Billy Joe Saunders injured, withdraws from Bursak clash
WBO middleweight titleholder Billy Joe Saunders has been forced to withdraw from his first defense against Max Bursak which was scheduled for April 30 in London, England.
The 26-year-old southpaw, who won a majority decision over Irishman Andy Lee to win the belt last December, has injured his left hand in training.
“I’m bitterly disappointed,” said Saunders who is rated No. 3 by THE RING at 160 pounds. “I was really looking forward to making the first defense of my title but this is boxing and these things happen.
“Now it’s all about recovering properly and looking forward to a big 2016.”
Saunders, from Hertfordshire, England, has been linked to a unification showdown with IBF and WBA titleholder Gennady Golovkin. Whether Bursak gets a new date or Saunders elects to move on to bigger things remains to be seen.
Hughie Fury, cousin of RING, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion Tyson, will now headline at the Copper Box Arena on the original date.
Information courtesy of a press release issued by Queensberry Promotions