Billy Joe Saunders had a message for Canelo Alvarez after his spectacular knockout victory over Argentinian Marcelo Coceres in Los Angeles on Saturday.
The WBO world super middleweight champion Saunders said he has no problem with facing the Mexican after knocking out the former WBO world light heavyweight Sergey Kovalev at MGM Garden in Las Vegas on November 2.
“Canelo Alvarez, listen, if you want to become four-weight world champion, you’re not four-weight, you’re only three, because you wasn’t the ‘super’ WBA champion, take me while you think I’m spent,” Saunders said.
“Take me now, because you know, this is the time to take me next. I want Canelo Alvarez, and to give the fans a big fight, win, lose or draw. Canelo Alvarez, you’re a great fighter. I respect you – you’ve done good things for boxing.” Saunders added.
Besides beating Kovalev, Canelo already has won world titles in the light middleweight, middleweight and super middleweight divisions.
As this was his US debut, Saunders encouraged American fans to keep following him. In the 11th round, though, the British found his form and dropped Coceres three times before he was declared the winner on Saturday’s stoppage but he produced a flat performance.
“Look, there’s no excuse, that performance is not worthy of the Canelos, the Jacobs and the other big names. I came here five days before [the fight]. I’m not making excuses, but I knew, in my own heart, from round nine I have to get this man out of there.” Saunders said.
“I thought I have to get him out because my timing were off, my head movement were off. Everything was just off tonight. It’s just one of them nights. I won, but you know, I wanted to impress the American crowd. I hope you enjoyed the knockout, because that’s the only thing I can give you tonight. So, thank you very much.” he added.
