Frank Warren on Saunders vs. Lemiuex, Horn vs. Corcoran
Oct 28, 2017 • 6:36 AM ET
By Frank Warren
TWO OF OUR men are off on world title travels before Christmas in what should make for a thrilling end to the year.
Billy Joe Saunders defends his WBO world middleweight title against the big-hitting David Lemieux in Montreal on December 16 in a clash that has all the makings of a classic.
Bill defending away from home was a big decision for us. We thought about it long and hard and what swung it was the fact that it is a live primetime slot on HBO.
Our man is up for it and if he comes through it, which I think he has got the skills to do, it will stand him in good stead for his next fight.
That is the logic behind it and, as a world champion, sometimes you need to branch out and showcase yourself to other markets.
We also have Gary Corcoran grabbing a golden opportunity to take on Jeff Horn, the conqueror of Manny Pacquiao in Brisbane on December 13.
It is amazing how quickly things change in boxing because a year ago nobody would have batted an eyelid if we had made this fight for the Commonwealth title.
Gary will be no easy pickings for anyone and if the Horn camp believe this to be a routine voluntary they are very much mistaken.
Bradley Skeete was originally in line for the shot at Horn but was passed on at the last minute. I have seen a few comments from the press conference as to why this was the case, but these can be translated into ‘they didn’t fancy the job’.
It is unfortunate for Brad and he is obviously hugely disappointed, but his time will come soon enough.
What we do have is a great fight between Horn and Gary and don’t bet against that WBO world welterweight title belt boarding the flight back from Brisbane to Heathrow.
BoxNation subscription is £12 per month plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV. €15 per month plus €10 registration fee for ROI Sky TV customers. £11 per month with no registration fee for Virgin Media customers. £12 per month and no registration fee for TalkTalk, Freeview, EE, online and app (iOS, Android, Amazon) customers. No minimum term.
