Billy Joe Saunders hasn't been seen in a ring in over two years, but the former two-weight champion says he's ready to make his return.
Last in action in May 2021 when he lost his WBO super middleweight title to Canelo Alvarez, Saunders said he was in need of a break following the first defeat of his career.
“I have to come back to boxing, because I can’t keep thinking about ‘could’ve, would’ve, should’ve…’ I know it’s been two-and-a-half years now, but I’ve been boxing mentally since I was five years old, so I needed that break so much, Saunders said on William Hill’s Up Front with Simon Jordan podcast.
“I’m going to fight in December. I haven’t got an opponent yet but I’m going to go back with Eddie Hearn and sort something.
"I’ll probably fight at 12st 6lbs, 12st 5lbs (super middleweight). I’m not going to say I’m going to fight a superstar, but I’m going to fight 12st 6lbs coming back, and then you’ll see me at 12st in the New Year.”
Saunders isn't going to push himself to get lighter before his next fight, as the 34-year-old feels he can be a better fighter at a heavier weight upon his return.
“I could say right from now that in 11 or 12 weeks I could get down to 12st, but at what cost?” he said. “I don’t want to go in there and stink the place out because I’m drained and I haven’t made the weight.
"I want to slowly bring it down and have a little run-out, get the ball rolling, pick an opponent and then look for the biggest fights Eddie can bring me. I only want three or four fights.”