Former two weight world champion Billy Joe Saunders has never been afraid of ruffling a few feathers, be that of fighters, pundits or even members of the public.
Saunders was in attendance at the weigh in for Leigh Wood vs Josh Warrington last week, and took a pop at an opponent of his from years gone by.
Most observers were impressed with Chris Eubank Jr’s revenge win over Liam Smith in Manchester last month, where he dominated proceedings from the first bell before stopping Smith in the tenth round.
In an interview with IFL TV, Saunders explained he saw things very differently, and described his long time nemesis as “gun-shy.”
“People look at his [Eubank] win over Liam Smith and think it’s the best he’s ever boxed. But if you’re boxing someone who has basically has their arms tied up and is just walking forward, then you’re going to look like Muhammad Ali!”
“He’ll know exactly what I mean when I say this. Every time Liam Smith let his hands go, Eubank didn’t want to know. Gun-shy, and you know you’re gun-shy.”
Saunders narrowly outpointed Eubank when they met in a British middleweight clash fight all the way back in 2014, though a heavily discussed rematch has never materialised.
That could potentially change in 2024, with ‘BJS’ expected to return from a two and a half year hiatus from boxing later this year.
There are other high profile fights on the cards for both men, however, with a grudge match against Conor Benn for Eubank said to be in negotiations, whilst Eddie Hearn has stated his desire to make a rematch between Saunders and John Ryder.