By Scott Gilfoid: Gabriel Rosado says he doesn’t understand why Billy Joe Saunders didn’t agree to fight him on September 17. Saunders, who holds the WBO middleweight title, reportedly turned down a fight against #11 WBO Rosado (23-9, 13 KOs) for the undercard of the Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs. Liam Smith card at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The winner of the Saunders vs. Rosado fight then would have had the chance to fight Canelo, who is promoted by the same Golden Boy promoters as Rosado. Golden Boy appeared to be setting Saunders in the driver’s seat for a fight against Canelo.
Just why he turned the fight down with Rosado is the big question. Was it fear of him losing? The thing is, it’s now unclear whether Saunders (23-0, 12 KOs) will be getting the fight against Canelo. It’ll be up to Golden Boy Promotions what they’re going to do, but it probably didn’t win Saunders any points with the American promotional company that he turned down one of their fighters.
Golden Boy likely wanted to build Saunders up by having him fight on the undercard of the Canelo-Smith fight. With Saunders turning the fight down with Rosado, it prevents Golden Boy from showcasing Saunders to make him a viable name for Canelo. If the American boxing public can’t see Saunders ahead of time, it might not be worth it for Canelo fight him. I mean, Canelo would be fighting two little known British fighters back to back. Obviosuly, Smith and Saunders are well known in the UK, but not in the U.S.
“I got offered the fight three weeks ago,” said Rosado to esnewsreporting.com about the Saunders fight. “I didn’t know how serious it was until they handed me the contract 10 days ago. I thought he was going to take the fight. The winner will fight Canelo. Man, I have total confidence, I’m going to whip him. He says he wants to become a star and be recognized. Well, if you want to be a star, then you’ve got to come to America. If the winner has a chance to fight Canelo, then it makes total sense. The fact that he’s turning it down says he’s not confident in himself. Quit putting it on your promoter. That’s the easy way out for you avoiding a fight, dude,” said Rosado.