pelea en México ante Billy Joe Saunders o cualquier otro rival, pensando en el duelo entre Canelo y Gennady Golovkin como una posibilidad para el Estadio Azteca, serviría a Golden Boy Promotions y HBO para conocer el terreno y darse cuenta de las condiciones en que se podría dar el combate.

www.espndeportes.espn.com/boxeo/nota/_/id/2746360/team-canelo-no-descarta-pelear-en-mexico-en-diciembre

 

i Andy Lee hasn’t fought since December, but the former middleweight titlist is ready to get back in the ring this fall. Chris Farina/Top Rank

A few notes from around the boxing world:

  • Former middleweight world titleholder Andy Lee (34-3-1, 24 KOs) told ESPN.com he hopes to return to the ring this fall. “I haven’t anything in the works at the moment but I hope to return in the fall,” he said. “I took a little time off as the last three years have been intense. Now I’m looking forward to returning to the ring refreshed. I’ve kept ticking over in the gym and when I return I’d like to fight [secondary titleholder] Danny Jacobs or have a rematch with [titleholder Billy Joe] Saunders. My ultimate goal is to regain a title and challenge [Gennady Golovkin].” In December, Lee, of Ireland, got knocked down twice in the third round by Saunders and lost his title by majority decision. In 2014, Lee, 32, was scheduled to challenge Golovkin for his title but when Golovkin’s father died — just as the deal was being wrapped up — the fight was canceled while Golovkin returned home to Kazakhstan for his father’s funeral and to be with his family.
  • The date is set for the fight between cruiserweight world titleholder Krzysztof Glowacki and mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk. There had been two options, but it will take place Sept. 17 at Ergo Arena in Gdansk, Poland, organizers announced on Wednesday. The sides made a deal two weeks ago to avoid a purse bid for the fight, which shapes up as an action-packed match. The 29-year-old Glowacki (26-0, 16 KOs), of Poland, who won the belt in dramatic comeback fashion by knocking out long-reigning titleholder Marco Huck in the 11th round last August, will be making his second defense. Usyk (9-0, 9 KOs), 29, who won the 2012 Olympic heavyweight gold medal for Ukraine, has moved quickly as a professional but will be taking a big step up in competition against Glowacki.
  • All-Star Boxing promoter Tuto Zabala announced that he has signed featherweight Matias Adrian Rueda (26-0, 23 KOs), of Argentina, to a promotional agreement. The 28-year-old is scheduled to face Mexico’s Oscar Valdez (19-0, 17 KOs) for a vacant world title July 23 (HBO PPV) on the Terence Crawford-Viktor Postol card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. “I’m thrilled to have signed with Tuto’s company,” Rueda said. “[Zabala and] Mario Margossian of Argentina Boxing Promotions will take my career to another level in the United States.” Said Zabala: “We had Matias on a ‘Boxeo Telemundo’ show last October and he looked impressive. Working with him and longtime friend Mario Margossian made it a no-brainer. He will be the next world champion of Argentina.”

www.espn.com.au/blog/dan-rafael/post/_/id/16209/notes-andy-lee-eyes-fall-return-and-big-names

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Undefeated WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders begins his reign with the opening defense of his title against “Mad” Max Bursak on Saturday April 30 at the Copper Box Arena, London.

Saunders headlines a triple-title fight card that features Ovill McKenzie challenging Dmytro Kucher for the Vacant European Cruiserweight title and British Featherweight Champion Ryan Walsh defending his title against James Tennyson.

www.fightnews.com/Boxing/saunders-to-defend-middleweight-belt-against-bursak-328305