By Scott Gilfoid: Undefeated Billy Joe Saunders (18-0, 10 KO’s) defeated Gary O’Sullivan (16-1, 10 KO’s) by a 12 round unanimous decision on Saturday night to capture the vacant WBO International middleweight title at the Wembley Arena in London, England. The final judged scores were 119-109, 119-109 and 120-108.

Saunders, 23, ran for 12 rounds and rarely stopped for more than enough time to land a punch or two before he started running again. Saunders didn’t show any power, and it’s difficult to picture him beating anyone good at middleweight.

I’m not sure where they found O’Sullivan, but he was perfect for Saunders in that he completely slow on his feet, slow with his hands, and not puncher. He was perfect for Saunders.

I can’t say I was impressed with Saunders. The running and the lack of power were off putting. He lacks the spark that you need for him to ever win a world title. BoxNation kept pointing out that Saunders is only 23 and will keep getting better. I don’t think Saunders is going to get any better as far as the power department goes, and without power he’s going to be forced to run against everyone he faces because he can’t stay in the pocket against the harder hitters otherwise he’ll get blown out. Heck, Saunders couldn’t even stay in the pocket tonight against O’Sullivan because the Irish fighter had more power and was landing some hard shots when Saunders would stand in one place for any length of time.

After the fight, Saunders said “If I lose to John Ryder, I’ll quit boxing.” Saunders will be facing Ryder on September 21st in London.