Triumphant Saunders itching for Golovkin-Alvarez duel

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. 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.”

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.

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.”

Saunders’ promoter Frank Warren said a fight against Golovkin or Canelo was possible. — AFP