Canelo Alvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders Confirmed for May 8.

Following another Canelo victory (shock!), everyone thought the night would be over. However, Canelo and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, had some more to say.

Instead of just packing up and going home, Hearn announced official confirmation that Canelo’s next opponent would be British super middleweight fighter Billy Joe Saunders. Not only that, but both will put their super-middleweight titles on the line, with the winner being crowned unified super-middleweight champion.

Titles on the Line

Currently, Canelo holds the WBA and WBC super-middleweight titles, while Saunders is WBO champion. All titles be put on the line in their clash, along with The Ring Magazine that will be thrown into the mix, too.

There is one super-middleweight title missing – American boxer Caleb Plant is currently holding onto his IBF title. However, whoever comes out victorious in this one may have their sights set on Plant and the remaining belt.

Canelo Cruises Past Avni Yildirim

Last Saturday night, Canelo went toe-to-toe with Turkish middleweight Avni Yildirim to defend his WBA and WBC titles. It’s fair to say it was a pretty routine victory for the Ukrainian, beating his opponent comfortably to retain his super middleweight crown.

Yildirim retired before the beginning of the fourth round, having already been knocked down in the third and clearly not wanting any more punishment. He was a clear underdog anyway, but at least he had the courage to step in the ring with the super-middleweight champ.

In an interview after his latest fight, 30-year-old Canelo commented on his performance: “I wanted to have a great fight and I did what I had to do. I needed a knockout and that’s what I did.

“It doesn’t matter if they’re taller, if they’ve got more reach, or they’ve got a good trainer. I came to do my job, I came here to win”.

Canelo vs. Saunders

Canelo is arguably the best pound-for-pound boxer that still steps between the ropes, and it’s clear to see why. Alvarez has shown his dominance in the middleweight division, and now he has shown his excitement to become the first ever undisputed super middleweight champion in history.

Canelo said: “No-one has done it. I want to make history. No-one has done it at 168(lbs)”.

Meanwhile, Saunders, aged 31, spoke to the boxing world following Eddie Hearn’s announcement. He’s clearly excited to fight Canelo, with the comment that he’s “ready to rock and roll”.

Saunders added: “You have to dare to be great and you are not going to be a great if you don’t beat the greats.

“I believe I am the only one with the footwork, knowhow, skillset, mindset and brain to unlock that door in Canelo”.

Strong words, but the British super-middleweight clearly backs himself, and to be honest you have to – you definitely can’t step in the ring with Canelo with any doubts, he’s too good.

Who wins?

Trying to predict how this fight is going to end up is basically just as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack. In a barn. Filled with a couple dozen horses – it’s pretty much impossible.

Alvarez is a four-division world champion with a record of 55-1-2 – his only loss a controversial split-decision. His opponent? Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather. He also boasts 37 knockouts on his record, showing he’s happy to finish his fights early.

Meanwhile, Billy Joe Saunders is undefeated. Winning all 30 of his professional fights, Saunders has 11 knockouts to his name.

So, if you’re wanting to bet on what could be a boxing classic, or you’re just wanting to predict who wins, either way - good luck.