Billy Joe Saunders long-awaited ring return should happen over the next few months following a two-year absence from the sport of boxing.
A 2021 loss to Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez left Saunders with a fractured eye socket and a blemish on his previously perfect record. Many believed the two-weight world champion would hang up the gloves for good, but he announced a comeback earlier this year.
Speaking to TalkSPORT, Saunders said his return would most likely be on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr versus Conor Benn.
“We’re just waiting on Eddie with a date. Obviously he was trying to make the Eubank-Benn fight, and I think the date was gonna be on the card. At the moment, what I’m hearing is that Eddie is just trying to get over a few hurdles to see if he can [finalise] it this week.”
The Eubank-Benn fight – a rivalry started in the nineties with fights between their fathers – has been so far doomed. It was cancelled at the last minute in October 2022 following news that Benn had tested positive for a banned substance.
Although there’s still a clouded process going on with the British Boxing Board of Control regarding the above, the 26-year-old is free from suspension and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, is keen to stage the Eubank fight in the UK.
Despite previously pushing for December 23, it is now more likely to land in January.
Saunders was the first man to hand Eubank a defeat back in 2014, and that pair have shared a bitter rivalry ever since. Asked how he would feel fighting on his undercard, the 34-year-old joked that it was Benn’s event.
“Do you know what, I’m on the undercard of Benn [not Eubank]. But listen, I’ll be honest with you, I don’t really care where I go. As long as I get looked after fairly, and what a show to be on to be fair. Millions watching it, thousands of people there and it’ll be a nice way to introduce myself back in.”
More news on an opponent is expected soon.