Billie Joe Saunders defeats Martin Murray and now wants to face one of Gennady Golovkin, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez or Callum Smith

WBO super-middleweight champions Billie Joe Saunders retained his title in a points victory against fellow English fighter Martin Murray.

Two judges scored the fight 120-109 whilst the other had it at 118-110, all in favour of the Hertfordshire traveller who achieved his 30^th straight win.

After his victory, Saunders admitted: “I’ve just turned 31. I’m in my prime. 

“I’ve been out for a year and probably needed the rounds and it’s important for me to stay in the gym now, because I’m not getting any younger.”

Murray put in a strong performance, although he yet again failed to capitalise when given the opportunity to win a world title.

The bout with Saunders was a record breaking fifth title fight for Murray, and the 45^th encounter of his career.

Following the defeat, he hinted that it may have been his last time in the ring after conceding that he won’t get another title shot.

Murray admitted: “Five times for the world title, five times, I am not going to get six.

“I’m 38, I just want to spend time with my family now – never say never but I think that’s it, I tried.”

Looking ahead now, Saunders and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, have discussed where the super-middleweight champion will go next.

After missing out on a mouth-watering boxing match with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez last May due to the global pandemic, the pair have stressed how important it will be for Saunders to fight a bigger name.

Hearn said: “The deal was done for Canelo and it was a massive blow when it was called off.

“We can’t waste the opportunity to find out how good Billy is, but he’s not yet mixing with the elite of the elite: Gennady Golovkin, Canelo, Callum Smith.”

Canelo and Smith fight on the 19^th December, with the latter also yet to lose a fight like Saunders.

Saunders will want to test himself against the very best as the new year rolls around, and it’s likely it will be against one of the fighters mentioned.

By Ali Pollock