Saunders 'ready' for Canelo-GGG showdown

The English boxer made a second defence of his World Boxing Organisation middleweight title against Willie Monroe Jr.

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS said he was ready to face either Gennady “GGG” Golovkin or Saul “Canelo” Alvarez after outpointing Willie Monroe Jr on Saturday.

The English boxer made a second defence of his World Boxing Organisation (WBO) middleweight title 117-111, 115-114 and 117-112 on the judges cards over American Monroe at the Copper Box Arena in London.

Saunders, 28, then turned his attention to the world middleweight showdown between triple belt holder Golovkin and Alvarez taking place a few hours later in Las Vegas and said he would be happy to face the winner (though the fight ultimately ended in a draw).

But if that fight could not be arranged for December, then Saunders would look for an alternative.

“I don’t think they will be ready for December, especially Canelo,” Saunders told a press conference.

I believe he’s in talks with [Miguel] Cotto anyway but maybe Golovkin would have it. If they aren’t ready I want to be out again in December.”

Saunders said he would prefer a fight against Golovkin and that it would bring out the best in him.

“That name alone would bring (an extra) 25% out of me. I knew that natural ability in me would see me beat Monroe but there’s loads more improvement to come,” said Saunders, who improved his undefeated record to a perfect 25-0, with 12 knockouts.

I want Golovkin to win because he’s the invincible man and (my trainer) Dominic Ingle’s fought him with Kell Brook.

- ‘No excuses’ -

“He’s nearly 36 and if I’m not going to beat him now I will never beat him,” said Saunders.

I’m not waiting around for anybody though. I want to be out of the game when I’m 31.”

Saunders challenged the winner of the Vegas fight to get in the ring for a unification bout. Golovkin is putting his World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Council (WBC) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) middleweight world title belts on the line against Alvarez while Saunders holds the WBO version.

“There are no excuses now. (Golovkin and Alvarez) both told me to get in shape. I’m in shape now and who ever wants it next, I’m game. If they want to be unified champion of all four titles they have to win my title.

My dream is to fight for all the titles in Las Vegas.”

Saunders admitted he was unhappy with his performance against Monroe (21-3) in a fight that lacked excitement.

“I got a bit lazy because nothing was happening,” said Saunders.

It was a big improvement on my last fight. There was stuff I wanted to try but if someone is running around on the back foot, it’s hard.”

Ingle admitted the Englishman would need to step up a level against Alvarez or Golovkin.

He wouldn’t have beaten Canelo or Golovkin on that performance, he has to improve on that in the next 10 weeks,” Ingle said.

“I would prefer him to fight someone else before facing either of those two guys and get him in tip-top shape.”

Saunders’ promoter Frank Warren said a fight against Golovkin or Canelo was possible. “It depends what happens in Vegas, but we will get Bill out again in December,” Warren said.

– © AFP 2017

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