Former two-time WBO champ Billy Joe Saunders has been absent from the ring for over three years now. His last fight against Canelo Alvarez ended in defeat and forced him to retire after eight rounds due to a severe injury to his eye. Despite the defeat, Saunders received a significant payday for the fight, which led to him gaining a substantial amount of weight during his time off. Now, at the age of 35, Saunders is contemplating a return to the ring, with a possible rematch against his British rival Chris Eubank Junior.
The rivalry between Saunders and Eubank Jr dates back to their fight in November 2014, where Saunders emerged as the victor via a split decision. Since then, both fighters have taken different paths in their careers, with Eubank Jr facing criticisms for not living up to his full potential. While Saunders believes that a rematch between them would still generate significant fan interest, some question whether the rivalry still holds the same appeal after so many years.
Eubank Jr is set to face Kamil Szeremeta in a match-up that has received mixed reviews from the boxing community. With Eubank Jr’s track record over the past few years being less than stellar, there are doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level. While Saunders acknowledges the animosity between himself and Eubank Jr, there are other potential match-ups that could generate more interest, such as a fight against Ben Whitaker. The question remains whether Eubank Jr is willing to pursue these more challenging opponents.
After three years away from the sport, it is unclear how much Billy Joe Saunders has left in the tank. The physical toll of boxing combined with the weight gain during his hiatus raises concerns about his ability to compete at the same level as before. Additionally, the question of which weight class a potential rematch against Eubank Jr would take place remains unanswered. Can Saunders make the necessary adjustments to compete at 160 or even 168 pounds after such a prolonged absence from the ring?
While the idea of a rematch between Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jr may intrigue some fans, there are valid concerns about the relevance of the rivalry after so many years. Both fighters have faced their fair share of challenges and criticisms, making it uncertain whether a second fight between them would live up to expectations. As Saunders contemplates his return to the ring, only time will tell if he can reignite his career and make a successful comeback in the world of boxing.