WBO middleweight world champion Billy Joe Saunders reacts to a rather unusual reason why his latest opponent has withdrawn.
Billy Joe Saunders has been rather unlucky in recent times with different opponents and fights falling through over the last 18 months or so.
He was due to take on Georgian Avandtil Khurtsidze at the Copper Box Arena in London next month but some bad news has struck.
The Georgian was arrested in New York on an alleged offence pertaining to organized crime it has been reported in multiple large outlets.
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His promoter Lou Di Bella released the following statement:
To all those calling about Avandtil Khurtsidze. I know nothing more than you do. I feel badly for @bjsaunders_ and @frankwarren_tv. pic.twitter.com/vOxagvsWrP
— Lou DiBella (@loudibella) June 8, 2017
It is understood that due to being arrested Khurtsidze will not be able to travel to the UK for the fight with Saunders.
So the Englishman will need to find a new opponent if Khurtsidze cannot get cleared to fight in the coming months following this postponement.
The show itself will still continue however – just not with Saunders on it.
After getting the bad news WBO Billy Champion Billy Joe Saunders had this to say to his fans via his verified Twitter account:
I have a good management @MTK_Marbella and good Promoter @frankwarren_tv i#they will come up with the next best fight ‘ UK any takers
— billyjoesaunders (@bjsaunders_) June 8, 2017
Some have suggested that a rematch with old nemesis Chris Eubank Jr might be on the cards for Saunders before the end of 2017.
Here’s what happened when the two fought last time (hat tip Chris Eubank YouTube):
