---
title: "Billy Joe’s Bizarre Press Conference"
canonical: "https://boxing-social.com/news/billy-joes-bizarre-press-conference/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Martin Upfold"
section: "News"
published: "2017-05-17T11:49:52Z"
modified: "2017-05-17T14:53:56Z"
---

# Billy Joe’s Bizarre Press Conference

#### Saunders & Khurtsidze come face to face

*We recently visited Billy at his Southpaw Farm. Why not watch the full [exclusive interview by clicking here](https://boxing-social.com/video/billy-joe-saunders-beyond-ropes/).*

WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders’ surprised his opponent Avtandil Khurtsidze at the press conference to announce their July 8th fight.

The event got off to a heated start when Saunders and Khurtsidze’s trainer Andre Rozier got into a heated war of words.

Rozier was quick to stand up for his fighter from Georgia, shouting “he doesn’t understand what you’re saying, don’t disrespect him … you’re a real a\*\*\*\*\*\*e.”

> Tensions flared at today's press conference for [@bjsaunders\_](https://twitter.com/bjsaunders_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)' WBO World Middleweight Title defence versus Avtandil Khurtsidze on July 8th ? [pic.twitter.com/I4jxE7P5VS](https://t.co/I4jxE7P5VS)
>
> — Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) [May 15, 2017](https://twitter.com/Queensberry/status/864156701028749313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

It was easy to forget who was actually scheduled to fight as the verbal fisticuffs between Saunders and Rozier carried on to the mild amusement of the assembled press pack.

Yet when it came time for the two fighters to meet face to face the mood softened significantly.

[BILLY JOE SAUNDERS LIGHTENS UP THE MOOD WITH KHURTSIDZE BY HUGGING HIM DURING THE FACE OFF (embedded)](https://www.youtube.com/embed/jHA_HbJgf6Y?feature=oembed)

With his opponent refusing to raise his fist, it seems that Saunders’ heart softened.

All the bad blood faded and the pair hugged it out.

How refreshing, eh?

That said, let’s hope Billy Joe doesn’t carry on grappling come fight night!

Are you picking Bigmouth Billy to win? Or is he cruising for a Georgia bruising?

Share your thoughts below.