Hearn Targets Huge Fights For Billy Joe Saunders, Haney Open To Moving Up To 147

In today’s boxing news, Eddie Hearn has laid out the next steps for Billy Joe Saunders moving forward.

The boxer is currently preparing for a comeback fight as he seeks a return after around two years out of the ring.

The two-weight world champion has been away from the sport after having been stopped by Canelo Alvarez in his last fight, which caused Saunders to quit on his stool.

A serious eye injury also followed the defeat as there were concerns over whether Saunders would return. However, since then, the boxer has indicated his intention to make a return.

A first fight at 175 pounds is rumored as the boxer aims to take his time before moving back down to 168. But in the meantime, Hearn is targeting the biggest names for Saunders.

Hearn On Saunders

“Yeah, everybody. Billy, I think, is in a great place in terms of his life, in terms of the way he matured, to actually have a good run now. I saw him the other day in the gym teaching kids. You have to understand that this guy has so much to offer the sport in terms of his fighting, in terms of his knowledge, in terms of his boxing brain, in terms of his punditry,” Hearn

This naturally begs the question: who could Saunders face? Well, at super middleweight, a fight against Canelo appears unlikely given the manner in which the Mexican stopped Suanders.

Saunders’ Fights

Meanwhile, a bout against David Benavidez, although possible, would be a high risk fight. At the same time, a fight against Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight could materialize given both fighters are with Matchroom. However, having a first fight at 175 against the WBA champion poses another risk.

At the same time, on a domestic level, Saunders does have a huge fight potentially in line against Chris Eubank Jr. After the former beat the latter in their first fight, the talk over a rematch had been ongoing for several years.

And with both fighters entering the latter parts of their career, a mega domestic clash could occur. Regardless of what the case may be, Hearn has promised big things.

“There’re still massive fights for him and he’s a brilliant talent. I’m looking forward to welcoming him back. The key now is to get him in shape for that December fight and then line him up for a massive fight in the spring,” Hearn said

Haney’s Move To 147

Meanwhile, Devin Haney is open to the idea of moving up to welterweight following his bout with Regis Prograis. Haney is currently preparing to face Prograis on December 9th, 2023, as he aims to become a two-division champion.

The fight is for the latter’s WBC belt at 140. The ‘Dream’ is a naturally big fighter, having shown that at lightweight, in order to stay at the weight class.

A move to 140, therefore, is likely to aid Haney’s career moving forward. And provided that he comes out with a win, a move up to 147 could follow.

“On paper, this is a tough fight because it’s my first fight at a heavier weight division. I’m comfortable with the plan I have. God willing, I’m going to be stronger and faster than ever. I’m going to dominate him, and the welterweight division will be put on notice,” Haney stated 

A move to 147 could work out nicely provided that Terence Crawford vacates and moves up. A win over Prograis, therefore, could make Haney a super champion at the weight class, allowing him to become a mandatory for the WBC champion at 147 if he were to move up.

In addition, given the size advantage that Haney does possess over most fighters, the boxer would not look out of place in the weight class. With that being said, Haney has huge plans moving forward.

“Regis is going to be trying to knock me out. That’s exactly what I need him to be trying to do. This is what you do when you are the youngest promoter in boxing. I’m the real face of boxing. December 9. Legacy and Money,” Haney said

Moving forward, both Saunders and Haney do have a lot to consider. But if they make the right moves, then they could be in for more mega fights.