The main supporting fight at the ExCel Area, in London, last night saw Billy Joe Saunders defend his British, European and Commonwealth titles against his big rival Chris Eubank Junior.
The fight was a cracker with Saunders taking the verdict on a split decision, with the scores being given out as:-
? 115-114 (in favour of Saunders)
? 115-113 (in favour of Saunders)
? 116-113 (in favour of Eubank)
Saunders got off to the better start, taking the early rounds as the challenger, at first, seemed a little over-awed by the occasion. However, Eubank slowly warmed to the task and began to claw his way back into the fight.
With the action ebbing and flowing, Eubank knew he probably had to stop his man in the latter rounds and almost did with Saunders being wobbled by several hefty blows.
After the action had ended, both fighters spoke to the media, with Saunders remarking,
‘He had a good work-rate but it was a bit too slow in the early rounds. I’m ready for a world title. And when I get the world title, I’ll give him the first shot.’
A magnanimous gesture considering they were at each other?s throats in the build-up.
As for Eubank, he showed that he can operate at this level, commenting,
‘It was a close fight. He did what I thought he would do. He boxed to plan in the early rounds but then I thought I overtook him. But I’ll be back.’
The result leaves Saunders with a record of 21-0 with the middleweight expected to take on the winner of the forthcoming bout between Andy Lee and Russia’s Matt Korobov on 13 December for the WBO title.
Meanwhile, Eubank Junior still has time on his side and with his record now standing at 18-1 will be looking at a comeback route to get back in at a level he now knows he can box at.
Saunders Gets Split Decision Over Eubank
