WBO super middleweight world champion Billy Joe Saunders has not stopped his training in Las Vegas, as he waits for a concrete date for a planned defense against Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez.
The original date was slated for May 2, as part of Cinco De Mayo weekend, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
As BoxingScene.com reported, the date was being pushed back until at least June - due to the increased spread of COVID-19 coronavirus that forced the postponement and cancellation of events internationally.
Saunders secured the opportunity after weeks of negotiations. The promoters had planned to officially announce the fight this past Tuesday, before numerous restrictions knocked it off course.
“The show must continue at some point, if it is May, or whenever God allows us to continue, I will be ready. Stay blessed,” said Saunders.
Saunders captured the World Boxing Organization's super middleweight title that he won last year against Shefat Isufi and already successfully defended against Argentina's Marcelo Cóceres.
Saunders traveled to Las Vegas a few days ago waiting to formally announce his fight with Canelo, which did not happen due to the precautions ordered by the various authorities and the decisions that the promoters have taken.
But there is doubt about the fight even coming off - after it was revealed on Tuesday that a deal has been reached for Canelo to fight Gennady Golovkin in a trilogy fight on September 12.
If the delay for Canelo vs. Saunders extends too far out, like the month of July, the Mexican star could very well bypass the fight altogether and go directly to the trilogy with GGG. Canelo and his handlers would like to avoid a scenario where his fights are being staged too closely in terms of the time period, and DAZN needs enough time to promote the trilogy with Golovkin.
Saunders would be the sixth Briton to face Canelo, and holds a record of 29-0 and 14 knockouts.