Billy Joe Saunders, the unbeaten WBO super middleweight champion, has bagged his breakthrough fight against Canelo Alvarez on May 8, which can turn him into a household figure of the combat community.
However, not everything is fine for him. The Briton has reportedly contracted flu and has taken 10-days off from his training camp. While he is just two months away from the mega clash with Canelo Alvarez, this lay-off might harm his game plan. But this can also be a part of Saunder’s game plan.
Umpteen fans have claimed it as a hoax, as they believe Saunders is trying to make Alvarez underestimate him. But, the WBO champion has appeared worried as he revealed being sick. According to Boxing Scene ‘Superb’ Saunders has connected with AK & Barak Show to talk about his current condition.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I’m pushing for time now. Ten days off training. I’ve got the flu, not in shape. I’m still heavy. I’m still, you know, not started camp properly yet. No, I don’t have enough time. But, you know, I’m just gonna go over there, pick a check up and go home. And that’s about it,” said Billy Joe Saunders.
Read More | How Did Roman Gonzalez Get His Nickname ‘Chocolatito’?
A few hours back, he took to Twitter and posted a picture of his wristband, which appeared to be a hospital badge. In the caption, Saunders wrote, “5 days left.”
5 days left 🙏😢 pic.twitter.com/NP9Pt59RU5
— billyjoesaunders (@bjsaunders_) March 9, 2021
It should have concerned the fans right away. But several netizens billed it as a “physiological” move and asked if Saunders is actually in medical turmoil. They even accused him of trying to pull out from the fight in advance or have a ready-made excuse should he suffer his first defeat.
Here’s a look at some fan reactions to Saunder’s latest tweet.
Billy the master of mind games . Anyone who has actually been following this know he’s in Spain and as far as I know there’s no nhs there 😂
— colinwba (@colinwba2011) March 9, 2021
Is this real or mind games? Genuinely hope everything is ok if someone is in hospital.
why does it say NHS? I thought Billy was out of the country in training camp.
— Michael C (@72CorleoneM) March 9, 2021
Bit early to pull out the fight, thought u would wait at least till fight week!!
— Robert Gibson (@gibbo2904) March 9, 2021
Great I hope he pulls out like all his big fights. David Benavidez and Andrade deserve this fight more.
— YAWM Boxing (@dinero24kid) March 9, 2021
Read More | “99 Problems But a King Still Rich”- Deontay Wilder Flaunts His Luxurious Life Online
Billy Joe Saunders- A look at his last fight and next opponent
The undefeated 30-0, Saunders defended his WBO strap against Martin Murray in December. He won the fight via unanimous decision, and ended his year-long hiatus from the ring.
After a sensational win in December, Saunders will reappear within six months against the P4P King. Meanwhile, Canelo Alvarez has also been super active with three scheduled fights in six months. In May, Alvarez would keep his WBC, WBA, and Ring belts on the line, with Saunders bringing in the WBO strap. That said, the Brit will also put his undefeated record on the line.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, the current medical complications with Saunders can have some significant impact on the matchup. But if it turns to a mind game, it will certainly be very interesting indeed.
What do you make of Billy Joe Saunders’ setback?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read More | Roman Gonzalez vs. Juan Francisco Estrada 2: Where to Watch, Live Stream, Date, Time, and Undercard