Billy Joe Saunders Targets Chris Eubank Jr. – ‘It Don’t Get Much Bigger’

Billy Joe Saunders has said he wants to face Chris Eubank Jr. in a rematch. 

They faced off in 2014, and Saunders emerged victorious in a competitive split decision. Since then, their careers have gone in different directions. Saunders became a two-weight world champion at 160 and 168. Meanwhile, Eubank only has an IBO Middleweight Belt to his name, which does not get the most recognition. However, Saunders has been far less active. 

He last boxed in 2021 when he faced Canelo Alvarez. The Mexican stopped him following a brutal uppercut that broke his orbital bone. Ben Davidson threw in the towel, which was the right decision, as Saunders could have suffered extensive eye damage.

Saunders On Eubank

Eubank, however, is coming off a win over Liam Smith last year. It was vital after Smith had stopped him for the first time in their first bout. Eubank Jr. takes on Kamil Szeremeta on the Artur Beterebiev vs. Dmitry Bivol card on October 12. Saunders has stated that talks have begun, as a rematch could occur. 

“I’ll be honest I was in heavy talks with Eubank’s manager a few weeks ago. Heavy talks. I’ve actually got a lawyer at the moment just going through a few bits. But I obviously need to get myself motivated to get a comeback fight and then build in to that big night. Obviously it’s also for the fans to see because I believe if you take out the heavyweights and the domestic British level, it don’t get much bigger than myself and Eubank.

“We’ve had it before and there’s loads of water that’s gone underneath the bridge. It’s no secret that I don’t like him on a personal note and he doesn’t like me on a personal note. It’s just how it is. We don’t really get on. And I think the fans will enjoy the build-up and enjoy the fight,” Saunders said 

Saunders’ Future

Nevertheless, there are question marks looming over Saunders. He boxed Canelo at 168 but has ballooned up in weight since then. There are suggestions that Saunders will struggle to get back to 168 with just one fight. He may have to take a bout at 175 before slowly dropping that weight. However, Eubank fights at 160, meaning Saunders must find a suitable weight if he cannot make middleweight.

Saunders was also linked with a return last year, but it never happened. He is now 35 years old, and questions remain about whether he will be able to take a shot to the eye area on his return. Kell Brook was never the same fighter after Errol Spence Jr. and GGG broke his eye sockets. Saunders has secured his financial future with the Canelo fight, but the prospect of one more big fight motivates him. 

“Most definitely, 100 per cent [he will return]. I used to think to myself when I was in the game, ‘Oh, I can’t wait to get out of the game.’ I thought, ‘I can’t wait to do what I’ve got to do, have these big nights and then get out of it.’ But when you are out of it, you’re never out of it in your mind. It’s never out of my mind every day that goes past. So I’ve clearly got something to get out somewhere and I’ll be honest, I would like to go out on a win,” Saunders stated