Billy Joe Saunders eases past Shefat Isufi to become new WBO super-middleweight champion

Billy Joe Saunders is the new WBO super-middleweight champion after securing victory over Shefat Isufi at the Lamex Stadium.

After a torrid 2018 that saw him vacate his WBO middleweight title after a failed drugs test, Saunders took a big step towards redemption on Saturday night, becoming a two-weight world champion in front of a home crowd in Stevenage.

The 29-year-old controlled the contest from the off, picking his shots with ease and was seemingly destined for an early stoppage win.

But he was given a brief reminder of what was on the line when Isufi briefly wobbled him a solid right in the sixth round; a moment of carelessness that no doubt prompted trainer Ben Davison to read the riot act.

Saunders took a round to refocus but then picked up from where he left-off, effortlessly tagging his opponent while carefully avoiding everything thrown his way.

In the end, he was a class above his opponent, securing a comfortable majority points decision.

Saunders becomes a two-weight world champion at the first time of asking and has already talked up the compelling possibility of a unification bout with fellow Brit and WBA champion Callum Smith.