How far will Billy Joe Saunders go?

[Controversial]

For me his lack of decent power and the fact he doesn't look particularly big for a middleweight is a concern. How far can you see him going, domestic level, european level or world class.

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/east/ser ... ting.shtml

As long as he keeps away from girls and settling his differences through
bare knuckle malarkey.

[pyenest77]

I personally would say European but with the amount of titles around at the moment & possibility of more (he is only 23) I wouldn't rule a world title out.

[Controversial]

Yeah I don't doubt he likely win some version of a world title, whether he will be seen as the main man to beat is another thing.

[black panther]

For me his lack of decent power and the fact he doesn't look particularly big for a middleweight is a concern. How far can you see him going, domestic level, european level or world class.

Middleweight is a tough division at the moment. Can't see him winning a world title any time soon. I've said from when he turned over he was too heavy considering he was an amateur at 152lbs. He might have "grown" into the weight but I get the feeling he could make light-middleweight and still be effective.

[Controversial]

For me his lack of decent power and the fact he doesn't look particularly big for a middleweight is a concern. How far can you see him going, domestic level, european level or world class.

Middleweight is a tough division at the moment. Can't see him winning a world title any time soon. I've said from when he turned over he was too heavy considering he was an amateur at 152lbs. He might have "grown" into the weight but I get the feeling he could make light-middleweight and still be effective.

I agree, he looks like he could drop a weight, but I guess theres more money, prestige and bigger fights at middleweight

[black panther]

He's definitely above domestic level though. Sullivan is no mug but he practically shut him out. Martinez will retire soon and if the big guns like Golovkin and Quillin move up to 168lbs I could see Saunders picking up a vacant world title. But he lacks the dig to beat the very best guys.

[maverick23]

The only thing I can see holding Billy Joe back is his lack of power. He landed consistently on Saturday but didn't seem to make a dent in O'Sullivan. Hopefully this will come in time and if it does I think he'll get to world title level.

[rm1]

tom saunders turned pro as a light heavy if i remember what happened to him?

[SamWise72]

I can see him having a decent run right at the top; Malignaggi has considerably less pop, and has made a decent career of it. Again, whether he'll be considered "the man" depends a bit on who the competition is. I remember a lot of people writing Froch off at the same stage of his career for being easy to beat because of his defense. Were there similar criticisms of Calzaghe at the same stage?

[JayMc]

I think we will have a better indication of how far Billy Joe Saunders will go if he can deal with John Ryder. I don't think he has the power to stop Ryder but he has good boxing ability and should win on points.

I do rate Ryder though and it is definitely a fight he can win as he is a tidy boxer with good defense and can bang a bit.

Looking forward to this one

[danconnollyeire]

He's being brought through by Warren so expect him to win a world title

[The Insider]

He was very very impressive at the weekend. I had reservations about his engine and power. He showed his stamina and conditiong can't really be questioned. If he only had that K.O he could be something very special. I can still see him bagging a version of the world title though if he carries on and trains hard.

[Bohrsy]

Looking forward to the Ryder fight. Seen Ryder a couple of times and I like the look of him. It should be a good test for Saunders and a good measuring stick.

[tilt]

hes a very good boxer but his lack of power will catch up with him when he meets the big boys. doubt he will win a world title

[whiskey]

British and Commonwealth.

Which is still very respectable. But middleweight is deep at world level.

[lillywhite14]

Back when he was 17/18 I thought he would go all the way. Not so sure now. Traveller lads tend to mature quicker than most and as such, physically fade quicker than most.

[handsofstone]

I think Saunders has the tools to go all the way definitely,although i must admit the opponents he has faced is less than stellar but thats more to do with the domestic fighters closer to his level,Murray,Macklin,Barker and Lee are all fighting at world level,the only thing i think they have over Billy is experience but Ryder will be a good test hopefully,then id like to see him in with either Max Bursak for the European or in against an ex titlist,Sturm maybe(if one of the big domestic scraps cant be made) but i do think the gulf in class between the top 5,6 if we include Ryder(lets see how he copes in his maiden title fight first) and the rest of British fighters is massive

[hurlock]

Has to beat the gorilla first!!
Has BEAUTIFULL boxing ability. Him & Gavin are great stylists. I think billy has to stay clear of trying to blow people away & the fact his hands don't hold up dont help matters.

He could easily box & move & outclass most if he concentrates.id like to see him be more conventional if he tries to stop Ryder or make an impression he will come unstuck imo

[expe]

Has to beat the gorilla first!!
Has BEAUTIFULL boxing ability. Him & Gavin are great stylists. I think billy has to stay clear of trying to blow people away & the fact his hands don't hold up dont help matters.

He could easily box & move & outclass most if he concentrates.id like to see him be more conventional if he tries to stop Ryder or make an impression he will come unstuck imo

Blowing people away is the only way he stops people, all of his KO/Stoppage wins are inside 2 rounds, I'd like to see him come out fast early, then if the opponents still there, outbox him for the next 10 rounds and if the stoppage comes, it comes, if it doesn't, it doesn't.

[Sids]

If a light fisted Martin Murray can be considered the real deal after losing to Martinez drawing against Sturm, beating community college students and south American council workers I think Saunders can win a world title.

[The Insider]

If a light fisted Martin Murray ....

I stopped reading there.

The same kid who stopped Blackwell (who gave Billy all sorts of trouble), has SGM down (arguably twice and he was considered top 5 p4p by many).