Billy Joe Saunders to headline undercard of rematch between YouTube stars KSI and Logan Paul

Exclusive: The world super middleweight champion will make his Matchroom debut under Eddie Hearn in Los Angeles

Jack Rathborn
Saturday 31 August 2019 11:23 BST
Comments
Billy Joe Saunders reveals why he signed with Matchroom and Eddie Hearn

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Billy Joe Saunders will make his return to the ring on the KSI vs Logan Paul 2 undercard on November 9 to defend his world super middleweight title.

Eddie Hearn will promote the card, with sources telling The Independent that the Matchroom promoter is now on board to put together an undercard after the YouTube stars decided to turn professional.

The Brit will defend his WBO belt at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, home of the Los Angeles Lakers, having won the title in May against Shefat Isufi on points.

Saunders then decided to amicably split with long-time promoter Frank Warren, having struggled to earn fights against the biggest names in his division.

The 30-year-old appears set to earn those fights now after teaming up with Hearn, who also has WBA champion Callum Smith in his stable of fighters, as well as WBO world middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade.

The stage will bring huge exposure for Saunders in America as he begins a new spell under Hearn.

Saunders is set for a high-profile return to the ring under Hearn
Saunders is set for a high-profile return to the ring under Hearn (Getty)

YouTube stars KSI and Paul will turn professional after their draw in 2018, which drew 1.2 million pay-per-view buys, at £7.50 or $10 each.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in