Billy Joe Saunders Linked To Canelo's Return

Eddie Hearn confirmed that while no contract is finalized, Billy Joe Saunders is a genuine name under consideration for Canelo Alvarez’s return on September 12.

Canelo, who is launching Canelo Promotions with the “Mexico Against the World” card, is reportedly looking for a “legacy” opponent. Alvarez faced Saunders in 2021, stopping him to become undisputed at 168, giving Saunders a broken eye socket. However, since Canelo wants a world title fight, Saunders is unlikely to get the bout.

Christian Mbilli (WBC super middleweight champion) or the winner of the Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic WBO title fight on May 23 are the leading contenders. Saunders also hasn’t stepped into the ring since the Canelo loss. However, if the fight presents itself, Hearn and Saunders would be interested.

Hearn Reacts

Credit: Michelle Farsi/Matchroom

“I think there’s talk of Billy Joe, you know. I don’t know whether that’s done. “I was in the His Excellency suite, and we had a FaceTime with Canelo. Richard Schaefer was there. Canelo looks excited to return, actually, which is mad given how much money he’s got and how many fights he’s had, but he’s a true competitor,” Hearn said

Canelo’s trainer Eddy Reynoso confirmed that Team Canelo has officially moved on from both David Benavidez and Dmitry Bivol, focusing exclusively on the super middleweight division for their September return.

A clash between Canelo and David Benavidez is regarded as the biggest fight for Canelo. However, that ship appears to have sailed as Benavidez has fully committed to higher weight classes.Benavidez (30-0) is currently deep in training for a Cinco de Mayo weekend clash against Gilberto Ramírez for the unified WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles.

Canelo’s Focus

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Despite Canelo’s vocal desire for a rematch with Dmitry Bivol following his 2022 loss, Reynoso has now effectively de-prioritized him too. Bivol recently underwent back surgery and is currently preparing for an IBF mandatory defense against Michael Eifert. Canelo is prioritizing the reclamation of the belts he lost to Terence Crawford last September.

“We’re staying at 168. That’s the plan right now. There’s no reason to move up. We’re focused on what’s there,” Reynoso said

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