Billy Joe Saunders is in the gym to get back in shape for a 2024 return, and is starting to be linked to possible opponents.
Saunders has not fought since his loss to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in May 2021. It was a bruising defeat in which Canelo broken the Brit’s orbital bone with a hellish uppercut that led to him retiring on his stool after the eighth round.
After confirming he would return to the ring soon, his name is now being brought up in conversation with boxers in and around his weight.
One of those is Liam Smith. Speaking to Seconds Out, the former world champion from Liverpool was asked who he would like to be in against when he himself returns after a loss to Chris Eubank Jr.
“Anyone at 154, 160 [lbs]. I think I can do either as long as I was fit and was in shape.”
“I’ll take Billy Joe at 168 if he wants. I’ve spoken to Billy and Billy’s manager, it’s just a case of when he’ll be back. When he’s back I’ll be up for that fight, I’m sure a lot of people will.”
Smith has also often been mentioned as a possible opponent for Kell Brook, despite Brook currently being retired, though he also said there is one man he wants more than any other.
“I think a couple of promoters are interested in that fight [Brook]. It will be interesting to see what Kell wants to do, he’s earned a lot of money and might look at my last fight and lick his lips … but my preference is Eubank. I’d pay good money to have the third fight.”
Smith stopped Eubank in four in their first meeting, but the Brighton man returned the favour in the rematch – a tenth round stoppage that made the rivalry 1-1.
Eubank is currently most likely to be facing Conor Benn in 2024, and is unlikely to look at the trilogy with Smith, leaving the potential for a Saunders fight open.