Boxing news: Billy Joe Saunders slams ‘cherry picker’ Canelo Alvarez after WBC order Avni Yildirim fight for vacant world title

Billy Joe Saunders has branded Canelo Alvarez a ‘cherry picker’ after hearing the latest news over his possible next fight.

The pound-for-pound star is still searching for an opponent to return against this year, with his planned date of September 12 no longer on the table.

Tom Hogan – Hogan Photos/Golden Boy

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Canelo Alvarez is a multi-weight world champion

It’s been reported that there are issues behind the scenes with broadcaster DAZN, who are rumoured to be attempting to drastically reduce the amount Canelo is contractually guaranteed for every fight under their deal.

Now, the Mexican and his team have seemingly made a move in response.

Last Friday, highly rated WBC super-middleweight champion David Benavidez failed to make weight for his fight with Roamer Angulo and so was stripped of the title.

As a result, the belt is now vacant with Turkish mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim waiting to contest it.

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The WBC belt is vacant – the only thing what I know is I am the mandatory challenger I am fighting for the title this is promised by our boxing president Mauricio Suleiman- who my opponent will be I don’t know – but i am ready for anyone -i only want to have the belt which was stolen in the direll fight -justice is coming I trust the decision from the board of Gouverneurs of the WBC -my goal is to make my country proud as the first WBC world champion —————————————————- Kemer boşta ve tek bildiğim altın kemere ben oynuyorum.Bu açıklamayı WBC federasyon başkanı @wbcmoro ve promotörüm @ahmetonerboxing yaptı.Rakibimin kim olacağı hakkında bilgim yok!!!Bu kararı verecek olan mercii WBC yönetimidir..Tek istediğim kemeri belime takıp ülkeme ilk Dünya şampiyonluğunu getirmek🇹🇷🧿

A post shared by Avni Yıldırım (@avniyildirim) on Aug 16, 2020 at 6:13am PDT

Over the weekend Canelo requested to face Yildirim for the title and, on Tuesday, the WBC officially granted the request by ordering that fight.

The decision has been met by widespread disappointment among boxing fans, most of whom don’t believe the Turk – who was knocked out in three round by Chris Eubank Jr back in 2017 – will be competitive with Canelo.

Saunders reacted: “Didn’t see Canelo wanting the WBC when David Benavidez had it a week ago. Cherry picker.”

It is still yet to be seen if Canelo’s issues with DAZN can be worked out, and whether the broadcaster will approve the Yildirim fight.

Ed Mulholland/Matchroom

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Saunders is the WBO super-middleweight world champion

Billy Joe previously also told iFL TV: “Listen, I’ll tell you the best thing for Canelo to do.

“Wait until December and come to a proper super-middleweight, a proper champion.

“Wait until December, then let’s go. December, we’re ready, let’s go.

“Fair, even playing field, no robbery.

Frank Micelotta/FOX Sports

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Benavidez lost his title on the scales

“I’ll you what I’ll do – the money I’ve signed for, keep it. I swear to God, I’ll let you keep it.

“If he wants to come to England I’ll let him keep it and I’ll fight him for free.

“If I beat him, pay me what I’m contracted. If I don’t, don’t pay me.

“That’s how fair I can be. That’s how confident I am of beating him.”

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