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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 09: Billy Joe Saunders (red/white/blue shorts) and Marceleo Coceres (not pictured) exchange punches during their WBO World Super-Middleweight Championship fight at Staples Center on November 9, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Saunders won after the fight was stopped in the 11th round. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 09: Billy Joe Saunders (red/white/blue shorts) and Marceleo Coceres (not pictured) exchange punches during their WBO World Super-Middleweight Championship fight at Staples Center on November 9, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Saunders won after the fight was stopped in the 11th round. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
British champion Billy Joe Saunders has given his honest views on the state of boxing right now.
The tide of the sport is slowly changing with YouTubers now calling out legends of the sport and retired icons returning to the ring. However, this does not impress the undefeated Saunders one bit. Ahead of his fight against Martin Murray, the Englishman gave his blunt opinion on the whole situation.

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Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders Head to Head Press Conference at the Landmark Hotel on October 22, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Speaking to ‘Behind the Gloves’ on YouTube, Saunders, who boxed on the KSI vs Logan Paul II card, spoke about YouTubers entering the ring and reminded them of the risk in the sport. He said, “Let’s say one of them YouTubers get hit in the head and get killed… get a bad knockout and get killed. They can go back and start filming jumping off walls. But that stigma of a death… which we’ve seen very bad tragedies in boxing.”
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The champion also agreed that it destroys the sport. Furthermore, he touched on the dangers of entering the ring after a few months of training. He explained, “Because you’re letting novices you know, you’re giving novices a license to kill. ‘Cause boxing, sadly, the worst-case scenario… anything can happen to someone in the ring is, die. And everyone knows that. When leaving and walking into that ring, everyone knows.”
Billy Joe Saunders thinks YouTubers would gamble with their lives entering the ring
The Englishman’s message to YouTubers is clear. He explained why no-one should consider it, despite the monetary value of it. He said, “we’ve seen some tragedies and some terrible, terrible things in boxing. We don’t need to take chances like that because there’s money involved. ‘Cause they’re gambling with their lives. Go and jump off a wall and make a video and put it up.”

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STEVENAGE, ENGLAND – MAY 04: Billy Joe Saunders takes part in a workout session at The Lamex Stadium on May 04, 2019 in Stevenage, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
However, why is it such a big risk specifically for YouTubers? Boxing is a sport that requires years of training and discipline. And most of these YouTubers are coming into the ring with a few months of training. So as long as they are fighting fellow celebrities for the monetary benefits of it, it’s okay. However, when they’re considering fighting against seasoned pros, it’s a different story.
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Hence, regardless of the money, Saunders thinks it is unreasonable to let them fight.
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READ: ‘We’re On The Same Level’- Jake Paul Says Conor McGregor Matchup Is Inevitable
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