Billy Joe Saunders Thinks Callum Smith Fought Canelo Alvarez Just For Paycheck

Billy Joe Saunders feels the effort was lacking from Callum Smith in the title fight against Canelo Alvarez.

Back in December, Canelo challenged Smith for the WBA (Super) and The Ring Super-Middleweight Titles. The vacant WBC gold was also at stake. Canelo cruised to a one-sided unanimous decision victory to capture three championships.

It’s been reported that Canelo and Saunders, who holds the WBO Title, have agreed to fight in May. Speaking to talkSPORT, Saunders expressed his belief that Smith just wanted a paycheck when he fought Canelo.

“To tell you the truth I didn’t watch the Canelo vs Smith fight, I didn’t watch it. I’ve seen highlights. One thing Canelo Alvarez has never, ever, ever, ever done – he’s never fought a gypsy man, never. I’ve got something inside of me burning so strong that I’ll give my life, my soul, my everything to get the win … And I just felt that [Smith] taking the fight on five/six weeks’ notice was just a sign of, ‘I’m gonna go in there, get my money and I’ll see you all later.’

“So I didn’t really tune in. I wanna see someone who’s going in there fully focused on doing a job – and that’s to win. Do I blame Smith for taking that chance? I don’t know, but he didn’t go in with a winning mentality.”

Saunders last competed back in December as well. He successfully defended the WBO Super-Middleweight Title against John Ryder. Saunders earned the unanimous decision victory for his second successful title defense.