Billy Joe Saunders vs Martin Murray preview: WBO super middleweight champion looks to defend his title against British rival

WBO super middleweight champion Billie Joe Saunders will face fellow British boxer Martin Murray at the Wembley Arena on Friday night, looking to keep his unbeaten record alive going into the new year.

The Hertfordshire traveller has fought 28 times and won all of them, with 13 victories coming via knockout.

He was due to fight Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in May of this year before the pandemic ended the prospect of that bout, and Friday’s event will be his first and only time in the ring this year.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, he said: ‘I wanted the Canelo fight, but sadly it hasn’t worked out.

‘The only one really worthy of taking the fight who was available was Martin Murray.’

Despite his desire to fight a tougher opponent, Saunders was also clear on his intentions against Murray.

He threatened: ‘I’ve got a good track record and I’m going to keep it that way.

‘He’s going to bring a good game, but afterwards he can go back to St. Helens, take his cash back and have a good Christmas and retire with the family.

‘That’s what I’m planning on doing, retiring him.’

For Murray, he will have a record-breaking fifth opportunity at a world title and is coming into the bout as the underdog.

It will be the 45^th fight of his career, having won 39 times and lost just five of his previous encounters.

The British fighter was clear, though, that it will be one of his toughest matches yet.

He admitted: ‘I know how hard it’s going to be. I really rate Billy Joe.

‘He’s going to be in top condition himself and we’re going to lay it all on the line.’

With Saunders down as the favourite, Murray has the odds stacked against him, but it will by no means be an easy fight.

The pair go head to head on Friday night, in the main event at the Wembley Arena.

By Ali Pollock