Billy Joe Saunders has had to shift his gaze elsewhere.
The WBO middleweight champion looked destined to encounter the winner of Saturday night's monster meeting of Gennady Golovkin and Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in a unification bout but some scandalous judging meant the fight in Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena ended in a split draw.
A rematch is likely next up for GGG and his Mexican foe and fans will be hopeful of more qualified judging if and when the second clash is booked.
In the meantime, Saunders doesn't sound content to wait around for the payday that accompanies a tilt against either man as he has moved on to a new name as a potential opponent.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOE_UK/status/909460692557852672
The 28-year-old has singled out fellow Brit Amir Khan for his preferred next outing.
Speaking after the
defence of his title against Willie Monroe Jr. on Saturday night, Saunders revealed that he would welcome an all-British showdown with the former WBA light-welterweight champion.
"There’s some big names out there. Khan’s boxed before at 160, I’d love the Amir Khan fight, what a fight that would be," Saunders said, via
BoxingScene.com.
"He’s a very good name – I rate him – I’ve watched him for years, I know him and Kell Brook haven’t got it on, but if Khan’s looking for a big UK fight then I want to fight him.
"I don’t call his name by being disrespectful to him, I call his name because I think he’s a good fighter. I’m willing if he wants to come to 160, he done it for Canelo, he might not think I’m as good a fighter as Canelo and he’s got a good chance of winning the title at 160, I’d love the chance."
