“It’s a Payday for Him”: Canelo Alvarez’s Former Rival Bashes Chris Eubank Jr for Calling Out Mexican Star

Seemingly, Canelo Alvarez has become a favorite call-out target. Some might still appear reasonable. For instance, despite the three divisions that separate him from Alvarez, the roar from Terence Crawford may sound reasonable for many, given his stature. But what happens when the Mexican icon receives a challenge from a boxer yet to make a mark at the top echelon? It’s been a year of surprises for and from Chris Eubank Jr.

First came the fourth-round knockout loss to Liam Smith in January. But eight months later, he shocked everyone by paying back Smith with the same coin. However, he kept the curveball for himself and served it after Canelo Alvarez celebrated his win over Jermell Charlo last week. Like many, he appeared downcast by Charlo’s performance. But taking up the cudgels, he instead called out the celebrated Super Middleweight champion. Unsurprisingly, the dare found a ready set of critics, among them a fighter trounced by Alvarez two years ago.

The Mexican Phenom will be too much for Chris Eubank Jr., says Billy Joe Saunders

So iFL TV spoke with Billy Joe Saunders on various issues, from his impending return to the match between Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington to Eubank Jr. and Liam Smith. Later, the reporter asked, “So in regards to him (Chris Eubank Jr.) calling Canelo out, though?” Shaking his head, Saunders replied, “Mate, it’s just…been talking about it all right. It’s a payday for him. He goes and gets a payday, but that’s all it will be, you know. It’ll be another L; he knows that, and I think the whole world knows that.”

Billy Joe Saunders defeated Shefat Usufi four years ago to grab the vacant WBO Super Middleweight title. He retained the title for nearly two years until Canelo Alvarez knocked at his door.

Tells it all: experience

As Alvarez was on his title-unification campaign in the super-middleweight division, Saunders was one of the obstacles. Though Saunders started on a good note during their May 8, 2021 bout, as rounds progressed, it soon became clear who controlled the reins.

Saunders probably answered from his experience. He was the second boxer on whom Canelo Alvarez forced a corner retirement that year. In February 2021, Avni Yildirim‘s corner threw the towel in the third round. Saunder’s team followed suit only by the eighth round when an uppercut from Alvarez cracked Saunders’ orbital bone. By the year’s end, Canelo Alvarez had become the undisputed champion of the Super Middleweight division, defeating Caleb Plant.

Chris Eubank Jr. turned thirty-six this year. Maybe advancing age forced the son of legend Chris Eubank to re-evaluate his options. However, chasing Canelo Alvarez remains an altogether different ballgame.

Read More: “Calm Down”: Fans “Speak Up” After Chris Eubank Jr. Calls Out Canelo Alvarez

Do you agree with Billy Joe Saunders’ views that Eubank Jr. would only hurt himself going against someone like Canelo Alvarez? Please share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below.

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