Word is that former two-weight world champion Billy Joe Saunders is on the comeback trail having not fought since May 2021 – and one former opponent is up for a rematch in the near future.
Saunders was the first man from the Travelling community to win world championships in two weight classes – firstly picking up the WBO middleweight title in 2015, then the WBO super-middleweight title in 2019.
His last outing ended on his stool after multi-weight great Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez fractured his orbital bone with a right uppercut in the eighth round.
It’s another opponent of Canelo’s who’s open to facing Saunders now.
Almost 10 years ago – before big wins against Chris Eubank Jr, Andy Lee, David Lemieux and Martin Murray – Saunders outpointed John Ryder to retain his British and Commonwealth middleweight titles.
Now coming off the back of his own loss – but a solid showing – against Canelo, Ryder has said he would be open to a rematch with Saunders in 2024.
Since their last outing, Ryder has beaten the likes of Danny Jacobs and pushed Callum Smith all the way. Speaking to Boxing Social, he said he was open to a second fight with ‘BJS.’
“It wasn’t in my sights recently but I know he’s coming back and it’s looking like December. He’s got to have a fight in December and get his feet back under the table, so 2024 it’s definitely something we could to.”
Given the changing fortunes of both men since their first match, a second fight between the two is an interesting prospect. Saunders is currently working towards a ring return towards the end of the year under trainer Ben Davison.