Former two-division world champion Billy Joe Saunders plans to return to the ring for another belt, now in the light heavyweight division.
I feel blessed, not stressed: Billy Joe Saunders
The last time the Briton fought was on 8th May 2021, when he lost his WBO super middleweight title to Canelo Álvarez, who eventually became the undisputed champion in the division.
As it happened with all the boxers who have faced the Mexican in recent years, Saunders also collected the biggest purse of his career against Canelo that night and there was not so much need to return to action anytime soon.
In addition to that, after the defeat against Canelo, the boxer ended up in the hospital due to an injury to his right eye and cheekbone. And although he now looks a few extra pounds, Saunders is already thinking about coming back to the squared circle.
“I feel blessed, not stressed,” said Saunders said in a video he posted on his social media while exercising. “I’m burning these calories day by day… I’m going back”.
Although there is no exact date set for his return as of now, Saunders revealed that he would be at 175 pounds and looking for one more world title.
“One time world champion, two time world champion, three time world champion,” Saunders said. “I could even move up to light heavyweight, see who’s (in that division) with a title”.
There are currently two champions in the light heavyweight division: Artur Beterbiev, who has the WBC, WBO, and IBF titles, and Dmitry Bivol, with the WBA title in his possession.
After staying undefeated across 30 wins in his career, out of which 14 were by by knockout, and having been the WBO champ at both middleweight and super middleweight, Saunders met Canelo.
In the fight which took place on 8th May 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the Mexican boxer prevailed in the eighth round, while the Briton’s corner decided to throw in the towel before the fight advanced into the ninth round.
Canelo, who was the WBC and WBA champ before the fight, was in the process of winning the rest of the 168-pound titles and Saunders had one, which is why he faced him. More than two years later, Saunders wants to return and already has 175-pound titles in his sights.
