Billy Joe Saunders has confirmed he will make a return to professional boxing, and assured boxing fans they can expect to see him in some big fights soon.
Saunders has not fought since his 2021 stoppage loss to Canelo Alvarez, where he retired after eight rounds due to sustaining an eye injury.
In a recent interview with IFL TV, the slick southpaw admitted he was taking preparations for his comeback bit by bit, but that he will definitely be back in the ring this year.
“We’re just in the gym at the minute ticking away and trying to get a bit of weight off. I’ll fight when I’m good and ready and in shape – definitely this year.
I’ve been out of the ring now for two years, so I’ve got to just take things slow as I’m not getting any younger, but I miss the sport.
It’d be nice to get back in there, there’s some big fights to be made so I’m looking forward to them.
I feel sorry for the fans, because they get robbed of big fights when fighters are in their primes. But for myself, I’m open to fighting anybody the public want to see. What the public call for is what they’ll get with me now.”
Former two weight world champion Saunders has been linked to a host of domestic names, including rematches with both Chris Eubank Jr and John Ryder.
He also admitted he still had around two and a half stone to lose before he would be fit to fight, so a potential return to action is unlikely until the later stages of 2023.