WBO 160 lb mandatory, Billy Joe Saunders, has weighed in on the recent media attention being given to former foe Chris Eubank Jr, suggesting that the Brighton fighter is talking himself into huge trouble by repeatedly mentioning Gennady Golovkin.
Saunders fights Andy Lee for the latter’s middleweight world title on December 19th in Manchester, and there is no love lost between him and Eubank, whom he [gleefully] beat by split decision 11 months ago.
“Eubank isn’t good enough to become a recognised World Champion and he lives off his father’s name,” Saunders said about his former foe; who boxes unheralded American, Tony Jeter this weekend in Sheffield.
“It’s funny how people are thinking that Eubank is going to go on to be some elite fighter now he’s trained by Adam Booth. Fact is he was outclassed by me and he is nowhere near the elite level guys like myself and Andy are,” he added.
“After Golovkin we are the next best guys in the division and Eubank will never be at that level. Golovkin would decapitate him if they were to ever fight so his old man should probably keep quiet about saying he would beat him!”
Saunders has had a bit of a nightmare run in finally getting his world title opportunity, having boxed just the once since the Eubank fight – in a warm up – stopping French journeyman Yohann Bloyer, and has seen the clash with Lee delayed twice due to illness and injury on both sides.
He is however relishing the chance of his December ‘crowning glory,’ against the Irishman; a job he is fully focused on.
“I am involved in the only genuine world middleweight title fight in the UK this year,” he added. ” The Lee fight is the toughest challenge of my career and [I know] I can’t be in cruise control and just win like I did against Eubank Jr.”
Lee/Saunders will be broadcast live from Manchester on Boxnation (UK), Dec. 19th.
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