Pre-Fight Antics In London: Billy Joe Saunders Denied Access To Chris Eubank Jr.’s Dressing Room Amid Hand Wrap Concerns Ahead Of Benn Clash

Billy Joe Saunders was prevented from entering Chris Eubank Jr’s dressing room to inspect his hand wraps ahead of his fight tonight against Conor Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The former two-division world champion Saunders was stopped by security when he tried to get to middleweight Eubank Jr’s room to monitor the wrapping of his hands.

(Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom)

Desperate Ploy?

Saunders wanted to ensure that “there’s no cheating.” It was seen as a move to upset his old rival Eubank Jr. on Benn’s invitation. The idea would be that having Billy Joe inspecting Chris Jr’s hand wrapping, perhaps making him rewrap several times, would have gotten him stirred up enough to benefit Conor Benn. It was a desperate ploy, but it showed how much they want to win. Why would Team Benn need to stoop to this level when they’re already getting all that dough from Eubank Jr. for failing to make weight?

For Saunders to have agreed to do this, it shows that he still has bad blood toward Eubank Jr. from their fight in 2014. Although Billy Joe won the fight, Eubank Jr. looked like the better fighter down the stretch when he took over the contest against the tired fighter.

Saunders hasn’t fought since being stopped in the eighth round by Canelo Alvarez in 2021. He made millions from that fight, enough to retire on and live a comfortable life.

Heavyweight Saunders

Saunders’ appearance tonight showed that he’s been eating well with the money he made from the Alvarez fight. He looked huge. Some fans on social media estimate that Billy Joe’s weight is hovering in the 300 lb range.

There’s been talk about Saunders potentially making a comeback to the ring. He’s going to have to lose a lot of weight for that to happen, and I have my doubts. Losing 100+ lbs is going to be hellishly difficult for Billy Joe, as it would be for anyone trying to take off that kind of weight.