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Billy Joe Saunders sets sights on Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez after David Lemieux fight in Montreal

I’d love to fight Canelo, insists Saunders: Leigh Dawney/Getty Images
I’d love to fight Canelo, insists Saunders: Leigh Dawney/Getty Images

Billy Joe Saunders goes into Saturday night’s defence of his WBO middleweight title with a huge carrot dangling before him.

Saunders takes on big-hitting Canadian David Lemieux in his own backyard in Montreal, knowing victory could secure a meeting with the winner of the rematch between superstar fighters Gennady Golovkin and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

Canelo was handed a draw in controversial circumstances in Las Vegas in September, with most observers convinced the WBC, WBA and IBF champion had beaten the Mexican.

Saunders (below), who is making the third defence of his title having won the belt by beating Irishman Andy Lee in Manchester in December 2015, said: “When I win the fight, I would love to fight Canelo next. He is the one you have to beat to get recognised at this level. He is a global superstar. I don’t want another Golovkin-Canelo result like last time.

“Listen, I will come to Canada to spank David Lemieux, I will then go to Las Vegas or Mexico or wherever they want to be in a fight against Canelo.”

Saunders vs Lemieux will be shown live on BoxNation TV.