Billy Joe Saunders vs. Martin Murray Official For December 4
The next title defense for Billy Joe Saunders is set.
Saunders is the WBO Super-Middleweight Champion. He has one successful title defense to his credit and he’s going for number two. To do so, he’ll need to get past Martin Murray, who is a former interim WBA Middleweight Champion. Matchroom Boxing announced that Saunders vs. Murray will take place on December 4. The action will be held inside the SSE Arena, Wembley.
🇬🇧👑🇬🇧@bjsaunders_ defends his WBO World Super-Middleweight crown against Martin Murray 👊
Dec 4 🗓@ssearena 🏟 #SaundersMurray pic.twitter.com/TlKkw92Qwq
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) October 23, 2020
Here’s what Saunders had to say about fighting Martin in a press release.
“I am very happy to be defending my WBO World Title again. I haven’t boxed for a year and I really do miss being in the ring. I can’t wait to have my 30th professional fight and finish the year with a bang before a big 2021. The coronavirus pandemic has affected everybody in many ways, and it has had a big impact on the sport of boxing. The Canelo Alvarez fight falling through was very frustrating for me but now the journey continues in December.
“Martin and I were supposed to fight twice before but it didn’t happen either time. He said some stuff and so did I, so let’s see who can back it up. I’m enjoying training with Mark Tibbs. He’s incredibly knowledgeable in the sport of boxing and we are working on new stuff that we will show on the night.”
Martin also weighed in on finally being able to share the ring with Saunders.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back in there and fighting for another World Title. The big fights definitely bring out the best in me. This year has been a good year for me personally. It seemed like all the stresses of life were taken away so I really enjoyed being able to relax a bit more and spend even more time with my family.
“There was no bad blood really between me and Billy to be honest, it was just a lot of frustration after he pulled out twice. That got left where it was, but we’ve definitely got some unfinished business. I’m expecting a hard fight and Billy Joe to be at his best, so I’ll be ready.”
This is Saunders’ first bout since November 9, 2019. Back in March, Saunders was suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control over a controversial video in which he instructed men on how to hit their significant other during the COVID-19 pandemic. Saunders posted the video in an attempt at humor but he received backlash and apologized.