Former world boxing champion Sergio Mora sees little chance for Billy Joe Saunders to reclaim a world title, and may ultimately never be able to fight again.
Saunders lost his WBO super middleweight belt to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez last weekend as the Mexican aims to become the division’s undisputed champion. In the process, Canelo delivered an uppercut to Saunders that broke his orbital bones and the Briton required surgery.
Speaking to Chris Mannix on JABS as part of the DAZN Boxing Show, Mora said he sees little future for Saunders across the weight classes upon his return to fitness.
“Chances are he won’t be a world champion again. What's he gonna do, move up to light heavyweight or drop down to 160?” Mora asked.
“The chances are slim. And also those injuries, if those reported of the pins in his skull, how do you take a punch like that? A fighter only has so many fights back in him.
“But fighters, you can never write him off. But it’s dangerous, he could lose his sight. I don't think he can come back from that. He went to the Olympics, was a two division champion. And he cashed out, he went to the biggest stage.
“No shame in his career and he had a career-ending injury against the best in the world.”
Mora continued to suggest the force of the impact that broke his eye socket could have more than just a physical toll on Saunders.
“The whole side of his face was fragmented, and with that comes the ego and confidence,” he commented.
“No one can tell a fighter when he’s done and nobody can question Billy Joe Saunders’ heart, but once he gets hit on that side of the face, I don’t see it happening, man.”
You can watch Canelo vs. Saunders again on DAZN worldwide except Mexico.