Saunders: I Can Beat Golovkin, Want Him in February or March!
By Carlos Boogs
WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders (23-0 12 KOs) is preparing for the first defense of his title, against Russia’s Artur Akavov (16-1 7 KOs) on Frank Warren’s October 22 Motorpoint Arena Cardiff show, live and exclusive on BoxNation.
Saunders has been out of the ring since capturing the title last December with a decision win over Ireland's Andy Lee.
There were several dates that fell apart, injuries and failed negotiations since the title victory.
Even with his first defense coming up, Saunders has one fight on his mind - IBO/IBF/WBC/WBA middleweight champion Gennady 'GGG' Golovkin, who himself is going to fight on December 10th, potentially against mandatory challenger Daniel Jacobs in New York City.
Should both of them come through, Saunders would like to get Golovkin in the ring on a date in February or March. Golovkin has no problem with flying over to the UK. He went there last month to score a fifth round stoppage over IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook at the O2 Arena in London.
"It's been a frustrating time for me, it's just one of those things you need to deal with and get on with," Saunders said to Box Nation. "I need to blow some of the cobwebs off [vs Akavov] before we can focus on that big fight in the New Year.
"I think Golovkin thinks he is unbeatable, everyone he has faced has been beaten mentally before they've got in the ring. I'm not overlooking anyone but the next big fight I want after this one is Canelo or Golovkin. My goal is Golovkin in February or March.
"I've come to a point in my career where I want to find out how good I really am, can I beat Golovkin? I think I can. It's impossible to get a bigger challenge than Golovkin, in my own heart I believe I can beat him."
