Canelo Alvarez celebrates defeating Billy Joe Saunders during a super middleweight boxing title fight at AT&T Stadium.  Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Billy Joe Saunders went from clowning around to quitting in a matter of minutes against Canelo Alvarez on Saturday night.

Saunders quit after the eighth round of his fight with Alvarez at AT&T Stadium. His right eye was swollen shut, and he told promoter Eddie Hearn that he couldn’t see.

Hearn also said in a postfight interview that Saunders broke his eye socket (orbital bone). Saunders’ trainer Mark Tibbs refused to let the previously undefeated fighter continue.

Alvarez was not surprised that Saunders did not continue. He told his trainer Eddy Reynoso that he knew Saunders would not continue because of the broken bone.

It initially appeared to some as if Saunders quit for no good reason. But the broken eye socket explains things; that is a bad injury.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Insider speculates Titans 'planning to move on' from former first-round WR
Panthers add former first-round pick to crowded RB room
Jets coach Rick Bowness announces retirement after long career
Mavericks sign Jason Kidd to multi-year extension
Reporter provides clarity on controversial NASCAR finish at Kansas
Stunning stat highlights NBA's youth movement
Report: Rival teams expect Sixers to attempt reunion with star
Donovan Mitchell channeled 'The Answer' in first-round win vs. Magic
Defending champion Golden Knights ousted by Stars in first round
Rangers hold off late Hurricanes rally to take early series lead
Watch: Kyle Larson wins closest finish in NASCAR Cup Series history
Watch: Shohei Ohtani homers twice as Dodgers sweep Braves
Russell Westbrook reacts to reports of him leaving Clippers
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah joins elite company in victory vs. Tottenham
Anthony Edwards joins exclusive club of all-time greats
Aces sign All-Star G Jackie Young to contact extension through 2025
J.J. Watt reveals his thoughts on a potential NFL comeback
Taylor Pendrith outlasts Ben Kohles at Byron Nelson for maiden win
Andrey Rublev conquers Felix Auger-Aliassime, fever for Madrid title
Lando Norris wins Miami Grand Prix for his first career F1 victory

Want more Boxing news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.