Saunders to defend super-middleweight title on undercard of KSI vs Logan Paul superfight – The Sun

WBO super-middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders has been confirmed to fight on the undercard of the rematch between YouTube stars KSI and Logan Paul.

The unbeaten 30-year-old – who fights in America for the first time in his professional career – will make the first defence of the belt at 168lbs after beating Shefast Isufi in May.

Saunders' opponent is yet to be announced, with Eddie Hearn revealing on social media that the fighter will be named prior to next Wednesday's open workout.

The slick southpaw – who has racked up 28 wins from as many fights – will fight across the pond on November 9 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Speaking of his delight at being part of the bill for KSI's blockbuster bout with Logan Paul, Saunders said: "It feels like my professional debut all over again.

"I’m very excited to fight in front of the American fans for the first time in my professional career. The Staples Center is an unbelievable venue and I’m hearing that 20,000 people are expected to be packed in on the night.

“It’s a great chance to get some new fans onboard and a chance to capitalise on putting my name in the big lights in America.

"The KSI vs. Logan Paul rematch has really captured the imagination of the British and American public and it’s something that sells. Fair play to them both, it’s going to be a great show.

“People say, ‘oh you’re on the undercard’, but I feel like we’re all sharing the show, we’re all absorbing that energy off the fans. I’ve seen the numbers they attract, over six million people watched the press conference alone, and all eyes will be on us on November 9."

Before adding: "It’s time to really put my impressing shoes on and put my name out there for those big fights to be made.”

Matchroom promoter Hearn added: "I’m really pleased for Billy that he will get to make his US debut on November 9 at the superb Staples Center.

“Everyone in the sport knows that he is one of the best out there at 160lbs and 168lbs and he wanted the opportunity to prove that he IS the best.

“This event will be huge with a chance for Billy to box in front of a massive global audience of boxing fans and a casual audience that we hope will fall in love with our sport. A strong performance in November can set up all the mega fights for him in 2020.”

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