Billy Joe Saunders addresses potential boxing comeback after 5 years out

Billy Joe Saunders has not ruled out a ring return but, at the same time, is acutely aware of the dedication required to step through the ropes.

The former two-division world champion has not fought since May 2021, back when he suffered an eighth-round stoppage defeat to Canelo Alvarez.

As a result, Saunders was relieved of his WBO super-middleweight title and is yet to have had another fight scheduled, despite being just 31 years old and seemingly having more to offer at world level.

It must be said, however, that the slick southpaw’s best performances came at 160lbs, where edged a split decision against Chris Eubank Jr in 2014.

Despite the close scorecards, Saunders proved far too skilled for his domestic rival and ultimately secured a WBO title shot against Andy Lee, who he dethroned with a majority decision victory in 2015.

The Hertfordshire man’s most accomplished display arguably came against David Lemieux, though, as the razor-sharp technician was almost punch-perfect when they collided in 2017.

This performance earned him a comprehensive unanimous decision victory on away soil, but Saunders now appears to be a far cry from such athletic prowess.

Speaking with The Stomping Ground, the 36-year-old admitted that any comeback would depend greatly on his commitment to training.

“I’m always dragged back into [boxing] one way or another. It’s a game that you miss.

“You’ll think, ‘You know what, I’m going to go home Monday; I’m going to start training; I’m going to pound the roads; I’m going to get in the gym’. Then Tuesday comes and you’re in the café.

“I would love to [make a comeback]. Am I good enough now, at 36 [years old]? We don’t know. If I lost the weight and came out like an absolute stallion … [a return] could be on the cards.”

Regardless of a possible comeback, Saunders is likely to continue his work as a manager of fighters such as Lewis Edmondson, who comes off a points victory over Lyndon Arthur.