Billy Joe Saunders reveals thoughts on headlining KSI vs Logan Paul rematch undercard: 'It feels like my professional debut all over again'
The Independent exclusively revealed last month that Saunders would be the co-main feature on the card
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Your support makes all the difference.Billy Joe Saunders will make the first defence of his WBO super-middleweight title on the undercard of KSI and Logan Paul II.
The highly anticipated rematch has been confirmed for 9 November at the Staples Centre and is promoted by Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing USA.
It was exclusively revealed by The Independent that both Saunders and Devin Haney would fight on the card.
News that a world champion would be on the undercard of two YouTubers making their professional debuts has caused controversy among the boxing world, but Saunders sees it as an opportunity to get some new fans.
“It feels like my professional debut all over again,” said Saunders after his fight was officially announced.
“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.
“I’m looking forward to making my debut with Matchroom Boxing live on DAZN. There’s been some brilliant names signed to DAZN recently and there’s some big names on the platform. It’s time to really put my impressing shoes on and put my name out there for those big fights to be made.”
It's expected that Saunders' appearance on the card will be a routine defence of his title before potential fights against the likes of Callum Smith and a rematch with Chris Eubank Jr in 2020.
Promoter Hearn believes his new signing is one of the best in the middleweight and super-middleweight divisions.
“I’m really pleased for Billy that he will get to make his US debut on November 9 at the superb Staples Centre,” said Hearn.
“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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