Liam Smith is open to fighting Billy Joe Saunders when the latter returns to the ring.
Saunders was recently asked if his long-rumoured and now confirmed ring return would include a Chris Eubank Jr rematch, but he told IFL TV that he would rather the man who just beat him – Smith.
“If they said ‘do you want to face anyone’ I’d rather face Liam Smith first fight back.”
It’s about, for me, to get in the ring with somebody who’s obviously going to bring something to the table where I question myself and think I’ve got to be on my game.
Liam Smith, I got to be on my game. Eubank, looking at that, have I got to be on my game? No. You haven’t got to be on your game.”
Smith knocked out Eubank in the fourth round of their middleweight contest in January. He caught wind of Saunders’ comments and responded positively.
“You know me Billy, talk to me. I’m open to anything, what weight we talking?”
@bjsaunders_ you know me Billy, talk to me 👂 I’m open to anything, what weight we talking?
— Liam Smith (@LiamBeefySmith) February 20, 2023
The pair share a notable opponent in Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez, with both coming up short against the elite Mexican and current undisputed super middleweight champion.
Smith was stopped by a body shot in the ninth round back in 2016, whilst Saunders has a much fresher memory of Canelo – he was stopped in eighth as he dipped low and an uppercut landed flush, causing multiple fractures to his eye socket.
That was in 2021, and the last time ‘BJS’ was seen in the ring. He has confirmed now that he’s beginning light training over the next few weeks, discussions with promoters and potential opponents planned for not long after.
Smith, of course, has his rematch with Eubank Jr. That’s likely to land in Liverpool this summer, and, despite the nature of the first fight, is no foregone conclusion.
If the pair can agree a weight – which may indeed be a sticking point – British fight fans could be in for another domestic showdown towards the end of the year.