Billy Joe Saunders, the former two-division world champion, seems to have disappeared from the boxing scene following his devastating loss to Canelo Alvarez in May 2021. Despite pocketing a massive $8 million payday from the fight, Saunders has failed to resurface and continue his once-promising career. It appears that the weight of wealth and the allure of a comfortable lifestyle have taken a toll on Saunders’ ambition and drive to return to the ring.
It is evident that facing Canelo Alvarez not only results in physical defeat but also has long-term consequences on a fighter’s career. Fighters like Jermell Charlo and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. have struggled to regain their former glory after facing the Mexican superstar. Saunders, too, seems to have fallen victim to this curse, as his post-Canelo career remains in limbo due to his significant weight gain and lack of motivation to shed the pounds.
With reports of Saunders putting on approximately 50 pounds since his fight with Canelo, it is clear that his path to redemption in the ring will be a challenging one. The daunting task of losing the excess weight coupled with the comforts of a lavish lifestyle funded by his hefty earnings make it unlikely for Saunders to make a successful comeback. Promoter Eddie Hearn’s efforts to set up lucrative rematches or new matchups for Saunders may be in vain if the former champion fails to prioritize his physical fitness and training regimen.
Despite the potential for exciting fights against the likes of Chris Eubank Jr. or Conor Benn, Saunders’ current state of inactivity and weight gain suggest that a return to the ring may be out of reach. The once-promising career of Billy Joe Saunders serves as a cautionary tale of the pitfalls that come with sudden wealth and the challenges of maintaining focus and dedication in a demanding sport like boxing. As Saunders struggles to shed the pounds and reignite his passion for boxing, the future of his career remains uncertain.