By Charles Brun: Eddie Hearn says he could not “deliver” what Billy Joe Saunders wanted him to deliver. He says the former two-division world champion can seek out other “opportunities” outside of Matchroom.
It’s unclear what kind of money Billy Joe (30-1, 14 KOs) was looking to get for his next fight, but it wouldn’t be surprising if it were in the same ballpark as the $8 million payday he got for his last fight against Canelo Alvarez in May 2021.
The only realistic paydays for the 32-year-old Saunders right now are against Chris Eubank Jr and John Ryder. However, neither of those fights would bring Billy Joe anywhere close to the kind of money he made in his match against Canelo last year.
Assuming that Saunders wants at least $5 million for his next fight, there’s no way Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn could accommodate that kind of number against Eubank Jr or Ryder.
Billy Joe is arguably having the same problems that other fighters have after they whet their beaks on the Canelo millions.
Once they taste the green, they don’t want to return to the smaller money they were making before, even though that’s what they deserve after losing to the Mexican superstar.
“We looked at it, talked some numbers. I don’t think we can deliver what he wants us to deliver for him,” said Eddie Hearn to Boxing Social about Billy Joe Saunders.
“So we’re happy for him to take whatever opportunities. I’d love to see BJS back with us or with somebody else.
“Billy always needs a date to work towards, and he’s a fantastic talent,” said Hearn about Saunders.
I don’t know what promoter out there would be able to give Saunders what he wants in terms of money for his fights.
The reality is that Saunders is an aging fighter with a boring style and has been inactive for long stretches during the last four years of his career.
Saunder has fought only five times since 2018, and he’s seemingly swerved the dangerous guys like Demetrius Andrade and Gilberto Ramirez.
Billy Joe’s best career wins:
- Chris Eubank Jr
- David Lemieux
- Andy Lee
- John Ryder
- Gary O’Sullivan
