Billy Joe Saunders says he can’t fight Canelo, can’t train properly

Billy Joe Saunders was the frontrunner to face Canelo Alvarez sometime soon. That’s no longer the case. Saunders details why to The Athletic.

WBO super middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders (29-0, 14 KOs) was the primary target to fight Canelo Alvarez. They were originally scheduled to meet on May 2, but Saunders removed his name from the running for a future bout.

COVID-19 KO’d the scheduled bout between Saunders and Alvarez, but he was still the frontrunner to land the fight against Alvarez. Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs) is widely considered the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Saunders has had a rough time during the pandemic. He is currently serving a suspension from the BBBofC for making insensitive comments regarding domestic violence. Now, he has taken himself out of the running for a contest against Alvarez for a puzzling reason.

On Wednesday, July 1, The Athletic reported that Saunders was “withdrawing” his name from a fight with Alvarez.

“I’m not ready [in] September…I’m not another belt for Canelo,” Saunders told The Athletic. “They want to try mind games; that don’t work with me. I play the biggest mind games in British boxing.”

Billy Joe Saunders is losing out on a major payday if he backs out against Canelo Alvarez.

Yes, the pandemic makes training difficult for all fighters, but there are boxing and MMA cards taking place at the moment. Many athletes are finding different ways of staying in shape during adverse times.

Saunders may not be able to train the way he’s used to, but he still has the ability to train at a high level. He is a world champion with means and connections.

Saunders is signed to Matchroom boxing. Promoter Eddie Hearn recently announced that Matchroom cards would resume in August in what is being deemed “The Garden.”

Saunders’ statement comes off as an excuse, not a mind game. Ultimately, the joke is on him. Alvarez controls the most money of any boxer. Saunders is losing a payday and respect. He’s getting used to losing the latter of the two.