Billy Joe Saunders Injured, World Title Defense Against Martin Murray Moved To June 23

Carlos ToroMarch 21, 2018, 1:30 pm

Billy Joe Saunders’ upcoming WBO middleweight title defense against Martin Murray has been postponed.

Saunders suffered a hand injury during a recent training session and now his fight against Murray, originally set for April 14, has been moved to June 23. The fight will still take place at the O2 Arena in London, according to a press release published by promoter Frank Warren.

Both Saunders and Murray took to Twitter to talk about the news with Saunders apologizing to fans about the fight being postponed.

Like to apologise to the fans and to @MartinMurrayBox disappoint is a understatement but I have to be — for Martin ' new date 23rd June ——

— billyjoesaunders (@bjsaunders_) March 20, 2018

Absolutely gutted that the fights been postponed but it is what it is. Just happy a new date's been set so got to look forward to that now #June23 #O2London

— Martin Murray (@MartinMurrayBox) March 20, 2018

As for the status of the co-main event bout, a vacant WBO junior welterweight title between Terry Flanagan and Maurice Hooker, that still remains to be seen. Warren said he will meet with promoter Dino Duva to discuss a future date and venue for the fight. Warren also said an announcement of that fight will come sometime this week. The title was vacated by Terence Crawford last year which led to this matchup between Flanagan and Hooker.

According to Warren's announcement, the new date will also feature several top British prospects including Anthony Yarde, Daniel Dubois and Ohara Davies.

Saunders has held the title since late 2015 when he defeated Andy Lee to win the title. Saunders has made three successful title defenses, with his most recent one taking place last December when he defeated former world champion David Lemieux.