Promoter Eddie Hearn has sought to clarify the issue surrounding judges for the fight between WBC and WBA super middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez 55-1-2 (37) and WBO counterpart Billy Joe Saunders 30-0 (14) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on May 8.
Saunders recently complained that there was no English judge appointed to the fight, something he claims was a stipulation in the contract he signed.
“Well, I’m a bit disappointed because he’s already planning venues for the Caleb Plant fight, then he [Eddie Hearn] also told me the other day – I did this deal on the basis of an English judge, American judge and Mexican judge – then when he come here the other day he said there were no English officials allowed, so you know I’ve still not got to the bottom of that yet,” Saunders said to iFL TV.
“I’m not happy, I’m waiting to hear something back from someone but that’s unacceptable because it’s not a level playing field straightaway is it?
“I stuck to my end of the deal, first of all it was less money over crowds, no crowds there, next thing I know there’s 70,000. But I’m not doing this for money. I’ve got enough to feed my kids, to pay the bills, I’m okay; to keep thinking they can keep changing the goalposts is a prick’s move.
“When it comes to business I’m a very straight man and I stick to my word. It’s all a load of bollocks, it’s all a load of rubbish!”
Matchroom Boxing boss Hearn tried to clear up any confusion.
“Maybe where the problem is when we originally discussed the fight, we talked about having a British judge, a Mexican judge and an American judge,” Hearn explained to iFL TV.
“Now we’re just having three neutral judges. But the contract that Billy Joe signed clearly states no Mexican [judge], no British [judge], neutral judges. And they will have the opportunity to look at those judges and if they have an objection, they can do that through the commission.
“So, I explained that to Billy. I explained that to Tom [Billy’s father] in Vegas. It was taken on board and the panel will be sent to those guys. Now, you know, this was something that was discussed with their team. It was something that was papered. This was something that was signed for. There’s no moving of goal posts.”
Saunders, 31, insists the issue with the judges won’t affect his performance.
“But listen, it is what it is. I’ve been very quiet but I’m not blind. Let’s just forget about, I’ll move on and I’ll let the full world see what I can do on the night,” Saunders said.
“Canelo is a very, very good fighter. He’s pound-for-pound the best there is, no hiding that, but he’s never been up against a travelling man yet.
“I’ve done everything in my power to make sure I’m in the best shape for this fight, so come fight night we’ll see where I’m at and how good I am.”
