Billy Joe Saunders (26-0-0, 12 KOs) will have to put his plans to fight world middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin or Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on hold with the WBO ordering him to sign a deal for a mandatory title defence against Demetrius Andrade (25-0-0, 16 KOs).
Both parties have a short period of ten days to negotiate and come to an agreement. In the event that the two parties are unable to reach an agreement, then a call for tenders would then be ordered in accordance with the WBO regulations on championship duels.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the WBO said: “Please be advised the parties have ten days (10) upon receipt of this letter to negotiate and reach an agreement concerning the WBO middleweight Title Bout between Billy Joe Saunders and Demetrius Andrade. If an accord is not reached within the time frame stated herein, a Purse Bid will be ordered pursuant to out WBO Regulations of World Championship Contest.”
“The minimum acceptable bid for the WBO Middleweight division is $200,000.00. Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid procedure at any time during the negotiation process.” WBO added.
It is unclear what would happen in a real situation, but it’s fun to speculate if Saunders vacates his WBO middleweight title, then he will lost the only chance to fight Golovkin or Alvarez.
Golovkin and Alvarez set for rematch on September 15, in Las Vegas, USA. Both boxers fought to a controversial draw last September in Las Vegas.
Billy Joe Saunders retains WBO middleweight title win over David Lemieux (Source:www.ringtv.com)
However, the Kazakhs and Mexican were supposed to fight in May, but Alvarez failed two drug tests, he was suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for six months and the rematch was canceled.
Saunders, meanwhile, he was forced into inactivity to heal a hand injury. On his last outing, in December 2017, the Brit delivered a smooth performance against David Lemieux. He had defended his world crown by defeating points at Place Bell in Laval.
As for Andrade, he is a good opponent for Saunders. The American boxer made his debut in the middleweight division 160 lbs, last October, defeating American Alantez Fox in points.
