Canelo Alvarez could fight Billy Joe Saunders in huge UK showdown next year if coronavirus KO’s Las Vegas fight in May

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS may have to wait until next year to fight Canelo Alvarez.

The pair were closing to agreeing terms for a world title fight on May 2 in Las Vegas.

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Billy Joe Saunders will put his WBO super middleweight world title on the line against CaneloCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Canelo is a four-weight world champ, and would be by far Saunders’ toughest fight yetCredit: Getty Images – Getty

But the ongoing coronavirus pandemic looks to have put paid to that.

And according to MailOnline, it means Saunders’s crack at thew Mexican could be delayed until May 2021.

However it is hoped that could take place in the UK.

That will open things up for Canelo to complete a trilogy fight against old foe Gennadiy Golovkin, this being aimed for September.

Saunders’ promoter Eddie Hearn is confident his man will still get his shot at the Mexican four-weight world champ despite the setback.

The Matchroom boss said: “At the minute, Billy Joe has a deal in place to fight Canelo.

“Everything depends on when the sport begins.

“Right now, Billy Joe is actually in Vegas, training.

“It’s the moment where you’ve got to stay focused, you’ve got to stay disciplined.

“I believe Billy Joe Saunders will fight Canelo Alvarez, as long as the boxing schedule returns in the summer.”

Saunders is the current WBO super-middleweight champion.

According to The Athletic, Canelo will fight Golovkin for a third time on September 12.

The venue is likely to be the AT&T Stadium, which is located just outside Dallas, although there is still work to be done to secure this.

Their first scrap was scored a draw – but it was not without controversy with most believing Golovkin should have been awarded the decision.

The second bout went the way of Canelo with a majority points win.

Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk