Home/Boxing

WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has weighed in on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders fight. The ‘Gypsy King’ gave an honest take on the highly anticipated super middleweight bout between the pair. His response will surprise a few fans.

via Getty

Fury and Saunders have been very close and have trained together in the past and rate each other highly. Now, since news broke out that Canelo Alvarez will fight Saunders in May, the heavyweight has had his say.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In a conversation with Gareth A Davies on YouTube, Fury said, “Billy Joe Saunders can beat any middle, super-middle in the world. Not a problem. But, the one thing I say is, he needs to be active.” 

However, Fury then added that the one thing the Englishman has not been, is active.

Saunders’ unbeaten record is proof of Fury’s comments. However, he himself complained about his lack of activity after his last win against Martin Murray. Fury then gave his suggestion and said, “what Billy Joe needs is, he needs another fight. Maybe another after that.”

Thus, Fury feels Saunders is not ready to take on Alvarez just yet. However, given the fact he’s entering the ring against Anthony Joshua on an almost eighteen-month lay-off, we’re sure he understands why his countryman took the fight.

READ: Everything You Need to Know About Anthony Joshua’s Lavish House

Tyson Fury says he and Billy Joe Saunders are not journeymen

Fury then explained why Saunders took the fight rather than fighting easier opponents. He claimed that despite both coming from Gypsy backgrounds, they’re no longer travelers and aren’t just looking for a pay-day.

“We’re not in boxing to make some numbers up and get a few million quid extra in our bank. Not interested. We would rather have zero money and win,” said Fury.

These comments from ‘The Gypsy King’ explained why Saunders was so adamant about making the fight.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

After his victory over Martin Murray in December, Saunders called for the big fights as he was no longer getting younger. A few weeks later, Canelo Alvarez beat Callum Smith and expressed his desire to make the unification fights.

Therefore, everything seemed to fall in place for the pair. Moreover, once Alvarez agreed on a deal with Matchroom, it was almost certain that they would meet.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What do you make of Tyson Fury’s comments? Do you think Billy Joe Saunders took the fight too soon?

READ: The Multi-Million Mansion That Houses Canelo Alvarez