It is widely expected that an announcement will soon be scheduled to state Billy Joe Saunders (25-0) will make the next defence of his WBO World Middleweight Title against the hard-hitting Canadian native, David Lemieux (38-3) in what is expected to be a defence on foreign soil for Saunders in Montreal.
Saunders will make the 3rd defence of his WBO World Middleweight Title after defences against Artur Akavov and most recently Willie Monroe Jr and on the subject of defending against the dangerous 1-punch knockout artist David Lemieux, Billy Joe Saunders said “Firstly I’d like to thank Golden Boy Promotions for putting the show on,” said Saunders. “Lemieux looks good against ‘B level’ fighters, but he is now getting in the ring with someone who is far more superior and slick than anyone he has ever been in with. I don’t just want the dog meat that Golovkin has left behind, I want the dog himself and when I come through this fight I will have him. He is a mandatory and we’ve agreed a deal to go over to foreign soil and get it on. I have a lot of friends in Canada, and I’ll be bringing a lot of supporters over to Canada from the UK. It has all the makings of a good fight. I’m expecting a good, clean, fair decision. Once I beat Lemieux I’ll be moving onto bigger fish; the winner of the rematch between Canelo and Golovkin. I’m looking forward to a great fight.”
We’re delighted to be working again with Golden Boy Promotions, who we continue to enjoy a fantastic relationship with,” the head of Frank Warren and Queensbury promotions and Saunders’ promoter, Frank Warren shared his views on the encounter. “Billy Joe Saunders is going into the lions’ den as he believes he has the beating of David Lemieux. It’s a great opportunity for Billy Joe to defend his WBO World Title against a big-name opponent and headline his first bill on HBO at American primetime, whilst being broadcast back to the UK live on BT Sport and BoxNation. He is looking forward to making a statement to the American audience to ensure he secures a fight with the winner of the Canelo vs. Golovkin rematch, for the Undisputed Middleweight World Championship. Billy Joe is out to prove he is the best Middleweight in the world. He has been continually avoided and if it means he has to go to Canada to ensure he can no longer be overlooked, then that is what he is prepared to do!’